Written By Aureth
Oct. 4, 2019, 11:37 p.m.(12/15/1011 AR)
As the autumn creeps towards a close, we look towards the dawn of a new year: a season to consider new beginnings.
A time to look to new projects. I have a few on my horizon, not least the continuation of development on the shrine of the Dreamer. I also think, in light of what has happened during the past couple of seasons, that some spectacular gratitude is in order, and I think our thanks shall not fall short of extravagant.
What new starts will you make in 1012 AR?
A time to look to new projects. I have a few on my horizon, not least the continuation of development on the shrine of the Dreamer. I also think, in light of what has happened during the past couple of seasons, that some spectacular gratitude is in order, and I think our thanks shall not fall short of extravagant.
What new starts will you make in 1012 AR?
Written By Aureth
Oct. 4, 2019, 2:14 p.m.(12/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Teagan
As it happens, I did not realize that anyone was ascribing a temper tantrum to me, as I was under the impression that the Peerage of Arx was quite familiar with what it looks like when my temper is engaged. But since Lady Teagan has decided to make her direction towards me so plain, I do wonder at why.
Voices of the Peerage should know better than to challenge the Faith for literally no reason. Especially Voices in the Oathlands. What a regrettably foolish choice to so publicly insist upon.
But this is what you have done, and so what I shall say is this:
I have far, far more important work to do than to puzzle out what possible objection Lady Teagan has to anything I have written, and so I shall carry on with it while she publicly brands herself regrettably foolish.
Voices of the Peerage should know better than to challenge the Faith for literally no reason. Especially Voices in the Oathlands. What a regrettably foolish choice to so publicly insist upon.
But this is what you have done, and so what I shall say is this:
I have far, far more important work to do than to puzzle out what possible objection Lady Teagan has to anything I have written, and so I shall carry on with it while she publicly brands herself regrettably foolish.
Written By Aureth
Oct. 4, 2019, 9:21 a.m.(12/14/1011 AR)
I think that Caspian Wild is an excellent and energetic fellow with a dedicated heart, who has done more with his money than many, many people who credit themselves as helps to others.
I clarified the position of the discipleship of Skald to clear up genuine confusion on the subject. The work continues.
I clarified the position of the discipleship of Skald to clear up genuine confusion on the subject. The work continues.
Written By Aureth
Oct. 3, 2019, 3:41 p.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
As Legate of the Lost and acting Archlector of the First Choice, I shall clarify for all:
Economic support to those families working towards the end of thralldom is excellent and necessary. It can take many forms. However, the practice known as "buying thrall debt" systemically accepts the idea that persons may be bought and sold, and is more or less tantamount to paying off slavers for the inconvenience of losing their slave labor. It is not supported by the Liberators, nor if you ask me is it supported by common sense.
Working towards the economic development of those properties that have been unviable without unpaid labor is something that a number of economic experts, including my personal friend Perronne Amboise and her very fine business partner whose name I'm sure you all know, have been focused on, and will continue to be focused on. However, "pay thrall owners to recoup their losses for the release of their slaves" does not solve this problem, will not solve this problem, and is a shortcut that may, in fact, diminish those efforts to actually assist those houses who would otherwise be working towards a solution from gaining traction.
If you choose to do this, I am not calling you evil, or a supporter of slavery, or anything other than either misguided or perhaps seduced by the lure of the "easy road". It does seem "easy" to simply purchase the freedom of an individual thrall. However, I would humbly suggest that you consider directing your efforts towards eradicating thralldom elsewhere.
For example:
(1) Rehoming and retraining families that might not wish to remain upon lands that they worked as thralls. The Liberators have developed a number of connections throughout the Mourning Isles and the rest of the Compact to assist with this project, but training opportunities, especially, can help almost anyone, especially those who have known only _simple_ labor for a long time. Child thralls have been illegal in more enlightened houses of the Mourning Isles for some time, but the aftereffects of a longstanding practice do not dissolve overnight.
(2) Agricultural improvements upon those properties that have been worked solely by unpaid labor to make them more viable without it. I believe Lady Olivia Ashford and several other disciples of Petrichor had spearheaded some initial explorations in this area, though I admit I'm not certain of the present status of their work.
