Written By Victus
Nov. 8, 2019, 12:19 a.m.(2/27/1012 AR)
Most who made admirable strides toward curtailing thralldom from outside the Mourning Isles did not do so through embargo or completely denying interaction. One example in particular would be House Deepwood, who brokered trade agreements in order to assist the economy of Mourning Isles houses during a transition into /less/ thralls. I'm unsure how many realize the drastic extent that thralldom blankets the economy of the Isles.
Rowers, miners, farmers for three. That's food, steel and ships for the great majority of domains across the Isles. If you take it away without preparing for a replacement, you may as well have knocked your legs out from under you with a hammer. We saw as much during the troubles in Kennex. Thralls with nowhere to go, thralls who sought to take revenge on their owners, thralls without any life to lead outside of their chains suddenly having to survive on their own.
Freedom is the overall goal, but the fact of the matter is that most of the Isles has yet to implement means to blunt the loss of thralldom. Those who have a genuine interest in seeing slavery in the Compact come to an end should remember this well. We are not simply destroying something, we are /building/ something else to replace it. Most importantly something that will reject the use of indentured servitude utterly.
That is the true battle if we're not to see utter collapse and chaos.
Rowers, miners, farmers for three. That's food, steel and ships for the great majority of domains across the Isles. If you take it away without preparing for a replacement, you may as well have knocked your legs out from under you with a hammer. We saw as much during the troubles in Kennex. Thralls with nowhere to go, thralls who sought to take revenge on their owners, thralls without any life to lead outside of their chains suddenly having to survive on their own.
Freedom is the overall goal, but the fact of the matter is that most of the Isles has yet to implement means to blunt the loss of thralldom. Those who have a genuine interest in seeing slavery in the Compact come to an end should remember this well. We are not simply destroying something, we are /building/ something else to replace it. Most importantly something that will reject the use of indentured servitude utterly.
That is the true battle if we're not to see utter collapse and chaos.
Written By Monique
Nov. 8, 2019, 12:01 a.m.(2/27/1012 AR)
Unexpected late night visitors are my absolute favorite kind of visitors.
Written By Sydney
Nov. 7, 2019, 11:56 p.m.(2/27/1012 AR)
Would that I could simply take all of my years in the pits building up my fists and put them to use swinging a hammer, but circumstances just didn't allow for that to happen.
Be careful what you get good at. I didn't have much choice, so the road ahead is long and winding.
It's to be walked with patience, a resource I'm quickly exhausting.
Be careful what you get good at. I didn't have much choice, so the road ahead is long and winding.
It's to be walked with patience, a resource I'm quickly exhausting.
Written By Nurie
Nov. 7, 2019, 10:52 p.m.(2/27/1012 AR)
Sometimes, when the even the days seem impossibly dark despite the beauty of the snow and the coziness of the fire, and there's a strange melancholy that seems to creep in that makes it seem as if the spring will never come, it can lift the spirits enough to do something secret and fun that perhaps will bring a smile and a little joy to a stranger or a friend, even if you never get to see their smile at discovering it.
Written By Esme
Nov. 7, 2019, 8:41 p.m.(2/27/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Strozza
He seems like a man of depth.
Then he calls you vapid.
Interesting.
Then he calls you vapid.
Interesting.
Written By Aureth
Nov. 7, 2019, 3:43 p.m.(2/26/1012 AR)
I do not find it practical to explore the link between economy and morality to the extent some choose to do. Please bear in mind that the Faith has not asked anyone not to use fireweave. Materials that are already here can and should be used. To have such goods and refuse to use them out of some kind of moral superiority is tantamount to cutting off your own nose out of spite. You do get a lot of unsightly blood on your target floor but in the end you remain without a nose.
Further. The Dune Kingdoms make it their faith to worship the Dark Reflections. The position of the Church about this is not limited to being appalled about slavery -- though the active practice of it is horrifying -- but rather to stand as moral guardians of our people against the seeming that anything about such trade may be complacently ignored.
The Faith has not condemned trade with Cardia or Jadairal. For one thing, trade with either place barely exists. Most steelsilk that exists in Arx, according to economists, has existed here for generations, which is part of why it is so costly to purchase. As to talk about trade with Nefer'khat, we may regulate trade with the bottom of the sea, or the moon.
I would gladly outfit all of the Liberators in steelsilk, to keep them safe to fight for freedom another day, had I the funds. Moral suasion is wonderful but this is a distraction.
Please retain your noses. I mean or don't, Skald granted us all the gift of choice.
Further. The Dune Kingdoms make it their faith to worship the Dark Reflections. The position of the Church about this is not limited to being appalled about slavery -- though the active practice of it is horrifying -- but rather to stand as moral guardians of our people against the seeming that anything about such trade may be complacently ignored.
