Written By Mirari
May 7, 2018, 3:10 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Apparently, I've been doing this wrong the entire time. I've been teaching for free.
That being said, you are giving someone your time. For some people, time means a lot. I would imagine that a Princess Consort has a lot of things on her plate, so if she is giving you her time - I would hope people could put forth a small amount to recompense.
Why was nobody in a flutter when someone was charging 50k in silver for training?
That being said, you are giving someone your time. For some people, time means a lot. I would imagine that a Princess Consort has a lot of things on her plate, so if she is giving you her time - I would hope people could put forth a small amount to recompense.
Why was nobody in a flutter when someone was charging 50k in silver for training?
Written By Quenia
May 7, 2018, 3:10 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
With all the talk about marriages and oaths, I am beginning to think I need to take additional time to contemplate my up and coming nuptials more, and so the wedding has been postponed for a time, but not cancelled.
I will be praying to Limerance for guidance in the meantime.
I will be praying to Limerance for guidance in the meantime.
Written By Aureth
May 7, 2018, 3:04 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Anyone may charge for their services whatever the market will bear, and I encourage them to do so, really. Charity is the province of Gild and who doesn't approve of that?
When I was a businessman, I ran a bar of some reputation* in this town -- now Mae owns it and I'm sure it's doing better than it ever did while I was in charge, but that's beside the point; but I also worked as an instructor and an entertainer.
During that period of my life, I charged based on what my student (or my audience, for that matter) could afford and how much of my time they were taking up; a commoner down on his luck could spend 5 silver a week and I'd call it a good deal, while the Princess Regent of the Realm paid me by the thousand. There's no moral suasion as to pricing any of this; I wasn't bilking anyone, my fees were agreed between me and my students and I'm sure it all evened out in the end.
Now I serve the Faith of the Pantheon and I deem it appropriate to give my services freely as part of a joint benefit to our common humanity.
_______
* I didn't say it was a _good_ reputation.
When I was a businessman, I ran a bar of some reputation* in this town -- now Mae owns it and I'm sure it's doing better than it ever did while I was in charge, but that's beside the point; but I also worked as an instructor and an entertainer.
During that period of my life, I charged based on what my student (or my audience, for that matter) could afford and how much of my time they were taking up; a commoner down on his luck could spend 5 silver a week and I'd call it a good deal, while the Princess Regent of the Realm paid me by the thousand. There's no moral suasion as to pricing any of this; I wasn't bilking anyone, my fees were agreed between me and my students and I'm sure it all evened out in the end.
Now I serve the Faith of the Pantheon and I deem it appropriate to give my services freely as part of a joint benefit to our common humanity.
_______
* I didn't say it was a _good_ reputation.
Written By Tomwell
May 7, 2018, 3:01 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
If the question is one of limited time, then I'm uncertain how asking for payment solves the problem. Furthermore, it unavoidably leaves those of lower rank without access. I have absolutely no objections to nobility donating to valuable charities, and support it wholeheartedly, but it's unclear to me why the two should be linked.
If the question is one of time, ask the prospective student to help the prospective teacher with the sorts of time-taking tasks that they might be able to assist with. No matter our rank, we all have things that must be done but do not necessarily require doing by someone with our level of knowledge or expertise. If the student manages a few hours worth of work, the instructor has freed up the time to do the teaching.
If the question is one of valuing the lesson, though I am not personally convinced there needs to be a transaction to prove so, perhaps the instructor can ask the student to perform some act of charity on their own. A way to pay it forward. The student can do that in the manner that best suits them - someone poor in silver but rich in other skills could pass on knowledge of their trade to another student in turn. Or donate the amount of silver they deem affordable to a charity of their choice. Or do work in service for one of the Shrines. And so on.
I simply fail to see how making those lower ranked than oneself pay for lessons will solve a problem of having too little time for instruction. Unless the intent is to weed out the less fortunate, and thus have fewer (and only wealthy) requests for teaching to begin with.
