shellphones | Tutoring Request | VIDEO

Entry tags:

Tutoring Request | VIDEO | OPEN

Type: Video
Sender ID: forgeabettertomorrow | (Darin Altway)
To: Everyone
Subject: Darin needs some added perspective for his studies
Warnings: He's stupid

[Darin pulls back from the camera sitting at a drafting table in his home. However, instead of blueprints and sketches and diagrams, things you'd normally see on his drafting table and workstation, there's...an awful lot of textbooks. Darin reaches up and pulls the small pair of reading glasses from his face and pinches the bridge of his nose. No, he's not wearing them for show, he actually does wear reading glasses when he needs them.]

Okay, this is going to sound really really weird coming from me but...I guess I could use some help.

Does anyone understand how like...government works? Like, at all? Because it seems like a whole bunch of rules and guidelines that should be common sense until they aren't and the more I read, the more I feel like I've either understood this my entire life or I'm going crazy.

Plus? I never went to school so...anyone up for a spirited debate? Something? Anything? If I spend anymore time reading I think I might eat the next book.

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[ Ah, you've triggered his TRAP CARD. ]

Oh, my boy, I regret to inform you that government is much more than upholding a series of laws.

Well I know that. There's all sorts of systems in place. I've just never...familiarized myself with them? I've never cared to before now.

[ Imagine the devil taking out a pencil and notepad-- ]

Well, to start: what form of leadership are you interested in? Democracy? Autocracy? Theocracy? Or mayhap even tyranny?

Next, what economic values do you wish to govern over? This will set the tone for the sorts of people you wish to welcome. You could have a communal state, a capitalist state, or something simpler such as a barter system with no currency whatsoever.

Now there is the judicial system! Outside of the traditional courts, mayhap you'd like a loose and lawless empire based upon strength of arms - but I must add that even the Corsairs adhere to their own set of rules. People cannot function as a society without some guidelines after all. There is plenty of flexibility in this area.

[ Emet-Selch seems to be in his element, gesturing animatedly. ]

W-Whoa whoa whoa! I...I-I mean, I'm not interested in taking any leadership specifically! I'm just...I'm learning!

But I'm not interested in tyranny, that's for sure...!

[He sighs, feeling color rush to his cheeks. He removes his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose.]

Maybe...what if I talked about my kingdome? Alvale? I can tell you what things are like there. I wouldn't mind hearing another opinion.

[ He smirks a little as he lowers his hands and folds them neatly on his knee. ]

By all means do. I will see what insight I can offer.

Well...geez, where to start. Alvale's a monarchy. King and Queen, Inner Court, Noble Houses and Duchies and whatnot. But it prided itself on was the strength and advancement of its magical studies. Entire universities and campuses were dedicated to furthering the pursuit of magical studies.

...Actually...

[Darin grabs his notebook and begins to scribble. Once done, he turns the notebook towards the screen and shows what looks like a pyramid.]

See, we have a class system. It used to be based more on social castes but as I understand it...things have been shifting politically for awhile. Nobles aren't too thrilled about a meritocracy so they're consolidating power.

[He gestures to the top.]

At the top we've got the royal family. Below them? Inner court and then the general aristocracy and nobles. These guys are basically the top of everything which...I guess could be broken down into three branches. Military, Scholarly, and Economically. There's paths up in each branch depending on...well, your ability. The scholars and the mages get the most clout and pull given Alvale's leaning towards magical research and study. Followed by that, you've got the military. Rack up enough achievements and you'll do well. Maybe marry into a noble family if you're lucky.

The tradesmen and the business owners are all about wealth and trade. Lots of ways to make it to the top depending on...well, how strong your work ethic or how silvery your tongue can be.

[ Ah, the classic pyramidal structure of society. How nostalgic. He nods along with Darin's explanation and leans a little closer to read as he listens. ]

...I see. A ruling class with a system of meritocracy beneath it. A way for the powerful to maintain and enforce a veneer of power whilst those 'lesser' fight for recognition. In addition, your kingdom favours mages and scholars. Those with no status, money, or wits are left to climb over themselves like crabs in a bucket. They have not the time to even think about revolting - which I'm sure your ruling class is keen to preserve.

[ He sits back and chuckles quietly. ]

Ah, excuse me. I implemented something very similar in the empires I built. Now, as for what I think...

