O' Beautiful Providence, a Critical Treatise

[Knights5544 485]

 

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"Only powerful people have liberty."

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[!] Nailed to the wall at various parts within Providence - chiefly the front of the tavern - are copies of a rather lengthy treatise criticizing the current state of affairs within the Empire:

 

Why should we abide by the rules and laws of a society which does not favor nor support the majority of which that it commands? Need I remind you that it is the working-class peasant - for lack of better words that's what we are, while not bound legally to the Empire we are certainly bound spiritually - who breaks his back tolling the fields to provide for the aristocrats of society the bounties of food for their feasts; all the while our children beg for crumbs on the streets. The lower class receive practically nothing for their dutiful efforts while they reap from our hard labor, the compensation that we receive is hardly worthwhile enough for us to consider continuing in such a way. Who allowed them to have such a control over our lives and our very souls?   

  

We must only blame ourselves for losing sight of what truly makes us a functional society. We must come to realize that these leeches would be nothing without us. We have the skills that they could never master, we have the knowledge that they cannot obtain, we have the calloused hands while theirs are as soft as feathers. Where would they be without us? They would perish, simply die. It is our own selves which make this society bloom, yet we are the ones who watch it decay due to the leeches in their high towers. You all must come to understand that they fear us; with very good reasons! We could – and should - triumph over these classist walls that barricade around us, ‘less one wishes to simply accept things as they are now – for that of which we cannot do, not any longer.   

  

Women watch - in horror - as their dearest sons and beloved husbands are dragged out of their homes for non-existent crimes in which they have never committed. The ISA incriminates our fellow men only so that our women must be alone and helpless for future abuse. They relentlessly beat, both spiritually and physically, the strong men we once knew until they become subservient hounds who do as they are told; they take these poor men’s souls without mercy. Throwing them into the lion's den for slaughter, most never are to be seen from again, that of which is truly a tragedy. Those soldiers, or dare I say, puppets, do not care for you nor me. They care only about domination in all aspects; they do not see you nor I as equal. They see you as a pawn to their game called oppression. You shall never win this game that they have forced you to commit to, they have already chosen the games’ rules. We must remind ourselves that much like a game of chance the house always wins.  

  

Even those among us who are blind can easily see that the predicament that we face now is truly despicable. Think to our sons, who have been forced to become mindless slaves to the very same state which oppresses us, as they feel compelled to join the Empire’s military due to not having any other option for income. Having a sword put in their hands, they become the monsters that they once used to criticize. They are put into pretty, neat little uniforms so that their individuality is stripped from them. They’ve forgotten their roots. All for the sake of what? For personal financial benefit, yet even that is hardly sufficient; most of the soldiers hardly receive enough to feed their own families. It is a sad day indeed to see our fellow man resort to the very government that oppresses him. We are treated like hounds, begging for mere scraps while those leeches feast above us.   

  

As we struggle to provide for ourselves, we are hit with yet another uphill battle: excessive and extravagant taxation that we simply cannot afford! Excessive and unnecessary taxation without proper justification nor explanation for such, and for the purpose of what exactly? To fund additional renovations for Joseph's immaculate palace? Perhaps to provide him additional pocket-change to splurge on manicures, and new jewelry? After all, his powdered wig has been seeming rather dull in appearance as of lately, perhaps Joseph needs a new one! Maybe the excessive taxation is to compensate the officers of the Empire’s military who need their coffers filled if they expect to have the willingness to unreasonably beat innocents?  

  

Bah, I say! Where do our minas that we slave away for actually go? I see litter all over providence, the stench of filth and musk cannot be fixed if our taxes go to the Emperor of Greed and Gluttony, the Ministry of Injustice, and the House of Corruption! The system that we are crumbling under thinks of us as dirt, as scum. The rings upon Joseph’s finger are worth more than your families’ lives! This man – and likewise the other aristocrats dominating us - sits on a throne of decadence as our fellows starve to death out on the streets without a single bit of mercy from our ruler nor our government in power. How long must we suffer while they prosper? How long must our children suffer the torment of oppression? No longer, I say!  

