Written By Gilroy
Feb. 21, 2019, 11:03 a.m.(8/12/1010 AR)
I suppose we could send Brass off with Ambassador Zulana.
The Undying Empire is fine with us as long as we don't go with Cardia.
Cardia is fine with us as long as we don't go with the Undying Empire AND we don't offer Brass 'safe harbor'.
So sending him off with the Undying Empire would work.
But that leaves the charging bull.
I appreciate the idea that one doesn't stand in the way of a charging bull just because one is stubborn, but I'm not sure the cure for a charging bull is to add another charging bull. Or does Brass have a secret plan where when the armies of the Abyss rise on one side and the armies of the Sky Kingdom rise on the other the entire Compact jumps out of the way at the last second so the two of them smash into one another?
Note that I am not saying we should send Brass off because he is a hypocrite. That is a misread of my point. I dislike him because he is a hypocrite, but I dislike all sorts of people and I don't think we should throw (all of) them off of the Sovereign Bridge. Sending him off solves at least one, possibly two, problems. Embracing some random historical figure as the solution to a problem, when he asks a lot and offers vague promises in response, when it only makes more problems, is a mad response.
I don't necessarily know who Ashe is, but she once told me a very old story with the vividness of someone who may have been there, and people seemed very impressed when she stood, so I feel comfortable quoting her: "Darkness is gathering. And if we stand against it, the battles may be difficult. There may be heavier losses than in previous conflicts. But they are still battles that we can win, if we all stand together."
And quoting her and Copper, "Never give up hope."
The Undying Empire is fine with us as long as we don't go with Cardia.
Cardia is fine with us as long as we don't go with the Undying Empire AND we don't offer Brass 'safe harbor'.
So sending him off with the Undying Empire would work.
But that leaves the charging bull.
I appreciate the idea that one doesn't stand in the way of a charging bull just because one is stubborn, but I'm not sure the cure for a charging bull is to add another charging bull. Or does Brass have a secret plan where when the armies of the Abyss rise on one side and the armies of the Sky Kingdom rise on the other the entire Compact jumps out of the way at the last second so the two of them smash into one another?
Note that I am not saying we should send Brass off because he is a hypocrite. That is a misread of my point. I dislike him because he is a hypocrite, but I dislike all sorts of people and I don't think we should throw (all of) them off of the Sovereign Bridge. Sending him off solves at least one, possibly two, problems. Embracing some random historical figure as the solution to a problem, when he asks a lot and offers vague promises in response, when it only makes more problems, is a mad response.
I don't necessarily know who Ashe is, but she once told me a very old story with the vividness of someone who may have been there, and people seemed very impressed when she stood, so I feel comfortable quoting her: "Darkness is gathering. And if we stand against it, the battles may be difficult. There may be heavier losses than in previous conflicts. But they are still battles that we can win, if we all stand together."
And quoting her and Copper, "Never give up hope."
Written By Mirella
Feb. 21, 2019, 10:58 a.m.(8/12/1010 AR)
Still teaching my crow to speak. Not much success even after all this time, but at least she can make sounds of derision. She picked that up easily enough.
Came into guardianship of a raven. He can't fly very well. I suppose I shall have to keep him. He needs a name.
Birds are creatures of such perfect beauty.
Came into guardianship of a raven. He can't fly very well. I suppose I shall have to keep him. He needs a name.
Birds are creatures of such perfect beauty.
Written By Gilroy
Feb. 21, 2019, 10:25 a.m.(8/12/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Of course the idea of sacrificing Brass to stave off an invading force is a shocking idea. Probably even moreso for you, as mercenaries are known for their sweet and tender hearts.
After all, the heroic Metallics would never have sacrificed someone to benefit themselves or their people.
And the Compact itself has never sacrificed people for the greater good.
So I suppose you're right. There's no precedent for this sort of thing.
I'm sorry I even suggested it.
Completely unrelated, what was it Brass was planning to do with the king's kid again? I never did understand that. I feel like the Cardian said something and Brass didn't deny it, but I certainly can't remember what it was. Maybe to buy him a nice rocking horse? Kids love rocking horses.
After all, the heroic Metallics would never have sacrificed someone to benefit themselves or their people.
