Written By Samantha
Feb. 20, 2019, 11:17 a.m.(8/10/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
If there's one thing I've learned about identity, (and I'd like to think I know a little something about that) it's that the ultimate definition of who you are is determined by no one else other than yourself. And also as important is the understanding that in addition to what you may choose to call yourself, you also define what that ultimately means.
So while I cannot speak for anyone else, but Shard is who she defines herself to be, and I shall interact with her accordingly.
So while I cannot speak for anyone else, but Shard is who she defines herself to be, and I shall interact with her accordingly.
Written By Niklas
Feb. 16, 2019, 11:09 a.m.(8/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
As a side note, I am a royal and that has yet to stop people from treating me as a joke, sneering at me and talking down to me. So I wouldn't expect too too much.
Written By Niklas
Feb. 16, 2019, 11:03 a.m.(8/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Until you refute the title, then you are going to be perceived to have accepted it.
Do people know what it means? Have people at large even heard of the nation it represents? I doubt it. Even those who had heard of lands such as Cardia and Eurus didn't necessarily know of Jadairal, and from there the number just grows smaller with Weijin and Nefer'khat. But people do know that you have been given the name. People seem excited to have royalty from some mysterious far off land among them. And while your friends (and the social circles of your friends) may not see you any differently, the average person who may not have known your name before this suddenly does.
I'm not being disapproving, not that you are in any need of my approval, but even if they are sellswords, the Valorous Few are still an army and it's a little odd for an army to be lead by someone who appears to have accepted a position as some kind of foreign leader to be here, now. Obviously the Valorous Few aren't the Immortal Sphinx's Eternal Legion of the Sun (or whatever their standing army is called, I have no idea, but I'd bet it's appropriately impressive and dramatic) but until you do something with your title, it's going to be at least somewhat strange. But it is entirely possible that I'm the only one who thinks so.
Do people know what it means? Have people at large even heard of the nation it represents? I doubt it. Even those who had heard of lands such as Cardia and Eurus didn't necessarily know of Jadairal, and from there the number just grows smaller with Weijin and Nefer'khat. But people do know that you have been given the name. People seem excited to have royalty from some mysterious far off land among them. And while your friends (and the social circles of your friends) may not see you any differently, the average person who may not have known your name before this suddenly does.
I'm not being disapproving, not that you are in any need of my approval, but even if they are sellswords, the Valorous Few are still an army and it's a little odd for an army to be lead by someone who appears to have accepted a position as some kind of foreign leader to be here, now. Obviously the Valorous Few aren't the Immortal Sphinx's Eternal Legion of the Sun (or whatever their standing army is called, I have no idea, but I'd bet it's appropriately impressive and dramatic) but until you do something with your title, it's going to be at least somewhat strange. But it is entirely possible that I'm the only one who thinks so.
Written By Arik
Feb. 16, 2019, 10:03 a.m.(8/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
One would imagine that as long as your fealty oaths are re-affirmed in light of your new title than until you break faith you are a Compact citizen. As to whether you owe fealty oaths to de Lire, Velenosa, or the Crown directly. I'm sure some scholarly sort will have an opinion but a public re-affirmation is likely in order.
Written By Niklas
Feb. 15, 2019, 2:38 p.m.(7/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
So the head of state of a foreign nation is leading an army on Arvum's soil?
Neat.
Neat.
Written By Amund
Feb. 5, 2019, 7:43 a.m.(7/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Nothing I've written is about you, Your Majesty.
Written By Willow
Feb. 4, 2019, 2:53 p.m.(7/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
No one is saying "not now". No one.
You want steps? I've personally bought the debt of ten thralls to be freed.
What have you done besides rail and build straw men?
I am going to continue doing what I have been doing and working with the people who are building the framework to make the goal possible to achieve, rather than continuing to engage with you about this.
At least the other actually works toward my goal of getting people out of thralldom.
You can work toward it too, or you can continue to complain that its not being done quickly enough to suit you. You want an end to child thralls? Consider donating tonthe charity buying down all their debts. There /are/ actual steps you can take besides talking. Thursday's Child exists specifically toward that end, and as of this week, has managed to free nearly twenty percent of them.