  

Look to our economy. The neglect and exploitation that our common merchants have encountered comes back onto us, the consumers, as we find it nigh impossible to purchase goods from within our own city! As I walk through our market today, I see little more than empty stalls and shops that were forced to close as a result of over taxation. What was once that of a cornucopia of wealth going between our citizens is now brought to that resemblant of a ghost town full of nothing but hungry mouths. When was the last time you’ve seen a citizen in the marketplace? Nothing but empty stalls. Emptier than what remains of the souls of those wretched nobles and bureaucrats above us. This non-existent economy further compels our fellow citizens to have no choice but to either swear their life to the military to acquire even the most basic provisions, or pay tremendous prices for internationally sold goods from the few market stalls remaining.  

  

Furthermore we find that those same hungry mouths oftentimes find themselves wandering eternally as they have no place to call their homes unless they reside in the military barracks or the prison cells. Is this due to a lack of housing? Nay! Our residential district is chock full of beautiful homes that lay empty and quiet; the loudest statement being made from them being a fresh notice at the front door proudly proclaiming eviction. And for what? For no reason other than Joseph and the House of Corruption’s greed being too much for the people to fulfill as they are forced to move out of homes they paid for with what little hard earned money they had! Eviction after eviction! This is beyond reasonable!  

  

We must not forget that in our society exists a massive social gap. Our social gap between rich and poor has become far too extreme for us to further neglect or try and rectify at this point. They differ from us in dress, behavior, courtesy, speech, diet, education; we are no longer even capable of being called the same species. This stirs discontent among us for understandable reasons. It is not the lower class – you and I – which desire for this split between layperson and aristocrat; it is the aristocrats themselves who wish to create this distinction. They do not wish to affiliate themselves with us, instead they wish to alienate. They wish to use the people beneath them as stepping stones for their own success all the while pointing and laughing at us for being beneath them, for one cannot become wealthy without the exploitation of the ones who toil their backs.  

  

You must realize that - believe it or not - some of our children do not have the luxury of education, while others lack proper diet, oftentimes being malnourished from consuming only low quality bread or other inexpensive food. Many of us slave away at dead-end jobs hardly making ends meet, or risk our lives for a living .. the most that those aristocrats above us ever risk is their elongated nails breaking as they pick up a porcelain cup. Some of our clothes are tattered, others covered in dirt, some wait for years until they can afford better clothing. The upper-class have attire for every day of the year! As it is obvious, we and the upper class have such a gap in the etiquette of our speech. You may ask why that might be a problem, but it shows how different our two social classes are – simply too different. We were all created equally, we shall live equally, and shall die equally.  

  

Now I turn my attention to the proud military itself. Walking through those glamorous streets one would quickly notice the disparity of treatment the soldiers give based on basic things such as class, gender and even race. Even the first few pages of the soldiers handbook enforces protocol according to such!  Let’s say a man of status commits a crime, the ISA will turn the other cheek and the victim of the situation will be left with trauma or injuries while the man of status walks proudly among us a free man. Whereas a poor man would be instantly held and killed without even a trial among his peers!  Why must the mischievous noble be free and live a life regardless of what he’s done when the poor innocent man dies? They court our women then bash them in front of their peers. They create bastard children and toss our women to the side to be with someone of their desired status. We are nothing but toys they play with and destroy for their own needs, and satisfaction.  

  

A force compels me to sign this treatise, not because of pride, but because our voice needs proper representation - if nobody else will take up such responsibility, then let it be me. While I realize that I certainly don’t speak for all, I know that I speak for many. The time for change is necessary, and the time for change is now. Many of the proud citizens of Providence feel the same as I do but are too afraid to voice their opinions as they worry of persecution for their beliefs. I for one worry not, because while they might be able to bind our hands they can no longer bind our spirit. We shall not allow my voice, nay, our voice - to remain in the shadows for any longer. We mustn’t be afraid when in reality we outnumber them tenfold! We are more powerful than Joseph and the House of Corruption realizes, and cannot be cowards any longer! I know that with what I see, I cannot any longer. Our voices WILL be heard! Follow me, people of Providence! Take my hand and walk with me into a new era! This new era of Oren that we shall usher forth will be one where every one of you shall be worth as much as the emperor himself, where all of you will be able to sleep proud, in a warm bed with a belly full of food and wine.

