Post by Rule Hound on May 24, 2016 2:25:26 GMT
Dorthia:
You are puttering around your library in Klagenfurt one evening reading over the freshly minted scrolls and finished pages watching for any detail that is out of place. When you hear the doors open and close and light footsteps behind you. Turning around cautiously you see Chamberlin Dorthia dressed in her finest riding clothes she is accompanied by a small male attendant who bows to you and slowly backs away allowing you two to talk unhindered.
"What a wonderful addition to Klagenfurt Master Salonikas," Dorthia says with a smile on her face, "I am most impressed with what you have managed to do in such a short period of time."
Dorthia holds her elbow out and you grasp it as she allows you to lead her toward two overstuffed chairs, "You know your work here in Klagenfurt has not gone unnoticed," she says as her one eyebrow peaks, "I have had the opportunity to brag to the other Principalities under our excellences perview about the glorious works, market and tournament held here last year, and when I brag people notice."
Coming to the chairs you help Dorthia into a chair before seating yourself, "Tell me Master Salonikas what would you like to see do about the lack of manners here in the domain of Gaul?"
Sokrates:
"Mistress Chamberlain, my heart may be cold and unyielding since Embrace of days long past, yet it still quickens to know this humble work is appreciated, so I gladly accept your compliment in the spirit it was given. I merely thought to challenge the mind as well as the body, for although I am not lacking in martial talents myself I would much prefer to resolve conflict at point of debate rather than point of dagger." My brow darkens and grows thoughtful as my gaze drifts to the horizon beyond the window, in the direction of the border. "Sadly, you know as well as I that not all feel this way, and would see disagreement ended beneath the red veil of blade and claw.
Yet in days of youth amongst the courts of scribe and scholar in mighty Constantinople I saw just as much, if not more, discord laid to rest by twist of word and phrase in storied ear as by twist of blade in fallen rib. There are, of course, situations such as the irredeemable traitor Petras where only swift violence and swifter destruction will suffice for the welfare of all, but well before this unfortunate extreme lies many a teachable moment.
Many among us have not had the benefit of the light of civilization, or for whatever reason are lacking in the social graces necessary to navigate the treacherous currents of our society gathered 'neath shadow and moonlight. Many of the lower clans commit egregious gaffes simply because they do not know any better. While we cannot allow ignorance to be viable defense, we can yet give proper instruction. Firstly, we must model that proper behaviour ourselves beyond reproach and lead by example. It behooves those in a position to know better to do something where we see it lacking. Yet we must never stoop to the offender's level, no matter what insult or provocation is given. To answer base and rude behaviour in kind is to defeat the whole purpose of the exercise altogether. My liege's liege Duke Antonio always says we must conduct ourselves as though the Ard Ri himself were present. When in doubt, I ask myself this mantra: WWDD? What Would Didaskalos Do?
So I would submit that going forward, offenders be instructed in proper behaviour at first offense and most importantly must be made to understand why we do what we do, the rationale behind our customs and traditions. Often, once the deeper meaning is known, enlightenment dawns. However, once so instructed, the offender no longer has any recourse should they reoffend. Should appropriate response be punitive? Certainly, but it need not be injurious or lethal, at least not right away. The repeat offender should lose something of value commensurate to the offence given. I speak not merely of physical goods, but of health, influence, access, or any other thing the offender might value most in this world. Or better yet, the offender might be made to give of their time, to expend blood and treasure in the furtherance of cause of the offended. Thus in their punishment can something of lasting value be attained.
These are dark and perilous times, and we have no need of wanton destruction where none is necessary. Of course, the time honored methods of social censure, ostracism, and shame have their place as well. However, these are only as effective as the subject is honorable and able to be shamed. Sadly, not all are so inclined, but everyone can appreciate the loss of a favoured retainer, or access to a trusted contact, at least for a time. But you must forgive me, I ramble on so! This is merely idle speculation, I obviously have neither the sanction nor the authority to enforce any of what I have just said."
Dorthea:
Dorthia listens patiently and nods in agreement with a few of your points and a sly grin crosses her face,"What would Didaskalos do?" She says with a pause, "That is was something I would not have expected to hear coming from a member of the domain of Gaul seeing the complete and utter lack of following his words as of late."
"As I have listened to you speak I have come to understand that your years in Constantinople have not been lost on you," Dorthia speaks as she shifts slightly in her chair, "I have come here to ask you of you a few more questions to put my mind at ease, the first being I need a representative here in Gaul as my last Herald met a bitter end. Whom do you propose fill that spot and why?"
Sokrates:
I ponder her words carefully before speaking. "I would humbly suggest myself for such service if it pleases you. I was born a humble scribe into a family of scribes, and have known the plight of the weaker man. The strong man who has been strong all of his days does not know the value of strength, whereas one who has known its lack can better appreciate when - and when not - to use it.