And the Compact itself has never sacrificed people for the greater good.
So I suppose you're right. There's no precedent for this sort of thing.
I'm sorry I even suggested it.
Completely unrelated, what was it Brass was planning to do with the king's kid again? I never did understand that. I feel like the Cardian said something and Brass didn't deny it, but I certainly can't remember what it was. Maybe to buy him a nice rocking horse? Kids love rocking horses.
Written By Rymarr
Feb. 21, 2019, 9:58 a.m.(8/12/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Sir Jak Whitemane has some explaining to do. He insisted for the longest time that I should trust in my equipment (so long as I paid it proper respect and maintained it well).
Thanks to an educational journal entry provided by Shard, today I've learned that I'm supposed to avoid the enemy's weaponry in the midst of combat. No more arrows in the back or need for a shield, Gloria!Why try to take OMEGA's charge when one could literally just meander to the right? This has truly opened a plethora of paths (likely to the left or right) before me.
Look out, world! Rymarr's learned the importance of sidestepping!
Thanks to an educational journal entry provided by Shard, today I've learned that I'm supposed to avoid the enemy's weaponry in the midst of combat. No more arrows in the back or need for a shield, Gloria!Why try to take OMEGA's charge when one could literally just meander to the right? This has truly opened a plethora of paths (likely to the left or right) before me.
Look out, world! Rymarr's learned the importance of sidestepping!
Written By Valdemar
Feb. 21, 2019, 9:09 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
My thanks to everyone who recently went with my wife and I on our recent tour of Grihem's Point, and in particular to my cousin Sanya Grimhall for organizing the trip. It went even better than expected, though the time we spent among them also reaffirmed what I know of my people. There are challenging times ahead, but we will face them head-on, whatever comes, standing firm on the foundation of our traditions.
Fear is the guardian of hate
Fear is the guardian of hate
Written By Miranda
Feb. 21, 2019, 8:12 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Irisa
It's amazing the folks you can meet by hanging around in a treehouse!
It's a promising start to a great relationship!
It's a promising start to a great relationship!
Written By Gilroy
Feb. 21, 2019, 7:58 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
He's not a reformer any more than the Lenosian 'businessman' who offers 'protection' for your business in exchange for a weekly tithe. He wants something from you, but isn't at all interested in doing the work to help make it happen, and if you fail, well, it sure would be terrible if the Abyss ate everyone here.
Brass makes people feel like they have another Copper, but his demands are high and his promises vague. A Brass Knight is a hollow thing.
Brass makes people feel like they have another Copper, but his demands are high and his promises vague. A Brass Knight is a hollow thing.
Written By Ajax
Feb. 21, 2019, 4:54 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
So many choices, so little time.
Still running into people over the choices, trying to rationalize one side or the other. Sometimes trying to bring me to their point of view, not that it actually works or I don't appreciate the conversation. But I am not going to really be Pro-Brass, and it's not because of something like damage it'll do to the isles. By all means, that actually effects me very little but stands to benefit someone in my line of work immensely. I don't draw a silver out of Tyde or Thraxian coffers right now.
"But Ajax, if you're not exactly against what he wants done? Why don't you want the Compact to choose him?"
Because of Copper, she was a hero who died protecting us and with a new safety net who could change his mind on a whim and leave us screwed with only being able to deal with the Platinum Empire. I think we'll lose the lesson her loss was meant to teach us. The ground at our feet is changing rapidly, threats will continue to grow and increase and who knows if we'll be alive a month from now?
We need to stand on our own two feet and better ourselves to handle the threats we face open up trade with other nations, look at what they both can offer us and decide which one we want to deal with longer term in order to benefit us. Not tying ourselves to a singular entity. We've seen how that ends.
Still running into people over the choices, trying to rationalize one side or the other. Sometimes trying to bring me to their point of view, not that it actually works or I don't appreciate the conversation. But I am not going to really be Pro-Brass, and it's not because of something like damage it'll do to the isles. By all means, that actually effects me very little but stands to benefit someone in my line of work immensely. I don't draw a silver out of Tyde or Thraxian coffers right now.
"But Ajax, if you're not exactly against what he wants done? Why don't you want the Compact to choose him?"
