Written By Ira
Sept. 21, 2017, midnight(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Sidenote: Homeless people in Maelstrom are also at an all-time low due to vast quantities of 'fish-demons' so people say, so there's that as well. Hope you're doing something about that, instead of ARGUING with a PHILOSOPHER about THINGS.
Written By Ira
Sept. 20, 2017, 11:57 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Merek
Who are you and why do you feel the need to be redundant? Please, don't have these poor scholars -- yes, Geoff, I'm talking about you -- go through the work of lumping your white journals into my pile unless you have something worthwhile to spew.
Written By Ira
Sept. 20, 2017, 11:55 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Slavery? Thralldom is not slavery. Thralldom is debt. Thralldom is a way to allow commoners into the grand halls of lords and ladies, provide them beds they would not otherwise have because of the enormous debt they might pay. Let me ask you this, do you see many homeless people in Maelstrom? Why do you think that is? Because the ones who are are usually cozied up somewhere nice, warm and safe, working off their debts -- not out in the street, begging for money or a job with which they might pay back those debts.
Leona Thrax, it reads here. Are you sure about that last part, Dame?
Leona Thrax, it reads here. Are you sure about that last part, Dame?
Written By Marius
Sept. 20, 2017, 11:51 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
I should have written this sooner, but it seemed too grand and important a thing for the mere white journals - no offense, scribe.
Simone and I have a son. Myrddin.
Everyone is well. Apparently babies cry a lot. Thank the gods old and new for nursemaids and nannies.
Simone and I have a son. Myrddin.
Everyone is well. Apparently babies cry a lot. Thank the gods old and new for nursemaids and nannies.
Written By Denica
Sept. 20, 2017, 8:05 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Sidenote to Journal: Does putting an advertisement in these actually work? I don't know if --
Shard it.
If you're tolerable, from a halfway decent family, can put up with tons of questions, don't mind tentacles in your soup, and the occasional paint-covered rom --
My aide, Stojan, is informing me that this a socially poor way to attract a partner, especially for a royal.
Stupid Stojan.
Shard it.
If you're tolerable, from a halfway decent family, can put up with tons of questions, don't mind tentacles in your soup, and the occasional paint-covered rom --
My aide, Stojan, is informing me that this a socially poor way to attract a partner, especially for a royal.
Stupid Stojan.
Written By Merek
Sept. 20, 2017, 7:59 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Well, I am one, so more like, I wrote it, and I don't unwrite journals. Whatever.
Written By Merek
Sept. 20, 2017, 7:59 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Driskell
We are all free, even those that are not, at least in spirit. Skald broke all the chains that bound us to a path. Now, I won't argue about the points of Thralldom or all that, I'm just making a statement that by faith doctrine, we have all been released into freedom by the Great Wolf. Destiny is now what we make it. Even the chains that we have put on ourselves can be broken because of his actions. That said, I completely understand your words. Sometimes we need to look at the Reflection and remember what chains we impose upon ourselves. I must sound silly, my apologies, but I've already had the scholar scribe this.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 20, 2017, 7:48 p.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
For the Faithful Reader:
First - I have previously shared my thoughts on the arguments defending thralldom. Those interested can pester the Scholars to bring them that volume, but otherwise, I feel no need to reiterate them. Needless to say, the arguments nor my thoughts have changed.
However, I did want to speak on a hobby of mine: diplomacy and negotiation. So, as these are my journals and no one is required to read them, I shall ramble on about my thoughts on this. You are warned.
Ruminations on Diplomatic Endeavors, Part the First.
Diplomacy begins long before you ever sit down at a table across from a bargaining partner. There are three questions you should know the answer to before you even initiate contact with others: what you want, what you will settle for, and what you are prepared to give up to gain either of those things.
What You Want: A goal is essential in diplomacy, and do not hesitate to think big. Have a firm idea of what would be your best case scenario; close your eyes and imagine it, imagine the sweet taste of victory, and the warm glow of accomplishment from achieving every one of your aims and leaving your partner sputtering and wondering how they agreed to such a terrible deal. Feels good, yes?
Now, put that aside, because you will never get /everything/ you want. But knowing what the victory scenario is will help shape your requests and negotiations. Be specific, be ambitious, and do not reveal your hand.