(3) Simple charitable support for those houses that will need it because they have already resolved to release their thralls and suffer the impact of that. The Liberators and the Faith are ready, willing and able to provide this, but the more people get on board, the better.
(4) Aggressive protection of the lands and waters of those lands that no longer hold thralls. Pretending that no freed thralls will rise up to fight back against those who were once their oppressors is foolish. Military protection, especially naval protection, is simply a sane and necessary precaution and must, of course, be paid for.
Finally, as to the methods used to raise money, that is up to each individual who chooses to do so. I don't scruple particularly about what ways people make giving away their money more palatable to themselves. As a general rule, I will make this comment as to "auctions," since it has come up:
The Liberators do not approve of charitable events that ape the buying and selling of persons as presently take place in less enlightened civilizations across the world for reasons that appear obvious to me, but if anyone is genuinely confused about the subject, the Faith is here to educate. Perhaps, when real slave auctions no longer happen anywhere, and slavery has been abolished by all, we can revisit the question of whether pretending to do so is funny.
And yes-- I have made exorbitant "purchases" at charity auctions before, for very good causes (and honestly, for less good causes, probably-- they were quite in vogue once upon a time, and fashion does drive). As the Whispers once did, I came to understand why it was in bad taste, and I chose to stop. I regret that fashion appears to be swinging back in so distasteful a direction, but-- as it is -- I shall at least clarify for those who wish to understand, and answer questions for those who would ask.
Economic support to those families working towards the end of thralldom is excellent and necessary. It can take many forms. However, the practice known as "buying thrall debt" systemically accepts the idea that persons may be bought and sold, and is more or less tantamount to paying off slavers for the inconvenience of losing their slave labor. It is not supported by the Liberators, nor if you ask me is it supported by common sense.
Working towards the economic development of those properties that have been unviable without unpaid labor is something that a number of economic experts, including my personal friend Perronne Amboise and her very fine business partner whose name I'm sure you all know, have been focused on, and will continue to be focused on. However, "pay thrall owners to recoup their losses for the release of their slaves" does not solve this problem, will not solve this problem, and is a shortcut that may, in fact, diminish those efforts to actually assist those houses who would otherwise be working towards a solution from gaining traction.
If you choose to do this, I am not calling you evil, or a supporter of slavery, or anything other than either misguided or perhaps seduced by the lure of the "easy road". It does seem "easy" to simply purchase the freedom of an individual thrall. However, I would humbly suggest that you consider directing your efforts towards eradicating thralldom elsewhere.
For example:
(1) Rehoming and retraining families that might not wish to remain upon lands that they worked as thralls. The Liberators have developed a number of connections throughout the Mourning Isles and the rest of the Compact to assist with this project, but training opportunities, especially, can help almost anyone, especially those who have known only _simple_ labor for a long time. Child thralls have been illegal in more enlightened houses of the Mourning Isles for some time, but the aftereffects of a longstanding practice do not dissolve overnight.
(2) Agricultural improvements upon those properties that have been worked solely by unpaid labor to make them more viable without it. I believe Lady Olivia Ashford and several other disciples of Petrichor had spearheaded some initial explorations in this area, though I admit I'm not certain of the present status of their work.
(3) Simple charitable support for those houses that will need it because they have already resolved to release their thralls and suffer the impact of that. The Liberators and the Faith are ready, willing and able to provide this, but the more people get on board, the better.
(4) Aggressive protection of the lands and waters of those lands that no longer hold thralls. Pretending that no freed thralls will rise up to fight back against those who were once their oppressors is foolish. Military protection, especially naval protection, is simply a sane and necessary precaution and must, of course, be paid for.
Finally, as to the methods used to raise money, that is up to each individual who chooses to do so. I don't scruple particularly about what ways people make giving away their money more palatable to themselves. As a general rule, I will make this comment as to "auctions," since it has come up:
The Liberators do not approve of charitable events that ape the buying and selling of persons as presently take place in less enlightened civilizations across the world for reasons that appear obvious to me, but if anyone is genuinely confused about the subject, the Faith is here to educate. Perhaps, when real slave auctions no longer happen anywhere, and slavery has been abolished by all, we can revisit the question of whether pretending to do so is funny.