If the question is one of time, ask the prospective student to help the prospective teacher with the sorts of time-taking tasks that they might be able to assist with. No matter our rank, we all have things that must be done but do not necessarily require doing by someone with our level of knowledge or expertise. If the student manages a few hours worth of work, the instructor has freed up the time to do the teaching.
If the question is one of valuing the lesson, though I am not personally convinced there needs to be a transaction to prove so, perhaps the instructor can ask the student to perform some act of charity on their own. A way to pay it forward. The student can do that in the manner that best suits them - someone poor in silver but rich in other skills could pass on knowledge of their trade to another student in turn. Or donate the amount of silver they deem affordable to a charity of their choice. Or do work in service for one of the Shrines. And so on.
I simply fail to see how making those lower ranked than oneself pay for lessons will solve a problem of having too little time for instruction. Unless the intent is to weed out the less fortunate, and thus have fewer (and only wealthy) requests for teaching to begin with.
Written By Rook
May 7, 2018, 2:39 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
When the Peerage request a sum of some order, writs or silver, and specifically indicate it will go to charity that -is- their duty to the people made known. Highly skilled, valued and in-demand tutors are not in endless supply. With Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax's policy regarding her time, I think it's only reasonable, and the prospect of a few week's wages put towards such seems appropriate to me.
The Scholars and many individuals within the Faith do indeed provide their services for free but they are often so busy that any additional people willing to share information amongst citizens of the Compact should be applauded.
I have personally studied under her highness and you will find your development under her tutelage far superior to many run of the mill lecturers. The donations are in good faith and in recognition that you're taking up the busy schedule of someone who has so many other matters on their plate.
The Scholars and many individuals within the Faith do indeed provide their services for free but they are often so busy that any additional people willing to share information amongst citizens of the Compact should be applauded.
I have personally studied under her highness and you will find your development under her tutelage far superior to many run of the mill lecturers. The donations are in good faith and in recognition that you're taking up the busy schedule of someone who has so many other matters on their plate.
Written By Sorrel
May 7, 2018, 2:32 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
We can be friends, as long as you understand that I believe you to be Oathbroken and in need of penance for that fact. I believe you need to pray to the Gods for forgiveness and strength, and perhaps take a long time atoning before you choose to enter into a similar vow. I want you to be my friend, and I want you to have standards. I am sorry that you had to go through the painful process of choosing to break an Oath, but the only way to heal is to atone.
Sir Corban and I had a conversation about this previously, because it saddens me to know that my friends are Oathbroken. It saddens me. I know that he's working to atone, and I know that he has taken vows never to wed again. I expect him to keep those vows with a ferocity with which he did not keep his previous ones. I hope that for him, it is easier to serve unwed, without his noble title.
Life is a list of choices, and breaking an Oath is a choice. Maybe you had good reasons, and maybe you were better off in the eyes of the Gods breaking the Oath than keeping it, but either way, I hope that you will pray and atone. You should not make light of this. This is your family and your name that you represent here. This is the nobility that you represent here.
Others who have divorced have done nothing to atone. They have not treated their Oaths with seriousness nor their Oathbreaking with penance. They are the ones I am critical of. And should you get married tomorrow, I do not think I could trust you as a friend, because I would know the lack of respect with which you treat sacred institutions.
Sir Corban and I had a conversation about this previously, because it saddens me to know that my friends are Oathbroken. It saddens me. I know that he's working to atone, and I know that he has taken vows never to wed again. I expect him to keep those vows with a ferocity with which he did not keep his previous ones. I hope that for him, it is easier to serve unwed, without his noble title.
Life is a list of choices, and breaking an Oath is a choice. Maybe you had good reasons, and maybe you were better off in the eyes of the Gods breaking the Oath than keeping it, but either way, I hope that you will pray and atone. You should not make light of this. This is your family and your name that you represent here. This is the nobility that you represent here.
Others who have divorced have done nothing to atone. They have not treated their Oaths with seriousness nor their Oathbreaking with penance. They are the ones I am critical of. And should you get married tomorrow, I do not think I could trust you as a friend, because I would know the lack of respect with which you treat sacred institutions.
