(4th IR) What does your character write?

[Sollir Furryfoot]

I vote for the rest of the turn writing, and then control later, or at least a little more writing...it might make things turn out more interesting that way.

I don't mind doing something else though.

 

[The Forsaken One]

I just want to start controlling when things settle down a bit. Too chaotic for a start.

 

[Mr. Draco]

(well, I might as well jump in; btw, for now i vote we just write)

From the deserts of Faerun, comes a strange man. He arrives in Waterdeep after a long trek across the land. If asked, he gives his name as Tanirth Daiwo (Monk: 30). Softly spoken, his words betray an inner power and calm. He comes bearing a book, fully illustrated, titled "Self Defense through Inner Strength: A Guide to Safety Through Meditation in These Dangerous Times"

This completely non-magical book (to make its cost dirt cheap and available to even the peasant farmers) details the way of the monk. Concentrating in early chapters on meditation and the proper mindset for encountering life. In the latter half of the book, it discusses the techniques of martial arts and defense. Complete with a pictorial guide to the techniques. It also includes detailed excersizes for increasing strength, endurance, and the like.

 

[William Ronald]

Edena,

Well, it looks like a 4th IR has informally started. Rest every now and then.

Also, you might want to e-mail some of the participants from previous IRs, and give a little time before we actually start running countries. Maybe a week or two at most to really build towards a Full IR and to recruit people. (The 3rd IR did have sometime for recruiting. Consider using the time to make any adjustments that you need to make, i.e. tweaking the rules, working on a few ideas.) Currently, I think we are in the Awakening, akin to Earth's Enlightenment that preceded the Industrial Revolution. The Enlightenment helped usher in the Industrial Revolution.

My character accepts all offers of sponsorship, if possible. Especially Ravensbluff. (My character by the way is Ardan Turval, a human fighter/wizard of levels 8/22. He is of Lawful Good alignment, but is very tolerant of others.)

I must say that I am surprised at some of the alliances.

As promised here is a link to my Maps and Other Campaign Resources thread.

Creamsteak, Halruaa is a better choice for Gustav, your lawful good character. He is probably changing the nature of the Knights of the Shield for the better.

Serpenteye, Zouron, Venus, good to see you. It feels like old times.

Edena, maybe take a little time to build up to making this really an IR. The Enlightenment lasted for a while, so the Awakening should as well. (Plus we can recruit more players.)

 

[William Ronald]

New Works

(Note: I wrote this before catching up to the thread.)

Ardan Turval sits at his desk in Waterdeep. A copy of the Gazette of Toril and other correspondence is opened. Two new books are on his desk.

Preface to Breaking the Chains: Ending Slavery in Our Time by Ardan Turval

WARNING: Gentle Reader, as this work deals with the issue of slavery there is much herein that may be inappropriate to children or the more sensitive among you. Indeed, if the stones of Toril could weep, then they would weep at some of the tales related in this volume.

“There have been recent works showing the institution of slavery in a favorable light, comparing the slaves to children and their masters to loving parents. I suggest that those who advocate slavery read the stories of the former slaves included in this volume. Then, they should try slavery for themselves before inflicting it upon others. Some how I doubt they will. Which is a pity in that they will not experience the “joys” of harsh labor in fields and mines, torture, magical experimentation, and acts which I will not mention in this preface. Again, I refer the reader to the warning at the beginning of this preface.”

“There are those who will try to justify slavery on economic grounds and economic disruption. I have countered such arguments with examples of countries where free farmers practice. Additionally, this work discusses how a transition can be made from a society with slaves to one where all enjoy the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship.”

“Others try to justify slavery by claiming superiority of race. Rubbish. To those who claim such superiority, I ask them to show me that which does not exist: the difference between the bones of a dead slave owner and those of his slaves. There are races that claim such superiority, such as the illithid. They are among those that seek not only to take away the rights of others, including their right to think. I would like to thank those who have given me valuable insight to slavery as it is practiced in the Underdark as well as on the surface.”

“I have observed that the only way you can keep another down is to lower yourself. By lifting others up, we lift ourselves up as well. It is to be hoped that we shall see the end of slavery and the growth of freedom in our own lives and times. Let us proclaim liberty throughout all the world.”

Post Script: I have also included an index, to help you find references to specific topics, persons, and places.



Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Origins of Slavery

Chapter 2: Slavery in Ancient Times.

Chapter 3: Slavery in Faerun

Chapter 4: Slavery Elsewhere on Toril and beyond

Chapter 5: Slavery in the Underdark

Chapter 6: “A Life Nasty, Brutish and Short: Torture and Other Abuses.”