Because of Copper, she was a hero who died protecting us and with a new safety net who could change his mind on a whim and leave us screwed with only being able to deal with the Platinum Empire. I think we'll lose the lesson her loss was meant to teach us. The ground at our feet is changing rapidly, threats will continue to grow and increase and who knows if we'll be alive a month from now?
We need to stand on our own two feet and better ourselves to handle the threats we face open up trade with other nations, look at what they both can offer us and decide which one we want to deal with longer term in order to benefit us. Not tying ourselves to a singular entity. We've seen how that ends.
Written By Ajax
Feb. 21, 2019, 4:16 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Prima Shard,
I don't actually think you have much to worry about on that front. The possibility of you changing in a short term is very slim to none. The only people who are likely to use it against you are the very same that would even if you were just a Prodigal. In the very least even among the more independent Sell-swords you have a decent enough reputation that some would come to your aid alongside your horde of friends.
You'll get through this. While I sometimes think you're a headache and you give me the urge to bash my head against the wall I do think you're one impressive force of nature when I take a few steps back and watch you go at it with someone else. So, I suppose, I'll root for you.
I don't actually think you have much to worry about on that front. The possibility of you changing in a short term is very slim to none. The only people who are likely to use it against you are the very same that would even if you were just a Prodigal. In the very least even among the more independent Sell-swords you have a decent enough reputation that some would come to your aid alongside your horde of friends.
You'll get through this. While I sometimes think you're a headache and you give me the urge to bash my head against the wall I do think you're one impressive force of nature when I take a few steps back and watch you go at it with someone else. So, I suppose, I'll root for you.
Written By Shard
Feb. 21, 2019, 3:46 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Gilroy
Handing someone over, particularly someone who is offering desperately needed help, for torture and death because you think they're a hypocrite (I guess?) and because you think it will benefit you shouldn't be a popular opinion, no.
But, more to the point is this; we can't keep on the same way we have. I wrote before that the Compact, whatever it decides, /has/ to change. Every choice in front of us requires some kind of a change, and none of them are small, and none of them are easy, though some are easier, and some are certainly better, than others.
I thought of a few analogies to this. I thought about referencing my tribe, and how we constantly moved to survive, but that's not a life most Compact people are familiar with. So I'll try one a little more familiar. When you're on the field and some screaming madman is coming at you with a weapon half the size of your body, you can't just stand there, rigid. If you've got a durable enough shield, you might be able to take the blow, but if you don't set your feet right and give a little, try to direct the force of the strike away, chances are he's going to split your shield right in two and you with it. And if you don't have a shield you'd better be prepared to duck to the side at just the right time and let his own momentum carry him past you. If you're fast enough, and practiced enough, and good enough at anticipating him, you might even get him in the side or the back with your own weapon before his swing is even over. But if you just stand there, unwilling to move, unwilling to shift your feet, or unwilling to give with the blow, he's going to crush you.
If battle analogies don't work either, then one more. You don't stand in the way of a charging bull just because you think you can out-stubborn it.
There are things out there that are coming at us, whether most people are aware of them or not. Whatever we decide to do, whatever tactic we go with, it has to be /something/. And it has to be something potent enough that we can actually strike back when we see an opening, because we won't get many. We cannot simply continue standing in place just because it's where we think we've stood all along.
But, more to the point is this; we can't keep on the same way we have. I wrote before that the Compact, whatever it decides, /has/ to change. Every choice in front of us requires some kind of a change, and none of them are small, and none of them are easy, though some are easier, and some are certainly better, than others.
I thought of a few analogies to this. I thought about referencing my tribe, and how we constantly moved to survive, but that's not a life most Compact people are familiar with. So I'll try one a little more familiar. When you're on the field and some screaming madman is coming at you with a weapon half the size of your body, you can't just stand there, rigid. If you've got a durable enough shield, you might be able to take the blow, but if you don't set your feet right and give a little, try to direct the force of the strike away, chances are he's going to split your shield right in two and you with it. And if you don't have a shield you'd better be prepared to duck to the side at just the right time and let his own momentum carry him past you. If you're fast enough, and practiced enough, and good enough at anticipating him, you might even get him in the side or the back with your own weapon before his swing is even over. But if you just stand there, unwilling to move, unwilling to shift your feet, or unwilling to give with the blow, he's going to crush you.