Written By Fairen
May 7, 2018, 1:54 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tomwell
Perhaps I am biased in my agreement with Lord Tomwell in that he is both my brother, and that I am a Scholar of Vellichor myself, but I fully agree. As a Scholar, it is my duty to provide knowledge and education to others as readily as possible. Admittably, some Scholars need to earn their living, and providing an education to others is their only method to do so, but under Archscolar Bianca's honorable movement, this is something that has already been easily accomplished. She has successfully ensured that education is available to all members of the Compact at either a low cost, or not cost at all.
Written By Isabeau
May 7, 2018, 1:49 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aviana
Let it be known that I have taken Mistress Aviana Bertram as my first protege. She is a most skilled seamstress and has been granted shop space -- Bertram's Simple Seams -- in the Valardin Ward. Please do seek her out once she is settled in her new establishment.
Written By Aureth
May 7, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tomwell
In view of Lord Tomwell's recent writing, I'll add this as a public reminder that I am happy to lend my aid as an instructor to those in need whenever I have the time available. Please, if any need aid in learning and hasn't the funds to spend, drop by the Shrine of the Queen of Endings.
Donations to the Faith are always accepted from those who have the coin or wish to do so, but I never require them.
Donations to the Faith are always accepted from those who have the coin or wish to do so, but I never require them.
Written By Isabeau
May 7, 2018, 1:40 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mercedes
As my gracious High Lord has mentioned, some matches for House Valardin that he oversaw were handled with more heart than concern for the other ties made to bind. Subsequently, Prince Edain determined that I might have a clearer view of what was best for House Valardin when it came to marital matters. But, let me also attest... it can be very difficult to look beyond the superficial happiness of your family members when trying to determine if a marriage match should be made. No one wants their daughters or sons or siblings or cousins to be unhappy, after all. But, happiness does not always a good match make. There have been offers declined wherein the couple involved were happy, but their union would not have been in the best interest(s) of the House(s) involved. There have also been matches made wherein the couple involved were only acquainted in passing, but agreed to do their noble duty in order to strengthen ties between their Houses.
The work of matchmakers is not easy, but the work of nobles bound by marriage is much more difficult. Marriage is about more than love or happiness; it is about service. Service to your House(s), service to society, and service to the gods. It would be better that a noble forsake their name than break their vow.
Don't believe me? Ask Dame Mercedes.
The work of matchmakers is not easy, but the work of nobles bound by marriage is much more difficult. Marriage is about more than love or happiness; it is about service. Service to your House(s), service to society, and service to the gods. It would be better that a noble forsake their name than break their vow.
Don't believe me? Ask Dame Mercedes.
Written By Tomwell
May 7, 2018, 1:40 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Many of us know the satisfaction of spreading knowledge for the good of the Compact. Stewardship of knowledge, after all, is a sacred duty and I commend and respect all of those who take time from their lives to offer instruction. It can be quite labor intensive, to be sure. Nothing worth knowing can be easily taught in a brief meeting. And so many of us have so many other pressing demands on our time.
Still, I must admit to being taken aback to see lessons offered in exchange for a significant number of writs. With rank comes responsibilities to our vassals and those less fortunate. Further, at such a steep rate, those to whom we should be most concerned with helping may be shut out entirely. Lack of funds shouldn't equal lack of access to knowledge. If the issue is truly one of too few hours in a day, perhaps the instructor could ask for help with a few tasks done in exchange for the lesson - assigned to fit the skills of the student.
That being said, while I can't say I'm a particularly skilled teacher, I do know a bit here and there in social matters. I will happily offer instruction for free to anyone interested. Or do my best to direct you to someone better skilled or more knowledgeable on the subject at hand.
Still, I must admit to being taken aback to see lessons offered in exchange for a significant number of writs. With rank comes responsibilities to our vassals and those less fortunate. Further, at such a steep rate, those to whom we should be most concerned with helping may be shut out entirely. Lack of funds shouldn't equal lack of access to knowledge. If the issue is truly one of too few hours in a day, perhaps the instructor could ask for help with a few tasks done in exchange for the lesson - assigned to fit the skills of the student.