[ He leans on one elbow and counts off his fingers as he runs through his thoughts. ]

Firstly, your kingdom began as a monarchy, aye? The shift towards a full meritocracy may or may not happen peacefully depending upon the politicking of those involved. Whether those merchants' and orators' silver tongues are put to use for good or ill. This always happens when you establish ranks of power amongst the populace. 'Tis an unstable and unreliable form of government, quite frankly. The moment the royal family dies, chaos ensues.

Secondly, you've mentioned merit but what of public works? Civil service? You will never eliminate poverty entirely as it is in man's nature to covet and hoard at the expense of others. What is being done to assist those struggling to work and keep them at reasonable quality of life? Or does your kingdom wash its hands of them and say, "Not our problem"? Does it simply trust in the genorosity of the wealthy?

Thirdly, if your kingdom values scholarly pursuits so heavily, what oversight is there to ensure they don't wall off the less talented? Who is in charge of deciding what is or is not public knowledge? Know that intelligence walks hand in hand with arrogance and information is the greatest double-edged knife one can wield. There is no such thing as an unbiased man.

And lastly--

[ He pauses for a moment, thinking. This has been a lot already. Without being there and living in the kingdom he can't make specific judgements. But if it's a matter of the cracks he would exploit... ]

...Lastly, I do pray your judges or juries aren't entirely beholden to the whims of your royal family. All it takes is one individual glutted on power to tip the entire system on its head. From what you have told me thus far, conditions are ripe for exploitation. I or my brethren could have easily insinuated ourselves into your kingdom's hierarchy, played upon the wealthy's insecurities, incited the anger of those left behind by your 'meritocracy' and class system both, and collapsed it all through bloody revolution.

[ He looks Darin in the eye now. ]

If you intend to pursue your relationship with the princess, know that you are but a figurehead for the kingdom. Do not presume to take upon the entirety of its people's suffering upon your shoulders, but be prepared to die for it all the same. Know that every one of its sins will fall to you, as well as every boon no matter how undeserved.

[Darin was listening intently, even scribbling notes. Huh, so Emet-Selch founded his own empires. That's...just what kind of a guy was he?]

[He was about to ask, but then he went and had to talk about his relationship with Zelda. In a flash, Darin almost falls backwards out his seat.]

Wh-Whoa! WHOA!! Hold on a second!! I didn't— This doesn't have anything to do with Zelda! I-I mean...! Not...Not entirely...!

I...L-Look! I've just been thinking about my role here in this world! That's all!!

[ He covers his mouth and, to his credit, doesn't actually laugh. But the mirth is clear in his eyes. ]

--Ahem. Whatever you say, boy. If you wish to become a politician here then I can certainly advise you in that regard. So, what questions do you have for me?

I don't think I'd make a good politician. I try and make everyone happy and I get the feeling that in politics, you can't do that.

And even though I'd be willing to break the rules to do it, I'm pretty sure a leader who doesn't follow the laws shouldn't really have a say in making them.

[Darin falls silent for a moment as he thinks.]

My dad was a leader, you know. My biological father, I mean. I was the leader of a group of mercenaries. Went around the country fighting the battles the government chose to stay out of for whatever the reason.

I have no idea how he did it or what he was even like, but people talk about him like they'd follow him to hell and back.

Your father must have been a charismatic sort. People with the natural ability to gather others around them are few and far between. It can be learnt but 'tis an exhausting front to maintain.

[ He says, knowing very well the toll it can take on a man to act congenial and likeable when they tend towards reclusiveness. ]

And no, one doesn't get to be a successful politician by appeasing everyone they meet. Even the most capable, most well-liked leader will make enemies somewhere, if only out of jealousy or something as simple as their ideals being a nuisance. Those who govern others inevitably must navigate the minefield of others' personal ambitions.

See, that's the part that always stuck in my craw about the nobles in my kingdom. Everyone's got an agenda. A way to keep power within their bloodline or securing their legacy or just ensuring their family doesn't fall from power or grace. None of them bother with the fact that maybe something happens that couldn't be prevented. Maybe there's a war and their entire line is wiped out. Or a plague. Or maybe the heir to the house gets sick of the lifestyle and just leaves the family without an heir.