And yes-- I have made exorbitant "purchases" at charity auctions before, for very good causes (and honestly, for less good causes, probably-- they were quite in vogue once upon a time, and fashion does drive). As the Whispers once did, I came to understand why it was in bad taste, and I chose to stop. I regret that fashion appears to be swinging back in so distasteful a direction, but-- as it is -- I shall at least clarify for those who wish to understand, and answer questions for those who would ask.
Written By Aureth
Oct. 1, 2019, 3:23 p.m.(12/8/1011 AR)
Magpie and Harper Grayhope have charmingly named their beautiful daughter "Aurelle," after the orneriest old man they know, presumably to give her shrieking toddler tantrums in the future more gravitas.
She carries on the Grayhope tradition of glorious hair.
The blessings of the Mother of Beginnings are bright upon the path of this tiny new child. I finally escaped the dignity of my office long enough to meet her last night and discover that I am being referred to as 'Grandpa'.
It's not an honor that I expected, but it is, of course, as gratifying as it is horrifying.
Bless you, my dearest, most absurd family.
She carries on the Grayhope tradition of glorious hair.
The blessings of the Mother of Beginnings are bright upon the path of this tiny new child. I finally escaped the dignity of my office long enough to meet her last night and discover that I am being referred to as 'Grandpa'.
It's not an honor that I expected, but it is, of course, as gratifying as it is horrifying.
Bless you, my dearest, most absurd family.
Written By Aureth
Sept. 22, 2019, 8:09 p.m.(11/18/1011 AR)
Being 43 is not noticeably different from being 42, I've found. Birthdays used to matter a lot more, somehow.
Written By Aureth
Sept. 5, 2019, 8 p.m.(10/12/1011 AR)
After finishing having my mask refined prior to the masquerade tonight, I had exactly 0.13 silver in my purse.
Written By Aureth
Sept. 5, 2019, 4:50 p.m.(10/12/1011 AR)
You may give succor and aid to any soul upon this world and find no argument from me, for all souls are gifts of the divine and all life is precious. If it is your choice to do so, then so may it be.
The Church cannot give succor and aid to the faithless and will turn away the heretic upon our stoop, not out of cruelty but because we must. But for a human to look upon another human being in need and say, let me help you, there is nothing unrighteous to be found there.
Should the heretic's words be heeded, his blasphemy countenanced or his falsehoods be spread, naturally that conversation is an entirely different one. But happily, not one before me.
Should you look upon the excommunicate who has defied the Faith and say, no, I feel no pity for he that has forsaken the path, that too is acceptable.
The Faith does not require either choice. Only that you know that this is an excommunicate, defiant of what is holy, whose calumny will not be permitted to stand, who is cast out from the Church he defies.
With this knowledge, go forth and do as you will.
The Church cannot give succor and aid to the faithless and will turn away the heretic upon our stoop, not out of cruelty but because we must. But for a human to look upon another human being in need and say, let me help you, there is nothing unrighteous to be found there.
Should the heretic's words be heeded, his blasphemy countenanced or his falsehoods be spread, naturally that conversation is an entirely different one. But happily, not one before me.
Should you look upon the excommunicate who has defied the Faith and say, no, I feel no pity for he that has forsaken the path, that too is acceptable.
The Faith does not require either choice. Only that you know that this is an excommunicate, defiant of what is holy, whose calumny will not be permitted to stand, who is cast out from the Church he defies.
With this knowledge, go forth and do as you will.
Written By Aureth
Sept. 5, 2019, 10:02 a.m.(10/12/1011 AR)
There are people whose touch on your life is never forgotten. Even after they are gone, years later, the whisper of memory is cut and balm at once.
My mother never feared to tell authority what she thought.
So I do not, in my own turn, fear to listen to what people tell me. There are naturally some days that this is more difficult than others. Yet I cannot help but wonder, on a day like today, what she would say.
My mother never feared to tell authority what she thought.