That being said, while I can't say I'm a particularly skilled teacher, I do know a bit here and there in social matters. I will happily offer instruction for free to anyone interested. Or do my best to direct you to someone better skilled or more knowledgeable on the subject at hand.
Written By Iseulet
May 7, 2018, 1:30 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Well, it's a little early - I had planned a book launch among other things but I figured I would take advantage of the stir in the whites.
Tying the Knot: A Commentary on Noble Marriages in Arvum, a 3 part series is now available at the Empyrean.
Tying the Knot: A Commentary on Noble Marriages in Arvum, a 3 part series is now available at the Empyrean.
Written By Thena
May 7, 2018, 1:08 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alessandro
Rest assured, my censure, at least, falls equally in all parties.
However, Sir Corban has not publicly misrepresented the Faith. Nor, as some (though not, to her credit, Lady Vanora) have, made droll little jokes about it.
However, Sir Corban has not publicly misrepresented the Faith. Nor, as some (though not, to her credit, Lady Vanora) have, made droll little jokes about it.
Written By Alessandro
May 7, 2018, 1:05 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
There are differences, yes. I merely point out that an oath is an oath, and this aspect of Lady Monique and Sir Corban's divorce has been, either in whole or almost in whole (as I cannot swear to have read every white but I do read them faithfully) unmentioned. So, I mention it. That is all.
Written By Tikva
May 7, 2018, 12:52 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Sir Corban is, indeed, an oathbreaker, and must do penance before Limerance and the Faith. Here is my defense of him. I have considered myself his friend, and he broke an oath, breached duty and fealty, did wrong and owes penance.
I will reiterate, however, that Sir Corban abandoned no children. Further, the serious oath that Sir Corban took was an oath -- in part -- to _never wed again_. He is also no longer a Lord of the Peerage, because the Knights of the King's Own do not avail themselves of those privileges.
Meanwhile, Lady Vanora is leaping into another marital oath shortly after breaking a marital oath with a husband with whom she had a child, and is marrying into the house that was her liege house when she was the consort of Stormward.
These are not distinctions without difference. One of these people is more flagrant in their profligacy than the other and has earned more public opprobium thereby.
I am disappointed that there are Disciples of the Faith who are so publicly permissive about oathbreaking.
I will reiterate, however, that Sir Corban abandoned no children. Further, the serious oath that Sir Corban took was an oath -- in part -- to _never wed again_. He is also no longer a Lord of the Peerage, because the Knights of the King's Own do not avail themselves of those privileges.
Meanwhile, Lady Vanora is leaping into another marital oath shortly after breaking a marital oath with a husband with whom she had a child, and is marrying into the house that was her liege house when she was the consort of Stormward.
These are not distinctions without difference. One of these people is more flagrant in their profligacy than the other and has earned more public opprobium thereby.
I am disappointed that there are Disciples of the Faith who are so publicly permissive about oathbreaking.
Written By Alessandro
May 7, 2018, 12:37 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
The breaking of an oath is a very serious thing, as has been stated all over the whites by those more eloquent than I. However, there seem to be some selective memories here as well. While it is true that Lady Vanora has entered into another very serious oath not very long after the breaking of the first, Prince Victus is quite correct in his mentioning that marriage is not the only serious oath that can be taken.
Sir Corban also took another very serious oath not a month after breaking his marriage vows, and while I wish him well and believe that he will serve faithfully and well in this new capacity, I cannot fail to notice that there has not been much mention of this situation which mirrors Lady Vanora’s. Censure should be applied equally, or not at all.
Sir Corban also took another very serious oath not a month after breaking his marriage vows, and while I wish him well and believe that he will serve faithfully and well in this new capacity, I cannot fail to notice that there has not been much mention of this situation which mirrors Lady Vanora’s. Censure should be applied equally, or not at all.
Written By Alarissa
May 7, 2018, 12:30 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
It has been non-stop teaching, individuals seeking me out and my time to better themselves. Satisfying as it is, it can be tiring. To which after conversing with my husband, decided that any who wish to seek training at my hand, will need to provide 15 writs. It won't be kept, I'll be turning it to a charity of my choice. It is my hope that others will understand when they come seeking.