 

Dutifully signed - with great passion,

Gustaven von Halsfield

 
 ((Previous post, Cries for Revolution: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/199201-cries-for-revolution))

 ((Next post, The Resistance Against Oren: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/199659-the-resistance-against-oren))

 

[Mio 3938]

Otto Baruch takes one of the missives he finds pinned to the walls, not reading it at all but rather decides to use it as fuel for a fire he made.

[bickando 3967]

"Why are they doing this in the Empire and not in the dictatorships of Norland or Haense?" Pretty Princess Helen asks to her companion, the stout courier Bernard - a question to which he has no answer, because he, too, was quite rational (and was also winded from running after her).

[Hanrahan 2983]

 

Edward Napier would sigh, having read the lengthy missive at his desk in his cozy, country office in Redenford-upon-Reden. After a stew on the matter, he would take out his pen, screw in the nib, dip it in ink and - ! Begin writing.

 

 

Dear SIR,

 

           I am pleased to inform you of the intense incorrectness of your lengthy exercise in protest. You adress many issues with the current state of the country of Oren, all of which shall be deconstructed henceforth. You name, chiefly, issues with the Imperial State Army, the Nobility, and the Economy. Issues may justly be had with all three of these institutions, but your qualms are not so.

 

"Why should we abide by the rules and laws of a society which does not favor nor support the majority of which that it commands? Need I remind you that it is the working-class peasant who breaks his back tolling the fields to provide for the aristocrats of society the bounties of food for their feasts; all the while our children beg for crumbs on the streets. We receive practically nothing for our efforts while they reap from our hard labor, the compensation that we receive is hardly worthwhile enough for us to consider continuing in such a way. Who allowed them to have such a control over our lives and our very souls?"

 

You accuse society of, in your first statement, of not favour, nor supporting the majority of the population. You cite the peasantry; and that you receive nothing for your efforts. The problem with this, Mr. Halsfield, is that Oren has no peasants. The Edict of Establishment, as well as the Orenian Revised Code makes it clear that the status of 'peasant', a man bound to his land and his lord, no longer exists in the Nation of Oren. Other countries still enable this, such as Norland, or Haense. In the Empire, no man is bound to another agaisnt his will, be it serfdom or slavery. All are Citizens if they are propertied and registered, be you man or woman, human or Elf. Secondly, the Society that we live in is a Constitutional one, with a Democratic aperture. We have elected representatives, both in a municipal (local) capacity, and in a national capacity. You may vote for people to represent your interests in the city council, or in the National House of Commons. If you are not pleased with your leadership, you may vote for new representatives. Furthermore, the Law of Oren ensures that any man, regardless of his rank, may bring anyone to trial should be be wronged for any crime. A citizen, if truly harmed, may bring a suit against a man of Noble Birth.

 

"We must only blame ourselves for losing sight of what truly makes us a functional society. We must come to realize that these leeches would be nothing without us. We have the skills that they could never master, we have the knowledge that they cannot obtain, we have the calloused hands while theirs are as soft as feathers. Where would they be without us? They would perish, simply die. It is our own selves which make this society bloom, yet we are the ones who watch it decay due to the leeches in their high towers. You all must come to understand that they fear us; with very good reasons! We could – and should - triumph over these poverty-stricken walls that barricade around us, ‘less one wishes to simply accept things as they are now – for that of which we cannot do, not any longer. "

 

The Nobility of the Realm is supported and financed by their own families sources of revenue. Many of Noble houses have run, or currently run businesses which fill the emporiums of our capital, Providence. Carrington, D'Arkent, Elendil-O'Rourke. The Nobility serves administrative, martial, and economic purposes. They fill our ranks with Officers, diplomats, administrators, as well as merchants, business owners, and bankers. The system is mutual. There is no distain, nor discouragement for the farmer or the yeoman cottager. Just as you bring your wheat and grain to market, the Nobility does arrange for patrols to be made to keep your road safe, the Nobility does arrange for better roads to be built, and the Nobility arranges the system by which you may have a market in which to sell your goods. As you nobly work the soil, they Nobly work the land in a greater sense, handling the larger issues that little farmers such as yourself are too small to deal with.