Chapter 7: Cry for the Children

Chapter 8: “Justifications” for Slavery: A Flurry of Canards

Chapter 9: Shattered Shackles: Stories of Freed Slaves

Chapter 10: Ending Slavery in Our Time: Suggested Reforms

Index


Preface to The Rights of Sentients: A Call for Rights and An Examination of How To Secure Those Rights By Ardan Turval

“I have previously wrote about the rights of the individual in many works. However, it is necessary to examine how societies act to secure the rights of the individual.”

“It is to be noted that whether expressly written or implicitly accepted that there appears to be social contracts between the governed and the governed. As with many other types of contracts, some are far better than others. However, there is always a sense of an exchange. Namely, that some things are expected of the government by the governed and from the governed by the government. When governments respect the fundamental rights of individuals, they tend to prosper. Governments that have decided to usurp tha natural rights of individuals find that they must exert efforts to stay in power that could be better directed at providing goods, services, and defending their nation.”

“This work will examine the various types of governments known in Faerun and beyond. It will examine how well such systems can provide for their people, and offer historic and current examples. The challenges and opportunity that each form of government offers to its citizens is also explored in great deal. In general, I have found that those societies that protect the rights of its citizens prosper and have a greater sense of unity than those where the rulers oppress their people.”

“Indeed, a warrior of some note once said to me: Free men fight better. A free man will make sacrifices for his home, his family, and his nation that slaves would not consider.”

“While this is true, it is to be noted that there is a greater sense of national unity in most lands where people enjoy the benefits of liberty. Indeed, I hold it to be a fundamental right of people to petition their governments for change and a correction of grievances. Wise leaders have recognized this, realizing that the care of their nation depends on having the willing support of its citizens.”

“Tyrannical governments and corrupt regimes very often collapse from internal or external pressures. Indeed, many people have fled oppressive governments to seek places where they have more freedom to shape their own destinies.”

“There is a parable from Shou Lung that addresses this issue.”

“A craftsman and his family are seen heading north on a road, leaving the province where there family has lived for generations. On the way north, they are stopped by a passing merchant who knows the craftsman well.”

“My friend,” said the merchant. “Why are you leaving our native province? Do you not know that they have tigers in the north?”

“That is true, old friend. However, we have bad government back home. Bad government is worse than tigers,” the craftsman replies.


Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Origins of Government: The Social Contract and the Fundamental Rights of Sentients

Chapter 2: Forms of Government

Chapter 3: Monarchies and Feudalism

Chapter 4 Empires
Chapter 5: Theocracies and Magocracies

Chapter 6: Democracies and Republics

Chapter 7: Plutocracies

Chapter 8: Aristocracies and Oligarchies

Chapter 9: Protecting the Rights of the Individual

Chapter 10: Historic and Current forms of Government

Chapter 11: Tools for Governments and Societies: Magic and Technology

Chapter 12: Building a Better Future

Index

Chapter 11 of the book takes a balanced attitude about magic and technology, noting that there are good and evil people who use them. It calls for people to use magic and technology responsibly. Magical and mundane pollution can be prevented and treated by responsible use of magic and careful planning to prevent pollution.

Chapter 12 examines how nations can cooperate with each other. It calls for an end to tyranny and oppression in all forms.

Overall, the book takes a fair and balanced look at governmental systems.

 

[Creamsteak]

Edena, it's my opinion that things should flow like they are.

My character, for instance, is a writer and tactical genious. Eventually, it seems very likely, that he could be elected unanimously by his sponsors to lead them. This is realistic, and an appropriate way to deal with things. I don't think we should just 'take command' of our sponsors.

Some of us, like Janos, could take power by Force.

Some of us, like Serpenteyes could be placed into power by the current government.

Some of us, like myself, could unintentionally become the military organizer of a great many people.

Some of us, like William, could be elected to power and accepted widely as a great and noble leader of men.

Some of us, like TFO, could lead from secrecy and manipulation, and take power by offing and replacing the real leaders.

This is how things should be done, in my opinion. We, authors, should take it upon ourselves to either make the power ours, or the people should take it upon themselves to make us their leaders. This is my angle, and it has strong flow.



Also, I send a letter to Ardan Turval,

Greatings Ardan,

I am the military Tactician and author Gustav the Iron, and I would like to know if you are interested in a co-sponsored effort to prevent brutal and bloody conflict or conflicts of good and evil in the region. I'm gathering some of the best writers and most intelligent people to help deal with the current 'feuds' going on.

The invitation for myself, yourself, Alarah Gomenei, and others is very important. Between your peace and diplomacy, as well as way with the pen, Alarah's economic genious, and my own understanding of the wars of men and gods, I think we can do something about the problem.