Written By Jonathan
May 7, 2018, 12:03 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Genevieve
*the scholar notes that Jonathan perused the Whites for a while to catch up on the local flow of news, saw Genevieve's writings, and just laughed long and loud. Then demanded I record that and left. Jonathan also doodled all over a spare sheet of paper, so the scholar recorded that too. Unknown whether Jonathan wanted that included*
(Included in the entry is a picture of a farmhouse with a myriad of stick cows, pigs, and chickens, with two little stick people in the middle of it all. One has a bow and is shooting the other, who is laughing about it. Or maybe he's crying. It's hard to tell, it's a /really/ bad doodle)
(Included in the entry is a picture of a farmhouse with a myriad of stick cows, pigs, and chickens, with two little stick people in the middle of it all. One has a bow and is shooting the other, who is laughing about it. Or maybe he's crying. It's hard to tell, it's a /really/ bad doodle)
Written By Victus
May 7, 2018, 11:57 a.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
I think most people here have already summed up the gist of things, probably more sufficiently than I could. But let's record anyway.
I've been called 'old school' a couple of times on my thoughts toward folk's relations. When I was growing up I was given next to no expectations on peerage and the like finding matches for 'love', even before it was expected that I'd go beyond just being a bastard. Even being an acknowledged blood of Thrax was good enough for those lessons, because unions between Houses are just that damn important. Marriages between nobility in my mind should always be for the benefit of their family's and their people first and foremost. If you're only thinking of your personal gain before that, then something is wrong.
What I think is often difficult to realize is that so long as you hold your place among nobility, facets of your personal life no longer belong to you. You have obligations, responsibilities, and honor to your House and family that's expected of you. "Fuck who you like if you like them" said wiser Islanders than I when I was a youngin, "But when you put your name on the line, shit gets serious". Because a promise is a promise, an oath is an oath. One broken promise or one broken oath too damn many. You need to own what's been done, walk your line to forgiveness and show you mean it. From personal experience, being humbled the hard way is often the quickest road to that realization.
If you don't like the person who you married, then ask yourself first, 'what is this providing my family, my brothers and sisters back home who I've vowed to stand by always and our gods who's guidance we cherish'? Because then, only then if it's really fucking things up should you consider just how serious you need to take stepping out of those vows.
To knowingly enter a union is to commit, body and soul to the purpose you've sworn to. Whether it's marriage, soldiering, knighthood, etc. All of it is fucking important. Stand by them.
I've been called 'old school' a couple of times on my thoughts toward folk's relations. When I was growing up I was given next to no expectations on peerage and the like finding matches for 'love', even before it was expected that I'd go beyond just being a bastard. Even being an acknowledged blood of Thrax was good enough for those lessons, because unions between Houses are just that damn important. Marriages between nobility in my mind should always be for the benefit of their family's and their people first and foremost. If you're only thinking of your personal gain before that, then something is wrong.
What I think is often difficult to realize is that so long as you hold your place among nobility, facets of your personal life no longer belong to you. You have obligations, responsibilities, and honor to your House and family that's expected of you. "Fuck who you like if you like them" said wiser Islanders than I when I was a youngin, "But when you put your name on the line, shit gets serious". Because a promise is a promise, an oath is an oath. One broken promise or one broken oath too damn many. You need to own what's been done, walk your line to forgiveness and show you mean it. From personal experience, being humbled the hard way is often the quickest road to that realization.
If you don't like the person who you married, then ask yourself first, 'what is this providing my family, my brothers and sisters back home who I've vowed to stand by always and our gods who's guidance we cherish'? Because then, only then if it's really fucking things up should you consider just how serious you need to take stepping out of those vows.
To knowingly enter a union is to commit, body and soul to the purpose you've sworn to. Whether it's marriage, soldiering, knighthood, etc. All of it is fucking important. Stand by them.
Written By Genevieve
May 7, 2018, 11:56 a.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
I hate liking people, but they keep making me do it somehow.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.