You want steps? I've personally bought the debt of ten thralls to be freed.
What have you done besides rail and build straw men?
I am going to continue doing what I have been doing and working with the people who are building the framework to make the goal possible to achieve, rather than continuing to engage with you about this.
At least the other actually works toward my goal of getting people out of thralldom.
You can work toward it too, or you can continue to complain that its not being done quickly enough to suit you. You want an end to child thralls? Consider donating tonthe charity buying down all their debts. There /are/ actual steps you can take besides talking. Thursday's Child exists specifically toward that end, and as of this week, has managed to free nearly twenty percent of them.
Written By Willow
Feb. 3, 2019, 2:39 p.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Again, I agree with you. That is what anyone /should/ do. The question is, is it what they /will/ do. Taken at your own professed opinion regarding thralldom, which the coat was being used as a metaphor for the handling of, the answer is no. So what is the reasoning and logic behind supposing that their behavior will change out of nowhere just because you present them with rightness and reason. Does that actually get you the coat?
Written By Ailith
Feb. 2, 2019, 9:32 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
A woman of many talents and skills -- one, which I admire most, is being a voice to the many not heard, to speak the truths of choice and consequence despite however unfavorable it may be to be heard. I have heard her described as being contrite. To my own meaning of the word, she does not speak to the contrary for the sake of it. In my humble opinion, she tends to speak when it matters.
A well-worn page in my prayer book is entitled -- The Sentinel Sees All. Consideration to all voices and listening with care to gain awareness of a situation prepares us to face the consequences and outcomes of our decisions. This is one reason why Shard's journals are among the few, which I take the time to read and consider. And I am grateful for her being such a voice, for it has guided me through many decisions in my time as a mere commoner, a Palace Seraph, and now a Legate.
Or it may be how we first met at the House of Solace, my recovery from a plague, and her writing tasks to the members of the Valorous Few. Her few words then reminded me to always consider the voices not unheard, to face the consequence of every action, and learn how to accept your choices in life.
Thank you.
A well-worn page in my prayer book is entitled -- The Sentinel Sees All. Consideration to all voices and listening with care to gain awareness of a situation prepares us to face the consequences and outcomes of our decisions. This is one reason why Shard's journals are among the few, which I take the time to read and consider. And I am grateful for her being such a voice, for it has guided me through many decisions in my time as a mere commoner, a Palace Seraph, and now a Legate.
Or it may be how we first met at the House of Solace, my recovery from a plague, and her writing tasks to the members of the Valorous Few. Her few words then reminded me to always consider the voices not unheard, to face the consequence of every action, and learn how to accept your choices in life.
Thank you.
Written By Willow
Feb. 2, 2019, 9:31 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
My inner idealist agrees with you 1000%. My inner pragmatist says that the idea of a freedom whose quality of life doesn't offer at least the likelihood of shelter and food is a very questionable goal to fight for. Do I want them to be free yesterday? Absolutely.
But how many people who have never known another life would be turned out to go hungry. And the idea 'just pay them for what they are doing already' is a very sticky one. You simply aren't going to make someone wealthy enough to pay a million people by taking away their entire workforce. And, let's be real, saying that it /can/ come from Thrax because they have all this extra money laying around... Is not a solution. Saying that you have two coats and so you can give me a coat is a sentiment, not a plan to get me a coat, if that makes sense.
Still, where we disagree on method, I am glad that you also feel so passionate about the liberation of these people.
But how many people who have never known another life would be turned out to go hungry. And the idea 'just pay them for what they are doing already' is a very sticky one. You simply aren't going to make someone wealthy enough to pay a million people by taking away their entire workforce. And, let's be real, saying that it /can/ come from Thrax because they have all this extra money laying around... Is not a solution. Saying that you have two coats and so you can give me a coat is a sentiment, not a plan to get me a coat, if that makes sense.
Still, where we disagree on method, I am glad that you also feel so passionate about the liberation of these people.