So I do not, in my own turn, fear to listen to what people tell me. There are naturally some days that this is more difficult than others. Yet I cannot help but wonder, on a day like today, what she would say.
Written By Aureth
Sept. 3, 2019, 4:56 p.m.(10/8/1011 AR)
The authority of the Church is one of the mainstays of our society, one of several pillars upon which civilization is built. The strength with which we stand is not only strength of arms, but the strength of love, of charity, of dignity, history and tradition. It is not only law as written by the Peers for those who are oathsworn to follow them, but law in its raw component: what has been, what is, what may be to come.
We are here to birth the children, teach the students, keep the roads safe, defend the innocent, protect the sacred trust between liege and vassal, between wife and husband, between King and Lords. We bury the dead and watch the graveyard. We feed the orphans and clothe the poor. We tend to the sick and minister to the wounded. We keep the records and protect the memories of all from corruption, and worse, from simply being lost.
Dominus Orazio is the Most Holy, Closest to the Gods. Those titles are not mere nothings, not the idle puffery of bright-clothed men and women with nothing better to do than name themselves prettily.
I have dedicated my life to the protection of the Faith. I have sworn an oath to shield and guide the Lost. I am only one man, but I am a man mantled in the dignity of an office whose purpose is to protect, foster, and shepherd the Faithful.
To cast out one from the flock hurts me. I would prefer another place to stand. But I cannot permit corruption to linger any longer within my own house, hurting my family. For an attack upon the Faith is an attack upon the gods, and those who follow them; an attack upon us all.
I pray that those who followed this young man into error may understand the grace and mercy of the Church and return to the teachings of the Faithful. I pray that the dark pride of this ill mind will still yet permit him to seek help, and to accept the teachings of the priests who have tried so hard to bring him back to the light. But patience has an end. Defiance has a cost.
We preach compassion. We preach charity. We offer mercy, sanctuary, hope and love. We do not begrudge these things but offer them freely with our open hearts. But we are sworn in service of the gods, and that vow must be inviolate.
Forgiveness requires repentance. Disobedience can receive no quarter. Justice is hard, for so it must be.
We are here to birth the children, teach the students, keep the roads safe, defend the innocent, protect the sacred trust between liege and vassal, between wife and husband, between King and Lords. We bury the dead and watch the graveyard. We feed the orphans and clothe the poor. We tend to the sick and minister to the wounded. We keep the records and protect the memories of all from corruption, and worse, from simply being lost.
Dominus Orazio is the Most Holy, Closest to the Gods. Those titles are not mere nothings, not the idle puffery of bright-clothed men and women with nothing better to do than name themselves prettily.
I have dedicated my life to the protection of the Faith. I have sworn an oath to shield and guide the Lost. I am only one man, but I am a man mantled in the dignity of an office whose purpose is to protect, foster, and shepherd the Faithful.
To cast out one from the flock hurts me. I would prefer another place to stand. But I cannot permit corruption to linger any longer within my own house, hurting my family. For an attack upon the Faith is an attack upon the gods, and those who follow them; an attack upon us all.
I pray that those who followed this young man into error may understand the grace and mercy of the Church and return to the teachings of the Faithful. I pray that the dark pride of this ill mind will still yet permit him to seek help, and to accept the teachings of the priests who have tried so hard to bring him back to the light. But patience has an end. Defiance has a cost.
We preach compassion. We preach charity. We offer mercy, sanctuary, hope and love. We do not begrudge these things but offer them freely with our open hearts. But we are sworn in service of the gods, and that vow must be inviolate.
Forgiveness requires repentance. Disobedience can receive no quarter. Justice is hard, for so it must be.
Written By Aureth
Aug. 23, 2019, 1:02 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
If you call someone an oathbreaker who has been released from their oath by the Most Holy, you are setting yourself up as a voice who stands against the Church.
You may do so, but I urge you to consider the wisdom of so doing. For one thing, Lord Arik Halfshav, I quite like your sister.
You may do so, but I urge you to consider the wisdom of so doing. For one thing, Lord Arik Halfshav, I quite like your sister.