 

"Women watch - in horror - as their dearest sons and beloved husbands are dragged out of their homes for non-existent crimes in which they have never committed. The ISA incriminates our fellow men only so that our women must be alone and helpless for future abuse. They relentlessly beat, both spiritually and physically, the strong men we once knew until they become subservient hounds who do as they are told; they take these poor men’s souls without mercy. Throwing them into the lion's den for slaughter, most never are to be seen from again, that of which is truly a tragedy. Those soldiers, or dare I say, puppets, do not care for you nor me. They care only about domination in all aspects; they do not see you nor I as equal. They see you as a pawn to their game called oppression. You shall never win this game that they have forced you to commit to, they have already chosen the games’ rules. We must remind ourselves that much like a game of chance the house always wins."

 

As a Supreme Court Justice, I have never known this to be the case. Our system of law is rigid, and does not tolerate false incrimination and imprisonment. In the very bones of our society, our foundational documents, such as the Edict of Nenzing, penned in 1715 - it is clearly wrote that ALL MEN SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY, AND TRIAL. The ISA, although it may have some faults - is run by men of good standing and character. Arrests may happen, even jailing. But it is my word as a man who has been intimately involved in the Justice system for many decades that your claims are simply not factual. In any other country - the actions and the words of the local guards are law. In Oren, this is not the case. You, as a Citizen, are afforded RIGHTS. You may speak with a Lawyer, you may refute your charges, you may seek Justice at the hands of a Judge if you feel you have been wronged. The Law in Oren does not begin - and end - at the end of a guards spear-point.

 

"Even those among us who are blind can easily see that the predicament that we face now is truly despicable. Think to our sons, who have been forced to become mindless slaves to the very same state which oppresses us, as they feel compelled to join the Empire’s military due to not having any other option for income. Having a sword put in their hands, they become the monsters that they once used to criticize. They are put into pretty, neat little uniforms so that their individuality is stripped from them. They’ve forgotten their roots. All for the sake of what? For personal financial benefit, yet even that is hardly sufficient; most of the soldiers hardly receive enough to feed their own families. It is a sad day indeed to see our fellow man resort to the very government that oppresses him. We are treated like hounds, begging for mere scraps while those leeches feast above us."

 

The ISA does not practice impressement. All who join, Join willingly. Many have valid and legitimate reasons. Defense of their country. Pride. Honour. Legacy. And yes - Pay. The ISA are paid very well, certainly more than enough to feed their families. They are also given tax-breaks on their properties. All Militaries have uniforms, the ISA is no different, nor particularly villainous for promoting unity of appearance in an organization in which unity is a critical factor to the ongoing success of its operation.

 

"As we struggle to provide for ourselves, we are hit with yet another uphill battle: excessive and extravagant taxation that we simply cannot afford! Excessive and unnecessary taxation without proper justification nor explanation for such, and for the purpose of what exactly? To fund additional renovations for Joseph's immaculate palace? Perhaps to provide him additional pocket-change to splurge on manicures, and new jewelry? After all, his powdered wig has been seeming rather dull in appearance as of lately, perhaps Joseph needs a new one! Maybe the excessive taxation is to compensate the officers of the Empire’s military who need their coffers filled if they expect to have the willingness to unreasonably beat innocents?"

 

You have one begrudging point here, I shall cede. The Taxation in Providence is high, I myself can admit that. However, the purpose for such does have a proper explanation. The ISA, of course, requires a large percentage of our budget. Loyal men must be paid men. We cannot ask our sons and daughters of the Empire to bleed and perish for us for claps and parades. They, as you so pointedly mention, have families to feed - and thus, we are taxed to ensure that they do not go hungry. As well, the administrative upkeep of the Empire is very high. We have many Judges, Clerks, Sheriffs, Wardens, Servants, Administrators, and hundreds of other positions to pay for just in Providence alone. There are many other towns across the Empire, all with their own civil service that also requires payment. The Imperial family draws from their own household coffers, which are separate from the National coffers. They take a portion of the national budget, but supplement the majority with their own rents and revenue sources.