Written By Audric
Jan. 23, 2019, 3:57 a.m.(6/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
My second is learning how to rule. It does, abruptly and for no particular reason, seem necessary. But I'll say this: There's no one I'd trust more at my back when I get a dumb idea, either on the battlefield or off. Either she tells me of the danger, or will, as she has a few times, punch me in the base of the neck and take command. Battlefield decisions are never easy, though. To say they aren't is a sign of an armchair general. I've given orders that mean folks that I like and trust will die, to carry the day. As a ruler, I've made mandates that will make some go hungry for a bit in order to make sure no one starves. If someone has a problem with Shard as a ruler, do let me know. We'll talk it out.
Written By Octavia
Jan. 21, 2019, 7:11 p.m.(6/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
If you are going to be acknowledged as the last of a noble line from a far away land, you would do well to educate yourself about the burden of rule and how very few problems have simple answers like they do on the battlefield.
Written By Reigna
Jan. 20, 2019, 12:58 p.m.(6/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
As ever you cut to the heart of things. Security is an illusion. It is a construct we create to allow ourselves the lie that we are in control. We can do all we can to prepare for the worst, but at the heart of it all, what happens next? Is utterly out of our hands. We must embrace that those who sell safety are hiding shackles (Or in some cases, not really hiding it at all, because that is slavery) and asking us to put them on ourselves.
I understand the desire to feel safe. To embrace that sense that everything is going to be alright. That we can put down that burden and quell that voice that tells you to beware. To *relax*. But it is a lie. We must change, we must embrace that fear and use it to motivate us to pushing ourselves beyond where we are comfortable to face the threats on our own.
You are wise.
I understand the desire to feel safe. To embrace that sense that everything is going to be alright. That we can put down that burden and quell that voice that tells you to beware. To *relax*. But it is a lie. We must change, we must embrace that fear and use it to motivate us to pushing ourselves beyond where we are comfortable to face the threats on our own.
You are wise.
Written By Rinel
Jan. 16, 2019, 1:07 p.m.(5/16/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
For too long has that excuse been used to hide wickedness from purifying light. Indeed, in this case the Count Amadeo has made quite clear to me the necessity of guarding certain aspects of knowledge.
Yet this does not excuse a Faith that routinely fabricates truth for its own convenience. A fallen discipleship is no lighthouse for the Church.
Yet this does not excuse a Faith that routinely fabricates truth for its own convenience. A fallen discipleship is no lighthouse for the Church.
Written By Draven
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:48 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I like a lot of what you write! It helps to remind people like me that there are other Prodigals dealing with all this Stuff and Fluff! And not liking how the Fluffy people don't care much about us! I bet we'd be friends! I bet! Watch! Oh! We should meet!
Written By Reigna
Jan. 12, 2019, 11:38 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I do so enjoy reading your words.
You are correct, history is always told in many and often varying voices. It is the challenge of every historian to try to find the most plausible thread, the one with the most repeated patterns and theorize from that what the truth might have been.
Several things have been brought to my attention and need to be stated before I continue:
1. I showed judgement and bias when I used the word 'cowardice' to describe those who fell into the category of not choosing a side. That was not only unfair, it cast that judgement onto people who may not have seen another road. It is too easy to look at the past and say 'oh, the answer is obvious' without really grasping the many shades of gray that can make choices so very difficult. With my wording I rendered what was likely impossible-seeming choices into a literal black and white, yes or no situation that is incredibly inaccurate and not respectful. For that, I do apologize.
2. Historians often do operate on multiple levels when teaching or speaking on topics, the shallowest level is the broad strokes, boiling down complex issues to the major points. From there, specifics can be raised, individual points debated, and so on, the deeper and more specific the scholars wish to go, narrowing their focus and discussing the finer details.
3. Truth can be subjective. A difficult lesson, and one that goes counter to a logical mind, this is, nevertheless, the truth. There can certainly be an objective truth: Living humans do the following: We walk on the ground, we breathe air, we bleed. These are objectively true facts. But in any instance of conflict, the truth can be entirely, wholly subjective. If you ask two people in the midst of a quarrel what is going on, you are likely to get similar but different answers. Even when each are being entirely truthful, they will experience different things. This fact makes recording and researching subjects like history to be incredibly challenging.