I would submit that my honourable conduct thus far speaks for itself, and you know that I am Sokrates the Builder, known to enhance his liege's lands with improvements of lasting value, such as the humble edifice in which we now sit.
As for piety, I yet advance the banner of Christendom ere Crusade shortly to begin. As for impartiality, my Dark Assistant here (I lovingly stroke the skull on the table between our chairs) stands as a wholly truthful and accurate record of all that may transpire in its presence. All declarations and depositions can be instantly reviewed at will, fully verbatim as they occurred.
Should such situation arise, I can offer aggrieved party sanctuary within this domain, within whose walls I stand as sole master. If evidence or confiscated goods were to arise, I can safely store such in the Shadowlands, far beyond the reach of the vast majority of those in these lands.
But there will inevitably be those who only understand the language of force, and some of my abilities could even serve as object lessons, if required. Blight can inflict a wasting disease that the offender might feel a part of the pain of those they have wronged, yet they will not be in any permanent danger as I can also Resume the Coil and raise them from torpor should that become necessary. One of my rituals inflicts blindness for a time, which could also be used as a lesson. Or I might simply pronounce judgment as the Fourth Horseman, with my mere presence stripping away their hard earned blood, or my Bastone Diabolico can also serve the same purpose if required.
Again, I reiterate that there is little risk of permanent harm to an offender as torpor is no barrier for me. Of course, the court does not need to know that, and the looming threat of one's own mortality may yet serve as ample motivation to correct one's behaviour. I have no interest in the Final Death of anyone, but if they prove recalcitrant and need to be scared back onto the straight and narrow, that is wholly within my ability.
Others may yet also prove just as able to fill your need with true purpose of their own, and I can make informed recommendation should you desire. But I would serve you thusly if it pleases you. Either way, I remain at your disposal."
Dorthea:
Dorthia's grin glows as you speak she listens to what you have to says before speaking herself, "that is what I had hoped to hear."
Dorthia rises from the chair and looks down at the seated Sokrates, "Understand now you serve me and through me Didaskalos," she says, "you for the time being shall remain the sworn vassal of Galanzia until the time Didaskalos feel the need to grant you autonomy within Gaul."
She starts to walk toward the door, "you now being the dance of the court vipers, good luck."
She nods to her attendant who opens the door as she pass quickly into the night.
(I will put out a here Ye here Ye comment later today about your appointment, sorry I cut this a little short I am out of time this week to deal with game stuff)
You are puttering around your library in Klagenfurt one evening reading over the freshly minted scrolls and finished pages watching for any detail that is out of place. When you hear the doors open and close and light footsteps behind you. Turning around cautiously you see Chamberlin Dorthia dressed in her finest riding clothes she is accompanied by a small male attendant who bows to you and slowly backs away allowing you two to talk unhindered.
"What a wonderful addition to Klagenfurt Master Salonikas," Dorthia says with a smile on her face, "I am most impressed with what you have managed to do in such a short period of time."
Dorthia holds her elbow out and you grasp it as she allows you to lead her toward two overstuffed chairs, "You know your work here in Klagenfurt has not gone unnoticed," she says as her one eyebrow peaks, "I have had the opportunity to brag to the other Principalities under our excellences perview about the glorious works, market and tournament held here last year, and when I brag people notice."
Coming to the chairs you help Dorthia into a chair before seating yourself, "Tell me Master Salonikas what would you like to see do about the lack of manners here in the domain of Gaul?"
Sokrates:
"Mistress Chamberlain, my heart may be cold and unyielding since Embrace of days long past, yet it still quickens to know this humble work is appreciated, so I gladly accept your compliment in the spirit it was given. I merely thought to challenge the mind as well as the body, for although I am not lacking in martial talents myself I would much prefer to resolve conflict at point of debate rather than point of dagger." My brow darkens and grows thoughtful as my gaze drifts to the horizon beyond the window, in the direction of the border. "Sadly, you know as well as I that not all feel this way, and would see disagreement ended beneath the red veil of blade and claw.
Yet in days of youth amongst the courts of scribe and scholar in mighty Constantinople I saw just as much, if not more, discord laid to rest by twist of word and phrase in storied ear as by twist of blade in fallen rib. There are, of course, situations such as the irredeemable traitor Petras where only swift violence and swifter destruction will suffice for the welfare of all, but well before this unfortunate extreme lies many a teachable moment.
Many among us have not had the benefit of the light of civilization, or for whatever reason are lacking in the social graces necessary to navigate the treacherous currents of our society gathered 'neath shadow and moonlight. Many of the lower clans commit egregious gaffes simply because they do not know any better. While we cannot allow ignorance to be viable defense, we can yet give proper instruction. Firstly, we must model that proper behaviour ourselves beyond reproach and lead by example. It behooves those in a position to know better to do something where we see it lacking. Yet we must never stoop to the offender's level, no matter what insult or provocation is given. To answer base and rude behaviour in kind is to defeat the whole purpose of the exercise altogether. My liege's liege Duke Antonio always says we must conduct ourselves as though the Ard Ri himself were present. When in doubt, I ask myself this mantra: WWDD? What Would Didaskalos Do?