What You Will Settle For: Then, go through that wish list, and perform triage. What is /most/ important to you? What could you end the negotiation with that would still accomplish your goals, even if it isn't the ideal scenario? Here, be brutally honest with yourself - mark things which can easily go on the chopping block, but also make a note of the things which you would rather walk away from the table entirely than concede. As with your wish list, be specific and do not share this list with your bargaining partner. A diplomatic negotiation can usually be considered 'successful' if you can get everything you could settle for...and a little more besides. But if your partner knows what you /need/ to accomplish, then they have a tool that you'll find it difficult to counter.
What You Will Concede: Put simply, what will you give up to get what you want. Diplomacy is, at its heart, a negotiation. Barring your partner and their advisers being colossal imbeciles, you will never close a negotiation without having lost something. The trick is to ensure that you understand what you can lose, and still accomplish your goals. There are two very dangerous answers to the question, "What are you willing to give up to get what you desire?": "Everything" and "Nothing".
If you answer "Everything", then for the love of the gods, hire someone to do your negotiations who is not as desperate as you are. I recommend a Whisper. If you answer "Nothing", then diplomacy is not a method which will serve you well. Either walk away from your desire, or sharpen your blades and prepare to fight to take what you want. But we shall assume that you fall into neither of these extremes, in which case I offer the following advice: understand the specific things you might be required to concede, and which you are prepared to sacrifice first. A good negotiator should not be taken by surprise by a request for concessions (even if he or she pretends to be), but should have a list in their mind of things which could be lost in the service of the greater goal.
This entry has gone on for too long, I imagine. Next time, I will speak of my thoughts on researching your partner, and the first meeting.
First - I have previously shared my thoughts on the arguments defending thralldom. Those interested can pester the Scholars to bring them that volume, but otherwise, I feel no need to reiterate them. Needless to say, the arguments nor my thoughts have changed.
However, I did want to speak on a hobby of mine: diplomacy and negotiation. So, as these are my journals and no one is required to read them, I shall ramble on about my thoughts on this. You are warned.
Ruminations on Diplomatic Endeavors, Part the First.
Diplomacy begins long before you ever sit down at a table across from a bargaining partner. There are three questions you should know the answer to before you even initiate contact with others: what you want, what you will settle for, and what you are prepared to give up to gain either of those things.
What You Want: A goal is essential in diplomacy, and do not hesitate to think big. Have a firm idea of what would be your best case scenario; close your eyes and imagine it, imagine the sweet taste of victory, and the warm glow of accomplishment from achieving every one of your aims and leaving your partner sputtering and wondering how they agreed to such a terrible deal. Feels good, yes?
Now, put that aside, because you will never get /everything/ you want. But knowing what the victory scenario is will help shape your requests and negotiations. Be specific, be ambitious, and do not reveal your hand.
What You Will Settle For: Then, go through that wish list, and perform triage. What is /most/ important to you? What could you end the negotiation with that would still accomplish your goals, even if it isn't the ideal scenario? Here, be brutally honest with yourself - mark things which can easily go on the chopping block, but also make a note of the things which you would rather walk away from the table entirely than concede. As with your wish list, be specific and do not share this list with your bargaining partner. A diplomatic negotiation can usually be considered 'successful' if you can get everything you could settle for...and a little more besides. But if your partner knows what you /need/ to accomplish, then they have a tool that you'll find it difficult to counter.
What You Will Concede: Put simply, what will you give up to get what you want. Diplomacy is, at its heart, a negotiation. Barring your partner and their advisers being colossal imbeciles, you will never close a negotiation without having lost something. The trick is to ensure that you understand what you can lose, and still accomplish your goals. There are two very dangerous answers to the question, "What are you willing to give up to get what you desire?": "Everything" and "Nothing".
If you answer "Everything", then for the love of the gods, hire someone to do your negotiations who is not as desperate as you are. I recommend a Whisper. If you answer "Nothing", then diplomacy is not a method which will serve you well. Either walk away from your desire, or sharpen your blades and prepare to fight to take what you want. But we shall assume that you fall into neither of these extremes, in which case I offer the following advice: understand the specific things you might be required to concede, and which you are prepared to sacrifice first. A good negotiator should not be taken by surprise by a request for concessions (even if he or she pretends to be), but should have a list in their mind of things which could be lost in the service of the greater goal.