So I do understand and acknowledge that the stories you grew up with are undoubtedly different than the ones I was taught. I do understand that I was over-simplifying and showing an innate bias when I regrettably used the word 'cowardice'. So, let me put this forth:
The past is the past. There is no changing what has been. But we can choose to shape our future. I very much liked your analogy about the broken pot, the pieces scattered into different elements. You are correct, there is no way to make them fit together they way they were. In order to bring them together, it will have to be new. It heartens me to hear you acknowledge that something can be built from those broken pieces. And that is what I am trying to advocate for. What happened has happened. There is no changing what has been. Not anymore. And in truth, I do not think it should. The past shapes us, teaches us, strengthens us. If we let it, it can educate us in how not to make the same mistakes. As a prodigal yourself, are you not better for being part of the Compact? Is the way of life here, not better than the alternative?
You speak of your tribe, about their nomadic ways. Their concern that their way of life might vanish. The common folk of the Compact are never bound to one place. They are free to travel as they wish to. It might be that they would have to broker agreements with lords over the lands they travel through, but think of how much less stressful that would be if there was not the fear of being at odds with those soldiers? Of being able to discuss issues with the lord? They could supplement their hunts with supplies traded with villagers or merchants. They could sell excess furs or meat for items that might make their lives easier. They could avoid starvation in the lean times.
I am positive there are things wrong with my vision. That, being someone born, raised and of the Peerage I do not see. But I do see the benefits. I see the lack of fear, I see support offered. I see all the reasons to come home. For I truly think your people would be happier in the long run by coming home.
You are correct, history is always told in many and often varying voices. It is the challenge of every historian to try to find the most plausible thread, the one with the most repeated patterns and theorize from that what the truth might have been.
Several things have been brought to my attention and need to be stated before I continue:
1. I showed judgement and bias when I used the word 'cowardice' to describe those who fell into the category of not choosing a side. That was not only unfair, it cast that judgement onto people who may not have seen another road. It is too easy to look at the past and say 'oh, the answer is obvious' without really grasping the many shades of gray that can make choices so very difficult. With my wording I rendered what was likely impossible-seeming choices into a literal black and white, yes or no situation that is incredibly inaccurate and not respectful. For that, I do apologize.
2. Historians often do operate on multiple levels when teaching or speaking on topics, the shallowest level is the broad strokes, boiling down complex issues to the major points. From there, specifics can be raised, individual points debated, and so on, the deeper and more specific the scholars wish to go, narrowing their focus and discussing the finer details.
3. Truth can be subjective. A difficult lesson, and one that goes counter to a logical mind, this is, nevertheless, the truth. There can certainly be an objective truth: Living humans do the following: We walk on the ground, we breathe air, we bleed. These are objectively true facts. But in any instance of conflict, the truth can be entirely, wholly subjective. If you ask two people in the midst of a quarrel what is going on, you are likely to get similar but different answers. Even when each are being entirely truthful, they will experience different things. This fact makes recording and researching subjects like history to be incredibly challenging.
So I do understand and acknowledge that the stories you grew up with are undoubtedly different than the ones I was taught. I do understand that I was over-simplifying and showing an innate bias when I regrettably used the word 'cowardice'. So, let me put this forth:
The past is the past. There is no changing what has been. But we can choose to shape our future. I very much liked your analogy about the broken pot, the pieces scattered into different elements. You are correct, there is no way to make them fit together they way they were. In order to bring them together, it will have to be new. It heartens me to hear you acknowledge that something can be built from those broken pieces. And that is what I am trying to advocate for. What happened has happened. There is no changing what has been. Not anymore. And in truth, I do not think it should. The past shapes us, teaches us, strengthens us. If we let it, it can educate us in how not to make the same mistakes. As a prodigal yourself, are you not better for being part of the Compact? Is the way of life here, not better than the alternative?