So I would submit that going forward, offenders be instructed in proper behaviour at first offense and most importantly must be made to understand why we do what we do, the rationale behind our customs and traditions. Often, once the deeper meaning is known, enlightenment dawns. However, once so instructed, the offender no longer has any recourse should they reoffend. Should appropriate response be punitive? Certainly, but it need not be injurious or lethal, at least not right away. The repeat offender should lose something of value commensurate to the offence given. I speak not merely of physical goods, but of health, influence, access, or any other thing the offender might value most in this world. Or better yet, the offender might be made to give of their time, to expend blood and treasure in the furtherance of cause of the offended. Thus in their punishment can something of lasting value be attained.
These are dark and perilous times, and we have no need of wanton destruction where none is necessary. Of course, the time honored methods of social censure, ostracism, and shame have their place as well. However, these are only as effective as the subject is honorable and able to be shamed. Sadly, not all are so inclined, but everyone can appreciate the loss of a favoured retainer, or access to a trusted contact, at least for a time. But you must forgive me, I ramble on so! This is merely idle speculation, I obviously have neither the sanction nor the authority to enforce any of what I have just said."
Dorthea:
Dorthia listens patiently and nods in agreement with a few of your points and a sly grin crosses her face,"What would Didaskalos do?" She says with a pause, "That is was something I would not have expected to hear coming from a member of the domain of Gaul seeing the complete and utter lack of following his words as of late."
"As I have listened to you speak I have come to understand that your years in Constantinople have not been lost on you," Dorthia speaks as she shifts slightly in her chair, "I have come here to ask you of you a few more questions to put my mind at ease, the first being I need a representative here in Gaul as my last Herald met a bitter end. Whom do you propose fill that spot and why?"
Sokrates:
I ponder her words carefully before speaking. "I would humbly suggest myself for such service if it pleases you. I was born a humble scribe into a family of scribes, and have known the plight of the weaker man. The strong man who has been strong all of his days does not know the value of strength, whereas one who has known its lack can better appreciate when - and when not - to use it.
I would submit that my honourable conduct thus far speaks for itself, and you know that I am Sokrates the Builder, known to enhance his liege's lands with improvements of lasting value, such as the humble edifice in which we now sit.
As for piety, I yet advance the banner of Christendom ere Crusade shortly to begin. As for impartiality, my Dark Assistant here (I lovingly stroke the skull on the table between our chairs) stands as a wholly truthful and accurate record of all that may transpire in its presence. All declarations and depositions can be instantly reviewed at will, fully verbatim as they occurred.
Should such situation arise, I can offer aggrieved party sanctuary within this domain, within whose walls I stand as sole master. If evidence or confiscated goods were to arise, I can safely store such in the Shadowlands, far beyond the reach of the vast majority of those in these lands.
But there will inevitably be those who only understand the language of force, and some of my abilities could even serve as object lessons, if required. Blight can inflict a wasting disease that the offender might feel a part of the pain of those they have wronged, yet they will not be in any permanent danger as I can also Resume the Coil and raise them from torpor should that become necessary. One of my rituals inflicts blindness for a time, which could also be used as a lesson. Or I might simply pronounce judgment as the Fourth Horseman, with my mere presence stripping away their hard earned blood, or my Bastone Diabolico can also serve the same purpose if required.
Again, I reiterate that there is little risk of permanent harm to an offender as torpor is no barrier for me. Of course, the court does not need to know that, and the looming threat of one's own mortality may yet serve as ample motivation to correct one's behaviour. I have no interest in the Final Death of anyone, but if they prove recalcitrant and need to be scared back onto the straight and narrow, that is wholly within my ability.
Others may yet also prove just as able to fill your need with true purpose of their own, and I can make informed recommendation should you desire. But I would serve you thusly if it pleases you. Either way, I remain at your disposal."
Dorthea:
Dorthia's grin glows as you speak she listens to what you have to says before speaking herself, "that is what I had hoped to hear."
Dorthia rises from the chair and looks down at the seated Sokrates, "Understand now you serve me and through me Didaskalos," she says, "you for the time being shall remain the sworn vassal of Galanzia until the time Didaskalos feel the need to grant you autonomy within Gaul."
She starts to walk toward the door, "you now being the dance of the court vipers, good luck."
She nods to her attendant who opens the door as she pass quickly into the night.
(I will put out a here Ye here Ye comment later today about your appointment, sorry I cut this a little short I am out of time this week to deal with game stuff)