Everything they do is so...rooted in the now. No one thinks about the future of their people. The way I see it, if you want to secure your legacy? Find a way to better the lives of people for generations instead of securing your own line in some short-sighted gambit to remain relevant.

I'd rather die anonymously knowing I made a hundred lives happier than live famously knowing I could have done more.

[Darin sighs.]

I'm not sure what you mean by a 'front' though. Like...Charismatic people are always pretending?

[ Emet-Selch regards Darin with renewed interest as they ramble at him. Despite being a brash and enthusiastic blacksmith, the younger man has clearly put some thought into considering his place amongst a wider community. Ironically, for someone who dislikes the politicking of the upper classes, Darin has the foresight necessary of a leader of men. ]

...No. For some it comes naturally. For others like myself, it is a mask we put on before others. Or mayhap 'tis a little of both. In my experience, everyone needs a safe harbour in which to shelter from the public gaze for a little while whether that be a confidant or a home.

[ He taps his fingers against his thigh, still wearing that penetrating, contemplative expression. ]

As for your other concern, I can only say that a short lifespan makes one's priorities shift to the short-term rather than the long one. Why care for the state of the world in two or three centuries when you could hold wealth and power right now? You can't enjoy material goods when you're dead.

Who cares? You'd be dead. Enjoy what you have now because tomorrow it might be gone anyway.

[Darin sighs and leans back in his chair.]

Maybe this is just me. Maybe it's because I didn't really have any future prospects. Sure, I dreamed, but I was pretty convinced that what I had was all I'd get and I should appreciate it. I took joy from helping others, from making sure my armor and weapons saved more lives than they took. After I learned what I was...I thought it'd be better for my world if I stayed away.

[He balances his pencil on the tip of his nose in idle thought.]

...Come to think of it, I think that was my mask. Pretending like I didn't want anything for myself. Now...all I want is to make up for a lifetime of not doing more for people when I could have changed a lot more. I don't want people to suffer or hurt like I did.

Pain begets pain. Rash decisions create suffering and ensures that the pain is passed down the line. A good leader?

...A good leader should ensure that the pain stops with them. It's not about wants, agendas, politics, or even ambition. Take the pain of the world on your shoulders and hold it there. Become a bulwark for your people. And if you do it right, people won't need governing.

They'll embody your example and will pay it forward.

[That's what he's learned by safeguarding a princess who sealed herself away for a century to protect the people she loved so much. That's what he's learned from the knight who gave up his identity to serve the people his Princess safeguarded.]

I sound naive, huh. Something like that isn't so easily built and requires more faith in people than most would be comfortable having. But...

...I think people are inherently good. I think...they just lack perspective. The perspective of understanding what it's like to be someone else. Someone in pain, someone who fell through the cracks. A leader...should be able to change your perspective.

[ His gaze slides off to the side at some point during this lengthy ramble. He's still listening - it's just that some of the points hit rather close to home. He has had a long time to reflect, bemoan, and curse his lot in life. He hasn't had nearly as long to ruminate over a future without his people in it.

Emet-Selch closes his eyes and sighs inwardly. He used to be as naive as Darin. He used to think men were inherently good. But they're not; they're self-centred and unwilling to surrender their ego. Humanity needs guidance else they fall into chaos. Pain begets pain, yes, but a lack of it inspires indolence instead. ]

And when you are gone? Those who survive you take your name and your deeds and make proclamations in your stead. They use it to moralise cruelty, to excuse discrimination, to justify oppression. Nothing lasts, blacksmith. A man's ideals will die long before the mountains crumble. Even your swords will outlive them.

[ He shifts in place, recrosses his legs. His eyes are gazing offscreen into some distant, unseen vista. It is not easy for him to say what he does next. ]

Empathy will not create the ideal world you think it will. Nor will setting a heroic example. Men must suffer, but they also must have joy to weather through it. They must fall so that they can learn to get back on their feet. Shielding them from life's agonies...will mean they forget its sting. Yet forcing them to endure countless sorrows will break them.

As one who has governed many across the ages, I tell you: you must let them hurt themselves before offering your hand.

[Darin is quiet though he doesn't seem despondent or dejected. Thoughtful. He's certainly taking Emet's words to heart. There's a part of him that is honestly enjoying this. A spirited philosophical debate? He never would have thought himself capable and, honestly? He never thought anyone would value his perspective enough to even engage.]