You speak of your tribe, about their nomadic ways. Their concern that their way of life might vanish. The common folk of the Compact are never bound to one place. They are free to travel as they wish to. It might be that they would have to broker agreements with lords over the lands they travel through, but think of how much less stressful that would be if there was not the fear of being at odds with those soldiers? Of being able to discuss issues with the lord? They could supplement their hunts with supplies traded with villagers or merchants. They could sell excess furs or meat for items that might make their lives easier. They could avoid starvation in the lean times.
I am positive there are things wrong with my vision. That, being someone born, raised and of the Peerage I do not see. But I do see the benefits. I see the lack of fear, I see support offered. I see all the reasons to come home. For I truly think your people would be happier in the long run by coming home.
Written By Reigna
Jan. 11, 2019, 3:33 p.m.(5/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
There is a vital difference between the points of your analogy. Which I very much appreciated, I should be sure to say that first. I am always happy to discuss differences of belief and opinion, and I hope you know that I respect your perspective and appreciate your sharing it with me. I do, however, still disagree and I hope you will see where I am coming from.
Prior to the Reckoning Arvum was split into four kingdoms. With the exception of the North which was ever warring tribes until Valeria made herself Queen by unifying them. But they were all Arvani. The land and the people were united within their kingdoms. Then the Reckoning came. And what was four kingdoms became five, became one. There were those who broke those bonds at that time. Refusing to unite under the banner of the Compact in favor of siding with the Abyss, or out of cowardice and fear, hoping to hide and ride it out on their own without committing to either the side of the light or the dark.
Thankfully the forces of the light won the day. But those who fought against them and those that refused to choose were no longer part of the light of the Compact. Perhaps in the centuries since they have forgotten what it means to belong. Perhaps their faith has been warped, distorted, not necessarily towards the Abyss, but rather into a bastardized version of the Faith. For instance, in Oakhaven, there are a small population of shav'arvani called the Ravenscrest people who worship Petrichor to the exclusion of all other gods.
I am likely getting away from myself. I do that. The point I am trying to make is this: At one point in time we were all the same. People from Cardia, or the Undying Empire -- they are foreign and have no claim on this land, nor its people. In my own, admittedly, humble opinion. They admit as much, claiming to seek to be stewards or guardians or whatever flavor of overseership they claim. What I am saying is that there need be no warring between the Abandoned and those of the Compact. We should welcome them into the Compact. Welcome them *home*. Yes, this requires that they return to the one true Faith. As any citizen of the Compact must do and acknowledge. Shamanism can coexist side by side with the Pantheon. Shamans will tell you the spirits are not to be worshiped. The relationship is different.
As long as those who feel Abandoned are welcomed in, given opportunities to acknowledge the true faith and abide by the laws of the Compact there should be no barriers.
Hopelessly naive? Likely. As evidenced by this roads project, large changes always result in upheaval and pain. But sometimes pain is necessary. Pain is a part of growth. Will there be problems? Of course there will be. People love to fight and complain and paint one another as other. We fight, squabble and war among ourselves. Adding in hundreds, thousands more will make that worse, certainly. But it does not mean it is wrong to do so.
So, no. I do not think the analogy works. Because Arvani are Arvani. Not Cardians, Eurusi or citizens of the Undying Emperor.
Prior to the Reckoning Arvum was split into four kingdoms. With the exception of the North which was ever warring tribes until Valeria made herself Queen by unifying them. But they were all Arvani. The land and the people were united within their kingdoms. Then the Reckoning came. And what was four kingdoms became five, became one. There were those who broke those bonds at that time. Refusing to unite under the banner of the Compact in favor of siding with the Abyss, or out of cowardice and fear, hoping to hide and ride it out on their own without committing to either the side of the light or the dark.
Thankfully the forces of the light won the day. But those who fought against them and those that refused to choose were no longer part of the light of the Compact. Perhaps in the centuries since they have forgotten what it means to belong. Perhaps their faith has been warped, distorted, not necessarily towards the Abyss, but rather into a bastardized version of the Faith. For instance, in Oakhaven, there are a small population of shav'arvani called the Ravenscrest people who worship Petrichor to the exclusion of all other gods.