If battle analogies don't work either, then one more. You don't stand in the way of a charging bull just because you think you can out-stubborn it.
There are things out there that are coming at us, whether most people are aware of them or not. Whatever we decide to do, whatever tactic we go with, it has to be /something/. And it has to be something potent enough that we can actually strike back when we see an opening, because we won't get many. We cannot simply continue standing in place just because it's where we think we've stood all along.
Written By Willow
Feb. 21, 2019, 1:22 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Lydia
Finally got the chance for some face time and really enjoyed meeting the Duchess. I think I'd like to keep calling her Aunt Lydia though, after mentally calling her that since she took up the mantle of Duchess, if just feels more normal. She keeps so busy at work for the family I cannot help but admire and look up to her.
Written By Willow
Feb. 21, 2019, 1:16 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
Had so much fun with Mikani, Baltus, and Brady after the drinking contest when we all went back to take a dip in the hot springs and just talked for a while while everyone sobered back up.
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 20, 2019, 11:11 p.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
I've been working for near half a year on incorporating Seliki pearls into my work, what with the retinue I receive from Lord Kaldur Seliki as my Patron. I've made several sets, for private collectors as well as larger events, but I made a few emerald-set pieces with the paler Seliki pearls and put them up for sale in my shop. They're beautiful, these pearls, so much so as to be daunting: can I do them justice? Maybe. I'll continue to try; the nacre on these beauties fairly has them glowing from with in, and they come in so many lovely colors.
Written By Alrec
Feb. 20, 2019, 9:11 p.m.(8/10/1010 AR)
Wish I was there to listen to the Grim Duke's speech.
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 20, 2019, 8:50 p.m.(8/10/1010 AR)
I really can't get over this: Ianthe, wound tight around her new orange octopus plush. Legs and arms. She's drooling into its velvet beak. I can't untangle her. She's practically snoring.
I can't stop snickering over this. I CAN'T. Twisted humor, that's me. I know my sister would crack up and make design suggestions. 'Get it -right-, Josie! '
Ah, gods, I'm trying not to cackle, wake the baby, or cry from mirth. I can fail at all but the one.
Being a mother; who knew it'd be so entertaining!
I can't stop snickering over this. I CAN'T. Twisted humor, that's me. I know my sister would crack up and make design suggestions. 'Get it -right-, Josie! '
Ah, gods, I'm trying not to cackle, wake the baby, or cry from mirth. I can fail at all but the one.
Being a mother; who knew it'd be so entertaining!
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 20, 2019, 8:43 p.m.(8/10/1010 AR)
I have in my possession the most wonderful thing: soft, floppy-armed octopus doll. It's -adorable-, cuddly, soft. It has rosy cheeks, and large, dark button eyes. It even has a beak! It's velvet! I can't get enough of this thing. Ianthe may have to fight me for it.
Or not. She's still very small, sort of; the Mercies tell me she's healthy and fat and large for her age. I don't know what they mean, but this could be because Mongoose is her favorite nurse-maid for the moment, but the plushy octopus is her second favorite bed-time cuddle friend, and while at the moment it's almost as long as she is, I'm hard put to untangle her every night from her new eight-armed friend.
Dame Leta Broadbent is the artist behind this lovely creation. I want one in every color and it's -entirely- because I want them and not because I expect more children in my future. Well. More than what I have. Life has been strange.
Or not. She's still very small, sort of; the Mercies tell me she's healthy and fat and large for her age. I don't know what they mean, but this could be because Mongoose is her favorite nurse-maid for the moment, but the plushy octopus is her second favorite bed-time cuddle friend, and while at the moment it's almost as long as she is, I'm hard put to untangle her every night from her new eight-armed friend.
Dame Leta Broadbent is the artist behind this lovely creation. I want one in every color and it's -entirely- because I want them and not because I expect more children in my future. Well. More than what I have. Life has been strange.
Written By Gunther
Feb. 20, 2019, 8:41 p.m.(8/10/1010 AR)
My Sally,
What's it been now? How many months since I last got to wrap my arms half-way around you and snuggle in? Too many, that's what. I ain't gettin' over you. People says, my love, it gets better with time -- it ain't.