[After a minute of silence, he laughs.]

Don't you think you're giving people too little credit?

[He leans forward, grinning.]

You said it yourself, nothing lasts forever, right? Sooner or later, the ideals I tout are gonna be used to keep people down because someone's gonna get it in their head that they're the answer to all of the world's ills. He'll rise up, and he'll probably surround himself with like-minded people. Raise an army. Hell, maybe raise a kingdom. An empire. All while declaring himself the champion of my virtues.

But here's the thing...sooner or later? Someone else is gonna see the fault in him. Enough people will see through the illusion he's presenting and they'll rise up. Someone, somewhere, is going to be kicked around enough, fall through enough cracks, and come into a power all his own and he's going to stop the despot. And you know what? It all happens again, over and over, until the end of time.

[He leans forward even closer, grinning wider.]

That's the beauty of it, Emet. See, you see what I'm putting down and seeing the problems that will eventually befall that logic. And then I look beyond that. Nothing stays bad forever, and nothing stays good. That's life. And I think what's important is that a leader...whether he be a king or a general or...anyone in a position of authority, needs to be able to relate to the people he leads. He needs to have his good days and he needs to have his bad days. What matters? Is that he shows that the bad days don't define him.

A leader is only as good as his hands. If he can't reach out with them, then he's not leading. He's just...

Hoarding.

[ His gaze is irresistably drawn back to Darin. Their confidence and assurance that things would turn for the better, despite hardship, despite knowing people, society - the world - would cycle through highs and lows, echoes a certain hero's determination. So much so that he almost checks with his sight to be doubly sure the man isn't one of their shards (he already knows they aren't).

Emet-Selch is old. He's tired. Watching men commit the same mistakes across history, he can't help but want to strangle them. He has already accepted the world has moved on but that won't stop him yearning for those days of old, where the worst thing he had to look forward to was cleaning up Azem's messes. No mass slaughters, no pandemics raging unchecked, no cities languishing in poverty or too much excess. Just...peaceful days.

This time his quiet sigh is audible. Resigned. He has already lost this battle once. He has no interest in humiliating himself further by being obstinate. ]

If that is the sort of world you envision then grasp it tight. Don't let it go. The worst thing you could possibly do is give up before seeing such a ridiculous ideal through. Although my opinion matters little here, know that I will be terribly disappointed should you fail.

[Maybe Emet was expecting Darin to give a self-assured confirmation. That he will never waiver on his ideals and that his path is guaranteed. But that's not the road that Darin takes. As ever, Darin forges his own path, veering off from the well-trodden avenues of those he seeks to aspire to.]

[He doesn't meet Emet's request with an abundance of confidence. He tilts his head, like a puppy, as if Emet's words hit his ear strangely. In fact, they had.]

...Why do you think your opinion matters little? I really enjoyed this talk.

We might not have agreed but...your perspective helped me solidify my own. I wouldn't have come to those conclusions if not for you.

...Every perspective matters, Emet. If it didn't, then...we'd just wind up with the types of leaders we're fighting so hard to avoid. Leaders who can't see beyond the ends of their own noses. So...even if we disagree, I'd always be happy to hear about the things you've seen that I haven't.

[ He frowns slightly. But it's a perplexed frown, not a disapproving one. This is certainly not the typical response he receives when discussing this sort of topic. Most people assert their view (in opposition to his) and leave it at that. Or, well, attack him in the literal sense.

But thinking about it a little more, he realises that at some point he'd become one of those leaders Darin mentions: the sort who can't see beyond the ends of their own noses. Not out of wilful ignorance but tired adherence to duty. The stubbornness which characterises him had been tempered in days of yore when they had a full council to debate matters amongst. But left on his own, how could he do anything but rely upon his own judgements? ]

...Well, [ he says after a pause, ] if you feel the ramblings of an old man have value then I will advise as needed. Mayhap you can avoid making novice mistakes should you ever find yourself in a position to govern.

[Darin laughs sheepishly.]

I think I'd make a terrible leader. I like to make my own mistakes but when other people's lives are on the line, I can't really afford myself that luxury.

But I'll take you up on your offer. A good debate is the best thing to get the brain gears turning.

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Tutoring Request | VIDEO | OPEN

emet_sulk; video

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