The Faith has not condemned trade with Cardia or Jadairal. For one thing, trade with either place barely exists. Most steelsilk that exists in Arx, according to economists, has existed here for generations, which is part of why it is so costly to purchase. As to talk about trade with Nefer'khat, we may regulate trade with the bottom of the sea, or the moon.
I would gladly outfit all of the Liberators in steelsilk, to keep them safe to fight for freedom another day, had I the funds. Moral suasion is wonderful but this is a distraction.
Please retain your noses. I mean or don't, Skald granted us all the gift of choice.
Written By Strozza
Nov. 7, 2019, 2:18 p.m.(2/26/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Dianna
So good to see her again, it is as if we were back in Ostria.
Written By Dianna
Nov. 7, 2019, 2:13 p.m.(2/26/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Strozza
My charming cousin has joined us in Arx and I am beyond happy. Wherever he goes, he brings a piece of Ostria with him in his perfect genteel manner. Tato, mi topolino dolce: ti amo.
Thank you, Marquessa, Marquis for bringing him to us.
I so adore our family.
Thank you, Marquessa, Marquis for bringing him to us.
I so adore our family.
Written By Strozza
Nov. 7, 2019, 12:54 p.m.(2/26/1012 AR)
Good too see Dianna again, little Patata has grown and has remained as exuberant as I've ever known her. I met a great many of her friends... None of them seemed to understand the need to looking in and examining ourselves. But not everyone can be a Mazetti.
Written By Strozza
Nov. 7, 2019, 10:30 a.m.(2/26/1012 AR)
Coffee is the dark reflection of water, the death of berries to take their seeds to give nourishment and energy, where as water only gives hydration and soothing for a warm body.
Written By Lisebet
Nov. 7, 2019, 10:28 a.m.(2/26/1012 AR)
I have no idea what to wear for the fire and ice ball. But I feel that somehow Harlan and I should wear somewhat matching outfits.
This week so far has been interesting. I have been somewhat at loose ends, not sure what to do, and something somehow came clear in my mind. If I do not know what to do about the big issues, then at least there are some smaller ones I do know what to do about. And perhaps in the process I will gain more knowledge or ideas about what to do for the bigger issues.
For now, I have plans to make, people to talk to, and parties to throw.
This week so far has been interesting. I have been somewhat at loose ends, not sure what to do, and something somehow came clear in my mind. If I do not know what to do about the big issues, then at least there are some smaller ones I do know what to do about. And perhaps in the process I will gain more knowledge or ideas about what to do for the bigger issues.
For now, I have plans to make, people to talk to, and parties to throw.
Written By Peri
Nov. 7, 2019, 8:55 a.m.(2/26/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ryhalt
In your journal you write, "I won't even start on how damaging it is to trade to ban products on the assumption thrall labor is involved. If we don't know how the goods are produced, how can we know they are produced with thrall labor? That is where I will leave it and let the true scholars muse on the ramifications."
The bulk of recent commentary has been about slave labor in foreign kingdoms. It is a fact that slavery is practiced in Cardia. In this particular question, let scholars not waste time discussing hypotheticals when they may be able to discuss facts. Has anyone simply asked an emissary from one of the foreign kingdoms who are not interdicted by the faith if there are /any/ goods not made by slaves?
The bulk of recent commentary has been about slave labor in foreign kingdoms. It is a fact that slavery is practiced in Cardia. In this particular question, let scholars not waste time discussing hypotheticals when they may be able to discuss facts. Has anyone simply asked an emissary from one of the foreign kingdoms who are not interdicted by the faith if there are /any/ goods not made by slaves?
Written By Cambria
Nov. 7, 2019, 12:55 a.m.(2/25/1012 AR)
It is prudent to trust others only insofar as their well-being depends on you. Yet prudence and wisdom are not the same. And it can be wise to take a leap.
Written By Colette
Nov. 6, 2019, 10:51 p.m.(2/25/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaia
I am now owed a tea party with Lady Kaia Bisland. Let this be a record for all so my debt does not go unpaid!
Written By Ryhalt
Nov. 6, 2019, 10:50 p.m.(2/25/1012 AR)
Previously I have written at length upon the consequences of using the products produced by thralldom and the fact we are all complicit in it, so I won't reiterate my points then to remark on the curious actions of those trying to sever themselves from these products of late.
Forbidding a product does not do anything to end thralldom. All that is done by making banned products is to make them more rare and precious in an area. Where something is forbidden, rare and precious, there will be an increase and thriving of those who would steal and smuggle such goods into that area for while one can mandate against the sale of such items publicly, nothing has been done about the fact that the goods remain useful and most desirable.