 

"A force compels me to sign this treatise, not because of pride, but because our voice needs proper representation - if nobody else will take up such responsibility, then let it be me. While I realize that I certainly don’t speak for all, I know that I speak for many. The time for change is necessary, and the time for change is now. Many of the proud citizens of Providence feel the same as I do but are too afraid to voice their opinions as they worry of persecution for their beliefs. I for one worry not, because while they might be able to bind our hands they can no longer bind our spirit. We shall not allow my voice, nay, our voice - to remain in the shadows for any longer. We mustn’t be afraid when in reality we outnumber them tenfold! We are more powerful than Joseph and the House of Corruption realizes, and cannot be cowards any longer! I know that with what I see, I cannot any longer. Our voices WILL be heard! Follow me, people of Providence! Take my hand and walk with me into a new era! This new era of Oren that we shall usher forth will be one where every one of you shall be worth as much as the emperor himself, where all of you will be able to sleep proud, in a warm bed with a belly full of food and wine."

 

Your voice for representation is the House of Commons, and the City Council. Persecution for criticism of the Economy or the Military is nonexistent, and fully legal. Any successful society must be open to criticism, as shown by the legality of your letter, and my reply. However, Mr. Halsfield, sedition and treason is NOT allowed, and your letter strays all too easily into that territory. I suggest Sir, that before you take to your pen with such a fury, you cleanse your mind of vitriol and inebriation, and simply walk about the city. Our city markets are slow, but they are not desolate. Some houses may be vacant, but the majority are not. The ISA may have their issues, but they are far better then any alternative you will find in any other nation on this planet.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sir Edward Napier, S.C.J, P.H.D, M.D, I.F.

[Salium 178]

Havardr took a quick glance at the long eloquent reformative piece, slowly giving a nod and a chuckle. Twas time, time for him and all of his companions to rise. "You've done it again my friend."

[kuerbis 3802]

"Huh," mumbled Anne Caroline as a copy of the missive was placed on her desk. She reads over the endless rambling with a terribly bored expression before throwing the paper into the fire. "The person that wrote this piece of bullshit apparently does not work for the Empire. Or at all. It provides - but in order to provide, it also needs to take something. That's how a state works. It truly irks me how people such as them only ever want to take, take, take but never give. You hand them your pinkyfinger and they expect your whole arm. Besides, if that person is so very unhappy with the Empire, why dont they just... leave?" commented Anne to her Lady in Waiting.

[chacmul 358]

“Repent, Rejoice- for the Clock speeds up. The infernal Clockworks reaches the realm of Midnight. For the Imperial Fist and those who protect it shall burn with the same Mercatorii fire the MoJ did. GOD save Oren, for no one else can." Karl ‘Urvan’ Petrovich said, as he poured flash powder into a small, empty vodka bottle. 

[christman 3559]

"Ay. . ."
Upon reading the missive, Elisabeths eyes would turn downwards - narrowing. A slow raking of air moved between her teeth as a her fore-finger and thumb went to rub against the bridge of her nose. 

It would be then, her lips would part to speak;

"These points, unfair or equitable - right or wrong in nature, have no place in Oren. Ech." Spit would move to splat upon the ground, followed by words of quieter tone. "Lord. . . save this man. May the ISA spare him a death of embarrassment. . . This shan't result in your victory, sir. This letter is an act of folly. . ."

Solemn silence followed the statement directed towards the air. Yet it was short lived, and she finally let her hand fall downwards, allowing it to join it's counterpart in her coat pockets. Upon her heel, she would turn to leave the missive in its nested place upon the wall. Daring to speak no more words on the topical matter.

[Macaroniminx 295]

Heinrich Gorbachev pauses while passing through Providence after taking notice of the posted treatise. Scanning it over quickly a grin develops on his face before he trots off happily muttering to himself, "Indeed brother, the time for change HAS come." His tone of  expression was one of cheerfulness as he continued to read the paper repeatedly. 

[Sevastiel 285]

A faint smile passes over Ophiuchus's thin lips, slender fingers just touching his chin as he reads the essay. "How... interesting," the elf hums, "it appears someone is doing my job for me. Quaint." He straightens, then, inhaling, and breathes out slowly. There were clearly some people he needed to talk to.