I clicked on the wrong thread and went into the Beastspeakers debate thread, and was most suprised to find myself listed as a member of that team since in here and the coercer thread I'm meant to be in that team... :P I think there's a tiny error there ;D
Ashling Guildmistress
15 years ago
Ashling Guildmistress
Mage
I'd go off this thread Cat-eyes :) You're in our team, and that's a good one ;)
Mornir-K's right - if in doubt, this is the thread to go to for clarification.
Sorry about that Cat-eyes.
15 years ago
Sat Oct 18 2008, 10:14am
[act]Nef jumps up, and there is a huge noise from the beasts assembled.[/act]
[act]Nef gets on the soap box and bows cheekily[/act]
Nef: Well, I know whose team you should support ... if you want a ride home
[act]the horses neigh in approval[/act]
Nef: Man is but one species on this planet, and not neccessarily the one with the closest ties to the earth. We havent done a very good job of taking care of our planet so far.... and if the histories are anything to go by we will do an even worse job in the future. My learned friends on the opposing teams seem to disregard the contribution of the beasts to our society. Or perhaps they don't see them as being as important as humans ... you know the argument: "we need to fix one problem at a time, the beasts will just have to wait, and after all, they aren't treated THAT badly .... are they?" PLEASE ... well they do say that ignorance is bliss...
We have a lot to learn from our noble animal friends. By communicating with the beasts, not only will we learn more about ourselves, but we can learn more about the why and how beasts are the way they are... and we could learn more about the evolution of species and so on. It must be admitted that there are facets of this world that we simply know nothing about. Yet, i suspect hidden depths in our non-human companions. They may not read, or compute, or carry out any of the superficial tests that we use to gauge intelligence, but there is knowledge there beyond the limits of our perception. As a species, we have not evolved much ... perhaps we need this information to do so...
And interaction between beasts and humans would probably reduce the occurence of cruelty to animals. It is easy to humans to consider that animals are lesser beings because they are different. In much the same way did beforetimers discriminate based on the appearance of a person (and indeed, even today, the darker skin of a gypsy is seen by the ignorant to be an indication of inferiority). If humans are capable of such discrimination within their own species, how much more would they discriminate against other species? You must remember that this society has been raised to believe that animals are the pets/slaves/food of humans. That will not change overnight. BUT, if we are going to combat this presumption of slavery, what better way to do it than by having people see what beast actually think? A farmer may not be so inclined to slaughter his pig for dinner if he is able to converse with it.
Everyone should be bilingual - and as fellow citizens of the land, we should be able to communicate with the beasts. - it's called multiculturalism.... or multispeciesism ... or perhaps just common sense....
[act]Nef jumps down, but there is no applause ... the brildane have formed a protective circle around nef and are growling softly[/act]
Nef: sweet - i wonder if wolves like tea...
15 years ago
Sat Oct 18 2008, 12:17am
Farseekers: [act]take the stage[/act]
[act]pan to the audience where Arien and HotD sit, decked-out head to toe in Farseeker supporters' gear[/act]
Arien: OWWW! Yeeeeeaaah! 8)
HotD: A-wooooo! [act]holds up over-sized 'Farseekers!' sign[/act]
Speaker: :| [act]pretends not to know them[/act] Good evening Swallow, gypsies, moonfairies, misfits, landfolk and beasts alike.
We, the farseekers, believe that if we were able to make one specific talent the main ability which developed in the people of the land, it should be farseeking.
The farseeking talent is defined as the ability to "communicate mind to mind over some distance" -Elspeth, pg 366 Ashling, as well as "read conscious thoughts, near and far away" -Elspeth, pg 5 Farseekers
Of most vital importance to the unity of the land is communication. The beforetimer John A. Piece once said "Communication is not only the essence of being human, but also a vital property of life".
A farseeker's Talent is almost completely oriented on communicating over long distances, mind to mind. In a world where a note strapped to a pigeon or a horse at a fast gallop is considered speedy communication, Farseeking would open new doors for Landfolk and gypsies alike.