What's gettin' better is I'm learning to have moments on my own. Fella I met I told you 'bout before and I are becoming good friends. I like him a lot. People here is treatin' me well an' all. I'm sweepin' and keepin' up them northerners clobberin' stadium. Trainin' fellas and lasses here and there and what not. Them's that wants to toss knucks though I'm enjoyin' teachin'.
The nights are the hardest. I wakes up all the time and reach for you. And I get scared and frantic clawin' at the floor I'm sleeping on -- gettin' at them blankets to find you gone. Then I gets all panicked and it takes me a bit to wake enough to realize you're dead and you ain't never gonna be there again. It's them times I want to go drown in my cups and forget again.
I ain't though. I made you a promise and I'm gonna keep it.
It should have never been me, my girl -- I don't deserve this life. I ain't never done nothin' for nobody before. I'm only good onna account I met and you gave me your love. Reckon if it weren't for you I'd never know what them fuzzy stomach knots and that warm flush is whens you rub them mitts over my bald noggin' and give me kisses there on top. You was the one what should been here and it ain't right. It ain't right you had so much to live for. You were so more deservin'. I hope them Gods knows what they got in you.
I'm lost without you. All I gots is your memory and a desire to do good by you. I'm doin' the best I can.
Ain't nothin' I love in this world more than the love I got for you. Ain't know this much feelin' about someone was possible but I feels it.
I love you and I can't wait to be with you again.
Gunther
P.S. If'n you can't send me a sign I understand. I just, you know -- would make it easier knowin' you was there look'n down upon me. I ain't got nothin' to remember you by save my noggin. And you knows how spotty it is. I'm so scared one day I'll wake up and won't remember your face.
What's it been now? How many months since I last got to wrap my arms half-way around you and snuggle in? Too many, that's what. I ain't gettin' over you. People says, my love, it gets better with time -- it ain't.
What's gettin' better is I'm learning to have moments on my own. Fella I met I told you 'bout before and I are becoming good friends. I like him a lot. People here is treatin' me well an' all. I'm sweepin' and keepin' up them northerners clobberin' stadium. Trainin' fellas and lasses here and there and what not. Them's that wants to toss knucks though I'm enjoyin' teachin'.
The nights are the hardest. I wakes up all the time and reach for you. And I get scared and frantic clawin' at the floor I'm sleeping on -- gettin' at them blankets to find you gone. Then I gets all panicked and it takes me a bit to wake enough to realize you're dead and you ain't never gonna be there again. It's them times I want to go drown in my cups and forget again.
I ain't though. I made you a promise and I'm gonna keep it.
It should have never been me, my girl -- I don't deserve this life. I ain't never done nothin' for nobody before. I'm only good onna account I met and you gave me your love. Reckon if it weren't for you I'd never know what them fuzzy stomach knots and that warm flush is whens you rub them mitts over my bald noggin' and give me kisses there on top. You was the one what should been here and it ain't right. It ain't right you had so much to live for. You were so more deservin'. I hope them Gods knows what they got in you.
I'm lost without you. All I gots is your memory and a desire to do good by you. I'm doin' the best I can.
Ain't nothin' I love in this world more than the love I got for you. Ain't know this much feelin' about someone was possible but I feels it.
I love you and I can't wait to be with you again.
Gunther
P.S. If'n you can't send me a sign I understand. I just, you know -- would make it easier knowin' you was there look'n down upon me. I ain't got nothin' to remember you by save my noggin. And you knows how spotty it is. I'm so scared one day I'll wake up and won't remember your face.
Written By Gunther
Feb. 20, 2019, 8:41 p.m.(8/10/1010 AR)
My Sally,
What's it been now? How many months since I last got to wrap my arms half-way around you and snuggle in? Too many, that's what. I ain't gettin' over you. People says, my love, it gets better with time -- it ain't.
What's gettin' better is I'm learning to have moments on my own. Fella I met I told you 'bout before and I are becoming good friends. I like him a lot. People here is treatin' me well an' all. I'm sweepin' and keepin' up them northerners clobberin' stadium. Trainin' fellas and lasses here and there and what not. Them's that wants to toss knucks though I'm enjoyin' teachin'.