Note: My character's levels should be Fighter 11/Iron Knight 9/Warmaster 9, I changed my mind and figured that the most fitting 'themes' for my character are 'die for my country' 'leadership' and 'siegemaster' so these fit perfectly. Also, for my full name I think you should go back to Gustav the Iron. It's sooo perfect .

 

[William Ronald]

A Condemnation of the Attack on Silverymoon and Certain Questionable Alliances

"Recently, the forces of intolerance attacked the beautiful city of Silverymoon. Nations fearing the spread of knowledge have decided to silence those who wish to see knowledge spread, not hoarded by the greedy."

"Strangely, there have been recent alliances that call into question the commitment of certain leaders to the principles that they have historically espoused. The rulers of Evermeet and Everska claim to follow the teachings of the Seldarine, and honor Corellon Larethian. One must ask if those who truly honor Corellon and the Seldarine would ally with the slavers of Thay and the Shade."

"Perhaps it is time for those rulers to reconsider their alliances. Renounce the darkness, and repent. How can those who champion freedom for themselves ally with those who oppress others. How can those who claim to love the Light of the Seldarine embrace the Darkness. One cannot serve too masters."

"I urge the elven peoples to petition the leaders of Evermeet and Everska to reconsider their actions. By supporting Thay, Evermeet seems to be giving implicit consent to the murder of innocents in Silverymoon and elsewhere."

"We must not abandon our principles for the sake of convenience or the naked pursuit of power. One must ask why the wise and benevolent leaders of two great nations have abandoned the principles that their gods espouse."

"Traditionally, the elven peoples have been champions of goodness. While some have accused them of arrogance and isolation, I have known many elves who championed freedom, acted compassionately towards strangers, and risked their lives to fight evil and oppression. Some died heroically defending the innocent and the sacred principles of the Seldarine."

"I urge the elven peoples to honor those who champion freedom and goodness. If the leaders of great nations have fallen into darkness, they need to be shown the way back into the Light of the Seldarine. If not, they may lead their people to great disaster."

"As for the issue of magic and technology, I believe what is most crucial is the responsible use of magic and technology to better the lives of individuals. Behind this lies the fundamental questions of ethics. In allying themselves with regimes whose practices violate everything that the Seldarine stand for, one must question the commitment some have to the principles of the Seldarine, elven tradition, and the true well-being of their people."

"I pray for the well being of the good people of Evermeet and Everska and the repentance of a leadership that seems to be ignoring their beliefs and best interests."

"I stand firmly with all authors and governments who defend freedom, justice, compassion and the rights of the individual. I find it shocking that some have apparently abandoned their principles."

"I do urge those who have wronged others to seek their forgiveness. Forgiveness can change a single life, a nation, or a world for the better. Many of us need to correct the problems in our own nations. I am shocked that so many purporting themselves to be noble and good have allied or tolerated that which is truly vile. Yet there is still time for each of us to mend our ways."


Ardan contacts Arkanyl thanking him for his support.

 

[William Ronald]

Creamsteak wrote:

Greatings Ardan,

I am the military Tactician and author Gustav the Iron, and I would like to know if you are interested in a co-sponsored effort to prevent brutal and bloody conflict or conflicts of good and evil in the region. I'm gathering some of the best writers and most intelligent people to help deal with the current 'feuds' going on.

The invitation for myself, yourself, Alarah Gomenei, and others is very important. Between your peace and diplomacy, as well as way with the pen, Alarah's economic genious, and my own understanding of the wars of men and gods, I think we can do something about the problem.

Most Noble Gustav:

Indeed, your suggestion was most wise and I was thinking of much the same. I have recently condemned some of the actions of some governments that have been quite troubling. Perhaps some will become more rational.

I believe that an organized efforts for those who wish to see a better life for the people of Toril could make a marked difference in the lives of others. Indeed, now is the time for all right thinking men and women to hang together, for if we do not, we shall assuredly hand separately.

I look forward to the meeting,

Respectfully,

Ardan Turval

 

[William Ronald]

Creamsteak,

A good suggestion. It will also give Edena some time to set things up formally for people to pick nations. I believe the nations should be picked according to how they exist in the current FR setting.

The authors may become leaders, or perhaps advisors to leaders. (Voltairre was welcome at many courts.)

Going offline for the night, as I have a game.

Edena,

There is a need to formally set everythign up and allow people to formally pick factions. I think we have all stirred up enough of a hornet's nest to allow for some interesting choices. However, I think that the general guidelines for picking nations that you used in the 3rd IR would work.

It is possible that some of the nations would reverse course from what happened in this thread. (Hence, Ardan's strong protestations against some very worrying alliances.)

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

(waits for the rest of the votes to come in)