With each town being run by a different leader, information is needed to be passed from one town to another in the swiftest way possible. We have none of these 'telefone' devices that the beforetimers used, so obviously the easiest way to do this is through farseeking. With a group or even a lone of farseeker linking each town, leaders are able to keep in close contact with eachother without leaving their own home.
Without farseeking towns can't interact easily, and that can segregate them from each other. We've seen how groups seperating themselves away from the pack work out, in the case of the herder faction and the council.
In order for the land to remain united and function in the most effective way possible, each town needs to be able to communicate.
"The rebels liked the idea of being able to use us to communicate because they would need no overlord" Elspeth, Ashling pg 387
We saw how useful farseeking was in uniting the rebel groups. This statement reinforces how important inter-town communication is to uniting the land, without the need for one person to be reigning over it and assuming complete power. Farseeking is vital. It is needed to pass information quickly from one town to another, therefore keeping them updated and stopping potential disputes between them.
What would happen if a rumor started, pitting one town leader against another? With the aid of farseekers, the leaders would be able to civilly talk the matter over as soon as it had begun, sorting out any of their differences quickly. Without them, it would be left to boil over for days until the leaders met physically, and who can tell what would happen then.
Helping town leaders is not the only way that farseeking can be put to use. By dispersing Farseekers around the Land, information, news, and the general mood and viewpoint of a city can be shared about.
If towns and cities were connected by a web of Farseekers, information could be passed around almost instantly, alerting people to everything from job opportunities to general and local news, and emotional and political standings.
Such knowledge could also improve safety for travellers; say if the people of Aborium were feeling hostility towards all dark haired men from Darthnor named Fred, raven-headed Freds would have pre-knowledge of this and know to bypass Aborium.
Or similarly, a traveller could be forewarned of bandits lurking on certain trail, or taxes on travellers in certain cities.
Farseeking could even forewarn travellers of nasty weather on the road ahead. And in cases where people have been injured, if a farseeker was nearby they could quickly and easily send for help, rather than someone having to walk or ride to the nearest healing center and fetch it.
Farseekers are always looking for ways to improve both their strength and range. With innovative guildmembers such as Aras coming up with ideas such as the Whiplash Mindmeld, farseekers have been able to travel distances that were before thought impossible.
Farseeking is a talent full of promise. With more focus put upon it, who knows how far it will be able to take us in the near future?
[act]the speaker steps down, causing an eruption of cheering to come from the Farseekers[/act]
Ashlings' guildleader
15 years ago
Sat Oct 18 2008, 10:01am
Ashlings' guildleader
Master of Obernewtyn
[act]Avialle, Smuppet, and Agyllian make ther way to the soapbox, an aura of confidence about them, putting the audience at ease as only empaths can[/act]
Greetings Swallow, fellow gypsies, and distinguished guests.
If we had the ability to cultivate one Talent within us, we believe that we should nurture Empathy to bring about the greatest benefit to the people of the Land. Empathy would be the one true ability to best, serve, protect, and teach the people of the land.
We will show this is possible with the focus on Compassion, Leadership and Acceptance.
By exploring these three main topics, we will demonstrate that Empathy’s qualities are admirable, and that it can be integrated into the Land Folks society far more easily than other Talents.
Empathy teaches people compassion. Compassion will lead all people to help their fellow man and treat each other with fairness and equality. Empathy is a trait within all of us and an essential fibre in the fabric of our existence, regardless of whether or not an individual can use it as a Talent. It is because of this that Untalents will benefit directly from those with Empathy as a talent. We will see a harmonisation between communities, less focus on greed, and a closing of segregations.
Empaths could be advisors for peoples wellbeing. People would not have to turn to the dangers of spice weed or drown their sorrows in mead; they will instead be able to turn to their local empath for council.
"...his Empathic Talent wrapping me in a warm blanket of affection and reassurance. I was dimly surprised to find he had erected an empathic barrier between us. He must have sensed I would not want my emotions bared to him." - Ashling pge 393-394
This shows that Empaths can give people comfort without becoming aware of a person’s intimate emotions.