This entry has gone on for too long, I imagine. Next time, I will speak of my thoughts on researching your partner, and the first meeting.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:51 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
The truth is that none are free, we simply desire to dress our chains in ways that make it more palatable and argue about the merits of this chain or that one. True freedom from order is chaos, and chaos is the nightmare which the Abyss comes from to destroy and twist all creation.
As each man has good and bad within him and the body strives to maintain balance and order, may we embrace our diversity and gain understanding that all have a place within the song.
As each man has good and bad within him and the body strives to maintain balance and order, may we embrace our diversity and gain understanding that all have a place within the song.
Written By Melinda
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:41 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Regla
Thank you for the use of your hall the wedding was beautiful.
Written By Melinda
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:40 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
Lord Ian Kennex needs himself a wife, you may come my way if you are in need of a political matching and I shall introduce you to his voice Lord Ford Kennex.
Written By Melinda
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:37 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Artorius
My beloved, I am happy to be your wife, I hope we make an unstoppable pair. I will miss being at my fathers table but I hope you find me just as good at training our own armies.
Written By Melinda
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:35 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Sivard
Brother you could had chosen a better time to duel with Artorius, you stole my first dance.
Written By Leona
Sept. 20, 2017, 5:47 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
For those who question why thralldom is evil, or for those defending it with weak excuses like 'oh, but we've always done this' or 'oh, but it's a cultural thing' or 'oh, most slav...thrall-keepers don't treat them badly,' I say this:
You are free, and so you have a right to say what you will about it.
I am also free, so I will continue to exercise my right to think you're a despicable asshole for it.
In the meantime, I will also continue to exercise my right to do what I can to ensure that the shame of thralldom is eradicated, and to fight against slavery in all its forms.
You are free, and so you have a right to say what you will about it.
I am also free, so I will continue to exercise my right to think you're a despicable asshole for it.
In the meantime, I will also continue to exercise my right to do what I can to ensure that the shame of thralldom is eradicated, and to fight against slavery in all its forms.
Written By Leona
Sept. 20, 2017, 5:43 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Thena Grayhope is a soon to be Knight who does not seek the limelight, but in my brief time as a Knight I will say that is a common mark among the best Knights I know. And yet when deeds of bravery are done or leadership is needed then I think she will carry herself with honor and dignity, that those who look to her may be inspired to the best of chivalry, honor, valor, and justice. Which is about as good an impression as a soon to be Knight can make, in truth. May she always stick to those ideals.
Written By Leona
Sept. 20, 2017, 5:39 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
He sees with an artist's eye, a rare talent that catches far more than most people would likely give him credit for. I found his exhibit moving in many ways, and strongly support his - and Archlector Aleksei's and Prince Mason's - cause. His skill with a brush is incredible, his attention to detail profound. I witnessed the effect it had on others first-hand, which is what great art does. Masterpieces on display indeed, but for all the attention to art given, I find myself more curious about the man who painted them, and the mind that envisioned them.
Written By Fortunato
Sept. 20, 2017, 5:35 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Puzzled about the source of talk about thralls in the archives? Then please visit the Inner Sanctum of the Shrine of the First Choice. May you be graced with context.
Written By Merek
Sept. 20, 2017, 5:28 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ira
I'm not sure even a Thraxian would say something like that. And also, it is currently under reform by the High Lord to make it easier on Thralls. I'm not sure where all this talk is coming from recently in the journals.
Written By Ira
Sept. 20, 2017, 4:59 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
On Thralldom:
Why is everyone so adamant about stopping thralldom? Why must it come to a close? The economical benefits are numerous, and the morality of it is delightfully justified. In my opinion, spread it far and wide! Let those debtors do some service for the greater good of progress! And what of their children, you ask? Well, I inherited my mother's bad health. They can inherit their families crippling debt.
Why is everyone so adamant about stopping thralldom? Why must it come to a close? The economical benefits are numerous, and the morality of it is delightfully justified. In my opinion, spread it far and wide! Let those debtors do some service for the greater good of progress! And what of their children, you ask? Well, I inherited my mother's bad health. They can inherit their families crippling debt.
Written By Victus
Sept. 20, 2017, 3:58 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
The Children of Mangata and their city beneath the waves was truly beautiful. I wish I could have brought so many more to see the Elve's homelands for the sheer majesty that it presented. I've no doubt in my mind now what should be done for Thrax, the knowledge that we have lost to the centuries of who we truly were so many lifetimes ago.
It's a wonderful day for progress.
It's a wonderful day for progress.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.