Bottom line, if nothing is done to replace those goods with a product of similar or better quality, there is no threat to the production of those materials and thus thralls will continue to be used because the market that was once visible is now hidden, not destroyed. Forbidding products is an empty gesture. While one may feel moral because they no longer have the seeing of such goods on their conscience, there is a rug over their complicity, hiding that it still exists.
I wish I could laud these efforts, but in a time of trouble, this will not go well for the increase to crime and damages to the economy it will instead cause rather than the presumably desired outcome, that there will be wide-spread bannings. With piracy on our seas and attacks on our trade routes, this will now make our markets and streets more dangerous.
I won't even start on how damaging it is to trade to ban products on the assumption thrall labor is involved. If we don't know how the goods are produced, how can we know they are produced with thrall labor? That is where I will leave it and let the true scholars muse on the ramifications.
Forbidding a product does not do anything to end thralldom. All that is done by making banned products is to make them more rare and precious in an area. Where something is forbidden, rare and precious, there will be an increase and thriving of those who would steal and smuggle such goods into that area for while one can mandate against the sale of such items publicly, nothing has been done about the fact that the goods remain useful and most desirable.
Bottom line, if nothing is done to replace those goods with a product of similar or better quality, there is no threat to the production of those materials and thus thralls will continue to be used because the market that was once visible is now hidden, not destroyed. Forbidding products is an empty gesture. While one may feel moral because they no longer have the seeing of such goods on their conscience, there is a rug over their complicity, hiding that it still exists.
I wish I could laud these efforts, but in a time of trouble, this will not go well for the increase to crime and damages to the economy it will instead cause rather than the presumably desired outcome, that there will be wide-spread bannings. With piracy on our seas and attacks on our trade routes, this will now make our markets and streets more dangerous.
I won't even start on how damaging it is to trade to ban products on the assumption thrall labor is involved. If we don't know how the goods are produced, how can we know they are produced with thrall labor? That is where I will leave it and let the true scholars muse on the ramifications.
Written By Strozza
Nov. 6, 2019, 8:24 p.m.(2/25/1012 AR)
Have arrived in Arx. The journey was pleasant enough - but the northern snows have begun and I am now sleeping on dry land. My ass and legs are cramping from keeping others from making the expected sea-legs jokes. I am surprised none have asked if I've found the local grog house or something else as asanine.
There's hope here. They don't apply stereotype to me. Refreshing.
Met a cousin, a delightful woman - but I need to update my attire, and make it appropriate for my new position. But then I always did think I looked good in epaulets and frogging.
Gods but my thighs are killing me. I need a muscle rub.
There's hope here. They don't apply stereotype to me. Refreshing.
Met a cousin, a delightful woman - but I need to update my attire, and make it appropriate for my new position. But then I always did think I looked good in epaulets and frogging.
Gods but my thighs are killing me. I need a muscle rub.
Written By Strozza
Nov. 6, 2019, 8:14 p.m.(2/25/1012 AR)
The fear of Tehoma and the reflection of the self is perhaps the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. These people of Arx… How can one not better themselves if they do not see the potential for evil as they express their potential for good. What is there to strive against?
One cannot exist without the other - Good would be wholly impotent without the contrast of evil.
What's next?
One cannot exist without the other - Good would be wholly impotent without the contrast of evil.
What's next?
Written By Selene
Nov. 6, 2019, 10:32 a.m.(2/24/1012 AR)
I should not want to wrap myself up in a warm blanket and settle in with this magnificent book about healing techniques by Marquessa Keaton, but I rather wish. The details are so rich, even for a complete initiate to the arts like myself.
Such beautiful troves of knowledge are an asset to acquire.
Such beautiful troves of knowledge are an asset to acquire.
Written By Thea
Nov. 6, 2019, 8:44 a.m.(2/24/1012 AR)
I went North. To Bonespire. Because the cold in Arx wasnt enough. I went huntin mammoths and it was...successful! It was...no words. Thank you to Countess Arcadia for the invitation.
Written By Arcadia
Nov. 5, 2019, 10:47 p.m.(2/23/1012 AR)
The annual mammoth hunt at Bonespire was a success. The spirits and god's were on our side and minimal injuries were sustained.
A true team effort to take down the beast, but it was Lord Rysen who did the dirty work and slaughtered the beast. I have to admit, red is most certainly the young lord's color.
Thank you to Ladies Thea, Kaia and Volcica and Lord Rysen for such a fine hunt.
A true team effort to take down the beast, but it was Lord Rysen who did the dirty work and slaughtered the beast. I have to admit, red is most certainly the young lord's color.
Thank you to Ladies Thea, Kaia and Volcica and Lord Rysen for such a fine hunt.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.