This act of compassion will have a flow on effect. With more people being happy and supportive of their friends and neighbours, there will be less crime and corruption. It will also benefit the interactions between people and beasts – a ‘master’ will begin to see that beasts deserve the same respect. Empaths placed across The Land with the focus to teach compassion will have immense benefits, from the small villages of the highlands down to the populous cities of the coast.
The best way to lead is by example. If all the misfits focused more on empathy, the other people would be more likely to focus on empathy as well. A capable leader is one that knows the feelings of their people. A great leader is one that is able to act upon the knowledge and lead the denizens by example, giving them direction and purpose. This links back to compassion, and if a leader shows compassion then the followers will also foster this belief.
"Maybe the answer isn't to fight and force and make, but to show. To empathise. To let them understand us so that they will see there is nothing to fear from us. I think we should try and reshape ourselves and our purpose around empathy." - Ashlings pge 517
Unlike other talents, we know that Empathy is purely the extension and enhancement of an already existing human quality. It is less daunting and has less potential for the abuse of the talent. When Empaths themselves are physically affected by another’s emotions it is evident that in a position of power they are less likely to become conceited and lose sight of their objectives and authenticity. If such feelings of ruthless ambition and hate literally make an Empath feel uneasy then they will be less inclined to commit or associate themselves with such things. This is best summed up with the following quote:
“You are not blind when trueseeing is wanted,’ I said. ‘You will lead us with those cautious instincts of yours and not be lead astray by false paths.’ – Obernewtyn pge 153
Empaths themselves are very suited to being leaders as they are constantly keeping their own emotions in check whilst interacting with others. This trait helps them to make unprejudiced decisions. An Empath’s heightened receptiveness to other’s emotions will also provide a finely tuned intuition that all leaders need when faced with decisions. Judgement calls are more readily made with the insight and abilities of an Empath, the talent is in fact ideal for the role of both leader and companion.
‘He might work for pay, like the temporary guardians. But I don’t know. Whenever I’m near him, I sense a command, a rare completeness in him. I sense a purpose and a drive.’ – Obernewtyn pge 104
If all the misfits focusing on empathy are integrated into society, in all walks of life, they will be able to lead by example. Society and integration leads straight into our third point, Acceptance.
The Lands people would be less afraid of misfits once they realise that the misfits have good intentions. Empathy is the least intimidating talent, and it would be easier for people to accept. This acceptance of the empaths may also allow for acceptance of new concepts. For example, the acceptance of beasts as equals will be much easier with the understanding and positive reassurance that empathy can bring.
‘Witness that they used the incredible ability which they call Empathy to its greatest effect in a song, rather than to turn their enemies’ hearts to terror’ – Ashling pge 498
Using Empathy on people is little different to giving someone a comforting hug (or an ober.net grug). Empathy is a natural ability in us all, whether we are a misfit or not. If we sense that a friend is upset or worried, we would give them a hug or talk to them to give comfort. This is essentially what Empathy is, except it is more direct and effective. Because of this, Empathy would be the easiest ability for the Land Folk to accept and nurture.
In conclusion, empathy would definitely be the Talent most beneficial to the Land. To recap;
Compassion, is fundamental for us to succeed in these turbulent times. Empathy fortifies this emotion which all living beings respond to and will benefit from.
Leadership, is a vital part of society and empaths have both direct and indirect qualities that facilitate this necessity. Empaths are able to lead by teaching compassion and being level headed in their judgements, unlike coercion which is more likely to take a stranglehold of the position.
Acceptance, will permit us to unify and put aside our prejudices’. The other communication talents, beastspeaking and farseeking have their benefits but neither benefits us all, human and beast alike, as empathy does. The untalents are also more likely to accept the empaths as empathy is both apart of us all and has a gentle nature.
So, we’ve given you the evidence. We’ll let you decide. I know what I’d chose, though.
‘Empathised, it became something greater and deeper…’ – Ashling pge 496
Excellent! We are most impressed to see every team has posted!
We've just edited the colours somewhat (hopefully so it's easier to read!) Stay tuned for Part 2!