I am likely getting away from myself. I do that. The point I am trying to make is this: At one point in time we were all the same. People from Cardia, or the Undying Empire -- they are foreign and have no claim on this land, nor its people. In my own, admittedly, humble opinion. They admit as much, claiming to seek to be stewards or guardians or whatever flavor of overseership they claim. What I am saying is that there need be no warring between the Abandoned and those of the Compact. We should welcome them into the Compact. Welcome them *home*. Yes, this requires that they return to the one true Faith. As any citizen of the Compact must do and acknowledge. Shamanism can coexist side by side with the Pantheon. Shamans will tell you the spirits are not to be worshiped. The relationship is different.
As long as those who feel Abandoned are welcomed in, given opportunities to acknowledge the true faith and abide by the laws of the Compact there should be no barriers.
Hopelessly naive? Likely. As evidenced by this roads project, large changes always result in upheaval and pain. But sometimes pain is necessary. Pain is a part of growth. Will there be problems? Of course there will be. People love to fight and complain and paint one another as other. We fight, squabble and war among ourselves. Adding in hundreds, thousands more will make that worse, certainly. But it does not mean it is wrong to do so.
So, no. I do not think the analogy works. Because Arvani are Arvani. Not Cardians, Eurusi or citizens of the Undying Emperor.
Written By Gaston
Jan. 10, 2019, 1:39 a.m.(5/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Aye, and of those dying and unmourned, this very day, are /my/ people, on my land. Last Bridge is under siege, and we're doing what needs be done to try and alleviate the suffering. Watch what you say about what value lives have to those you don't know, and speaking straight from your arse about what will or won't be done to obtain justice.
What are /you/ doing to prove your words are anything more than pointless sniping from the sidelines to cause more controversy and contention? Where were you and your voice when preparations were being made, time and resources were sacrificed, if this were all so foretold and obvious?
I'll suggest that it's far easier to sit with the Scholars and wax pompous about how much you told us so with the benefit of the hindsight we ALL now have, rather than extend a helping hand, and you should take some time to examine if that's really how you want to be remembered when this tragedy is spoken of in the future.
What are /you/ doing to prove your words are anything more than pointless sniping from the sidelines to cause more controversy and contention? Where were you and your voice when preparations were being made, time and resources were sacrificed, if this were all so foretold and obvious?
I'll suggest that it's far easier to sit with the Scholars and wax pompous about how much you told us so with the benefit of the hindsight we ALL now have, rather than extend a helping hand, and you should take some time to examine if that's really how you want to be remembered when this tragedy is spoken of in the future.
Written By Draven
Jan. 10, 2019, 12:35 a.m.(5/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
So many Fluffy people writing so much Stuff. All about those massacres they caused. Deflecting blame. Like this was just as natural as the weather. I like how you wrote it. They could have done better. They could have done this Stuff in a way that didn't take the life of my friends.
I had friends from Kalslov. Now they aren't here anymore. Nova tells me that not all Fluffy people are to blame. That I shouldn't be mad at them all. She says that only some of the Fluffy people caused this. But I see lots and lots of people with their silly titles, defending what they did. But there aren't nearly enough of them writing to say they are sorry. To admit their mistake. Not a lot of people are honoring my friends who died for no good reason.
How can I not be mad at you all? How am I supposed to trust anything you Fluffy people are writing? You had to do this, you say. Did my friends have to die? Because they were Prodigals? After all, the only good Prodigal is a dead Prodigal, right?
I had friends from Kalslov. Now they aren't here anymore. Nova tells me that not all Fluffy people are to blame. That I shouldn't be mad at them all. She says that only some of the Fluffy people caused this. But I see lots and lots of people with their silly titles, defending what they did. But there aren't nearly enough of them writing to say they are sorry. To admit their mistake. Not a lot of people are honoring my friends who died for no good reason.
How can I not be mad at you all? How am I supposed to trust anything you Fluffy people are writing? You had to do this, you say. Did my friends have to die? Because they were Prodigals? After all, the only good Prodigal is a dead Prodigal, right?
Written By Lys
Jan. 1, 2019, 4:32 p.m.(4/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Excellent, a protege. This will be fun!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.