Written By Aureth
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:28 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
On the subject of forks:
The array of silverware that is set before you at a dinner is each one fork for a specialized course. The delineation between each is a matter of showing respect for your host, but _also_ for your host's staff. Each element of cutlery has its assigned dish, and you use it only for that dish, so you do not impact the rest of the meal with flavors that were meant for the past course. This permits the cook's artistry to shine properly, for each course.
This is something that I, too, once thought extremely silly. But like most etiquette, it comes from a place of civilization and respect. Is it silly? Perhaps. But most things people do started somewhere, and I find civilization and respect to be heartening sources of behavior.
When I was first studying etiquette, there was an interesting etiquette manual by a famous (or infamous) Lycene that also discussed the various ways silverware etiquette could be subverted, but I can't remember most of it now. If anyone remembers the book and can recommend it to me, I would be entertained.
The array of silverware that is set before you at a dinner is each one fork for a specialized course. The delineation between each is a matter of showing respect for your host, but _also_ for your host's staff. Each element of cutlery has its assigned dish, and you use it only for that dish, so you do not impact the rest of the meal with flavors that were meant for the past course. This permits the cook's artistry to shine properly, for each course.
This is something that I, too, once thought extremely silly. But like most etiquette, it comes from a place of civilization and respect. Is it silly? Perhaps. But most things people do started somewhere, and I find civilization and respect to be heartening sources of behavior.
When I was first studying etiquette, there was an interesting etiquette manual by a famous (or infamous) Lycene that also discussed the various ways silverware etiquette could be subverted, but I can't remember most of it now. If anyone remembers the book and can recommend it to me, I would be entertained.
Written By Aureth
Aug. 1, 2019, 10:49 a.m.(7/26/1011 AR)
When the "cause of the day" becomes defending the worth of an idiot who caused a ruckus in a pub, you know people are too damned bored.
Written By Aureth
July 22, 2019, 2:50 p.m.(7/6/1011 AR)
The important thing about the theology of doubt is that you must first know yourself and know your role. A challenge to the authority of the Faith when your only authority comes from the Faith is as effective as punching yourself in the nose, but at least punching yourself in the nose would be entertaining to observers, rather than merely tiresome.
Written By Aureth
July 18, 2019, 10:42 p.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
Since this does keep coming up:
Fireweave is not banned. You may wear it, craft with it, sell it, attempt to turn it into incredibly expensive bedding -- all of this is fine. If you bought it before the Faith spoke out against trade with Eurus, excellent; you may use it with my blessings upon your health.
The Faith has come out against trading with Eurus as a recognition of the moral ugliness of continuing to profit and enable Abyss-worshipping slavers. We do not cast judgment on trade with Eurusi that happened in the past. We do not seek to punish anyone for actions taken while we still were silent. You do not need to destroy your fireweave (I honestly doubt that you _could_ destroy your fireweave but I suppose that's neither here nor there) or hide it a secret hiding hole or immediately divest yourself of it.
The only action that we have placed this interdict upon is trading with Eurusi. This means buying _anything_ from Eurusi -- whether it is fireweave or not -- or selling anything _to_ Eurusi. But fireweave that is already here is not forbidden. It is already here.
I hope that this resolves some of the confusion that continues to persist. While I am happy to provide counsel to the Faithful on matters moral, spiritual, obscure or arcane, for the record I am not myself a merchant banker, and even when I was a businessman, I was not the particular kind of businessman who would have useful advice for anyone on individuated matters of trade.
Fireweave is not banned. You may wear it, craft with it, sell it, attempt to turn it into incredibly expensive bedding -- all of this is fine. If you bought it before the Faith spoke out against trade with Eurus, excellent; you may use it with my blessings upon your health.
The Faith has come out against trading with Eurus as a recognition of the moral ugliness of continuing to profit and enable Abyss-worshipping slavers. We do not cast judgment on trade with Eurusi that happened in the past. We do not seek to punish anyone for actions taken while we still were silent. You do not need to destroy your fireweave (I honestly doubt that you _could_ destroy your fireweave but I suppose that's neither here nor there) or hide it a secret hiding hole or immediately divest yourself of it.