The nights are the hardest. I wakes up all the time and reach for you. And I get scared and frantic clawin' at the floor I'm sleeping on -- gettin' at them blankets to find you gone. Then I gets all panicked and it takes me a bit to wake enough to realize you're dead and you ain't never gonna be there again. It's them times I want to go drown in my cups and forget again.
I ain't though. I made you a promise and I'm gonna keep it.
It should have never been me, my girl -- I don't deserve this life. I ain't never done nothin' for nobody before. I'm only good onna account I met and you gave me your love. Reckon if it weren't for you I'd never know what them fuzzy stomach knots and that warm flush is whens you rub them mitts over my bald noggin' and give me kisses there on top. You was the one what should been here and it ain't right. It ain't right you had so much to live for. You were so more deservin'. I hope them Gods knows what they got in you.
I'm lost without you. All I gots is your memory and a desire to do good by you. I'm doin' the best I can.
Ain't nothin' I love in this world more than the love I got for you. Ain't know this much feelin' about someone was possible but I feels it.
I love you and I can't wait to be with you again.
Gunther
P.S. If'n you can't send me a sign I understand. I just, you know -- would make it easier knowin' you was there look'n down upon me. I ain't got nothin' to remember you by save my noggin. And you knows how spotty it is. I'm so scared one day I'll wake up and won't remember your face.
What's it been now? How many months since I last got to wrap my arms half-way around you and snuggle in? Too many, that's what. I ain't gettin' over you. People says, my love, it gets better with time -- it ain't.
What's gettin' better is I'm learning to have moments on my own. Fella I met I told you 'bout before and I are becoming good friends. I like him a lot. People here is treatin' me well an' all. I'm sweepin' and keepin' up them northerners clobberin' stadium. Trainin' fellas and lasses here and there and what not. Them's that wants to toss knucks though I'm enjoyin' teachin'.
The nights are the hardest. I wakes up all the time and reach for you. And I get scared and frantic clawin' at the floor I'm sleeping on -- gettin' at them blankets to find you gone. Then I gets all panicked and it takes me a bit to wake enough to realize you're dead and you ain't never gonna be there again. It's them times I want to go drown in my cups and forget again.
I ain't though. I made you a promise and I'm gonna keep it.
It should have never been me, my girl -- I don't deserve this life. I ain't never done nothin' for nobody before. I'm only good onna account I met and you gave me your love. Reckon if it weren't for you I'd never know what them fuzzy stomach knots and that warm flush is whens you rub them mitts over my bald noggin' and give me kisses there on top. You was the one what should been here and it ain't right. It ain't right you had so much to live for. You were so more deservin'. I hope them Gods knows what they got in you.
I'm lost without you. All I gots is your memory and a desire to do good by you. I'm doin' the best I can.
Ain't nothin' I love in this world more than the love I got for you. Ain't know this much feelin' about someone was possible but I feels it.
I love you and I can't wait to be with you again.
Gunther
P.S. If'n you can't send me a sign I understand. I just, you know -- would make it easier knowin' you was there look'n down upon me. I ain't got nothin' to remember you by save my noggin. And you knows how spotty it is. I'm so scared one day I'll wake up and won't remember your face.
Written By Fortunato
Feb. 20, 2019, 7:52 p.m.(8/10/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Gilroy
Hm. If I thought a reform was insufficiently radical, I'm not sure my first or third reaction would be to kill the reformer and laud the status quo.
Written By Gilroy
Feb. 20, 2019, 11:48 a.m.(8/10/1010 AR)
Say no thank you to the Undying Empire.
Say no thank you to Cardia. This will make the Undying Empire happy.
Hand Brass over to Cardia. This will make Cardia happy.
Then just keep being us.
I have a feeling this wouldn't be a popular option. I expect that there are people who like Brass too much. Having a living legend assure you that thralldom is wrong but an oligarchy is fine allows people to cut a fine line between actual slavery and economic slavery.
Say no thank you to Cardia. This will make the Undying Empire happy.
Hand Brass over to Cardia. This will make Cardia happy.
Then just keep being us.
I have a feeling this wouldn't be a popular option. I expect that there are people who like Brass too much. Having a living legend assure you that thralldom is wrong but an oligarchy is fine allows people to cut a fine line between actual slavery and economic slavery.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.