The only action that we have placed this interdict upon is trading with Eurusi. This means buying _anything_ from Eurusi -- whether it is fireweave or not -- or selling anything _to_ Eurusi. But fireweave that is already here is not forbidden. It is already here.
I hope that this resolves some of the confusion that continues to persist. While I am happy to provide counsel to the Faithful on matters moral, spiritual, obscure or arcane, for the record I am not myself a merchant banker, and even when I was a businessman, I was not the particular kind of businessman who would have useful advice for anyone on individuated matters of trade.
Written By Aureth
July 16, 2019, 10:08 a.m.(6/21/1011 AR)
Also incidentally I see no reason why someone can't enjoy both coffee and tea at different times and under different circumstances.
Written By Aureth
July 16, 2019, 10:07 a.m.(6/21/1011 AR)
While I believe that the charity of Gild is a virtue that we do willingly and wholeheartedly embrace, and I encourage any who are left bereft to seek it out from the Faith, the concept of recompense under these circumstances is misguided.
To trade with the Eurusi, whose culture and religion demand that they lay tribute at the feet of the Dark Reflections of our Pantheon, was always moral issue. It was always wrong to look away from the evil abroad in order to line our purses. As the Eurusi influence attempts to mount, as their darkness spreads among our impoverished populace while they claim merely to be here to observe, as a few outliers amongst our peerage flirt with the politics of justification with respect to embroilment in their black deeds:
For too long the Faith was silent. Now we speak.
I took an oath to shepherd the Faithful, to protect the lost and the wandering and lead them back to the light. I shall do so until Death returns me to Her Wheel.
To trade with the Eurusi, whose culture and religion demand that they lay tribute at the feet of the Dark Reflections of our Pantheon, was always moral issue. It was always wrong to look away from the evil abroad in order to line our purses. As the Eurusi influence attempts to mount, as their darkness spreads among our impoverished populace while they claim merely to be here to observe, as a few outliers amongst our peerage flirt with the politics of justification with respect to embroilment in their black deeds:
For too long the Faith was silent. Now we speak.
I took an oath to shepherd the Faithful, to protect the lost and the wandering and lead them back to the light. I shall do so until Death returns me to Her Wheel.
Written By Aureth
July 15, 2019, 3:59 p.m.(6/20/1011 AR)
For a considerable time, we Arvani have engaged in trade with the Eurusi despite troubling aspects of their practices. We have turned a blind eye to their crimes against the gods, to heretical interpretations of our canon, to the cruelty of men and women forced into labor. We have enjoyed the benefits of those trade despite the fact that the very same traders with whom we exchanged goods profited from slavery, an abomination to the First Choice and to the Pantheon.
In light of recent events, the Faith can no longer stand silent against the practices of Eurus. Until such time as the Eurusi recognize the intrinsic value of the human soul and the anathema of slavery are recognized, trade with Eurus must fall under the interdict of the Faith. We cannot morally profit from an ugly economic tie to a traders who treat people as chattel.
It must stop.
As sworn Shepherd of the Faithful, I must light the way back to the path of the faithful where we have strayed. Traders who defy this ruling will face the grave disappointment of the Church, and all that this entails.
This embargo begins by my hand this 20th day of the 6th month of 1011.
In light of recent events, the Faith can no longer stand silent against the practices of Eurus. Until such time as the Eurusi recognize the intrinsic value of the human soul and the anathema of slavery are recognized, trade with Eurus must fall under the interdict of the Faith. We cannot morally profit from an ugly economic tie to a traders who treat people as chattel.
It must stop.
As sworn Shepherd of the Faithful, I must light the way back to the path of the faithful where we have strayed. Traders who defy this ruling will face the grave disappointment of the Church, and all that this entails.
This embargo begins by my hand this 20th day of the 6th month of 1011.
Written By Aureth
July 14, 2019, 11:44 p.m.(6/18/1011 AR)
Deva, out there somewhere in the yonder, just got a profound headache and doesn't know why.
Written By Aureth
July 9, 2019, 2:35 p.m.(6/8/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Struggling to trust them is wise. In fact, I would encourage you to cease struggling and simply do not do so, except in so far as you trust them to honor their own agendas and priorities.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.