Letter Bee

Waeldeshore 1.0 [CONCLUDED]

@Letter Bee oh, that's fine then. That last bit I'll leave up to everyone else.

@IcePezz

Thanks!

Waeldeshore 1.0 [CONCLUDED]

Are you looking for him to be debated and constructively criticized? Or a stamp of approval? Or just sharing?

Imo, you have every right to make your character however you'd like. If I thought he was lacking, or not suited for the rp, I would've said something.

@IcePezz

Just sharing, because my logic is that the thoughts on Ioannes, which are the outcome of my debates with my friend, are fascinating enough in and of themselves.

But, if you don't think they make good reading, just let me know.

Waeldeshore 1.0 [CONCLUDED]

@Letter Bee quistion why are you doing this ? not im annoyed just curious.

@boomlover

Because, when I showed Ioannes to one of my friends, I got into both constructive criticism and a debate; said debate consisting of: What makes Ioannes tick? Because as it stands now, without any elaboration on his psyche or his flaws, he would be a Marty Stu.

Waeldeshore 1.0 [CONCLUDED]

More Thoughts on Ioannes (And Giray)

More Thoughts on Ioannes (And Giray)

Giray is a morally grey state that pays for every good thing it has with immoral actions and the dislike of other nations. And by that, Giray is (or, less charitably, sells itself as) a multicultural, multiracial, and multi-faith nation united in the belief that every other land is a mess of racial, religious, and magical persecution, as well as labor slavery. Considering the backstories of other PCs like Isabeau, this might even be right.

How does this affect Ioannes? Simple: Another reason that Ioannes views his specific enslavement as justified is because he sees racial, religious, and magical persecution as worse than slavery, and Giray is, to him, free from those (note that this might be wrong). This in turn, governs his view of the outside world. So, should Durin vent his contempt at Ioannes at the latter, Ioannes' response would be that Giray is one of the few nations free from [Insert Stuff Here], while even Waldenshore (he's going to ignore the justifications) is prejudiced against Magi.

And, yes, there is the fact that Ioannes was forced to renounce his faith at 13, not to be regained until 18. But that is rationalized by the fact that 1.) that applied only to Mamluks and Slave-Bureaucrats, 2.) Giray civilians are not bound by such resolutions, and 3.) the fact that that had a practical purpose, to prevent slaves from running away by denying them an afterlife should they die trying to escape (this might not be an accurate belief).

@The Harbinger of Ferocity, @Belwicket, @Jon Y, @The Fated Fallen, @Dragoknighte, @boomlover, @KazeXDZ, @IcePezz.

Waeldeshore 1.0 [CONCLUDED]

<Snipped quote by Letter Bee>

Durin's current reaction to Ioannes would be similar to his reaction to everyone else: a grumpy harrumph. However, if he found out about this slave stuff, he would hold nothing but the utmost contempt for him and his ilk. Kayleth doesn't really care about the pasts of people, it's what they can do now that matters.

@Dragoknighte

Damnit, should I change it?

Waeldeshore 1.0 [CONCLUDED]

Also, I wrote this:

Thoughts on Ioannes

Thoughts on Ioannes

Hmm, basically, to get to the roots of Ioannes' psyche, one has to know/remember that the Giray System combines the brutality of enslavement and harsh military training, but justifies itself by saying that the slaves live better lives and have more power than freemen. A friend of mine objected to slaves having money and power, but that was because he believed that I was trying to export Ioannes out of a High Fantasy setting. In a High Fantasy setting, however, an oligarchy of nominal slaves, who rule over lower ranks of actual slaves whose job is to replace them once they die, is possible.

What I want with Ioannes

My disjointed thoughts:

- My main inspiration for Ioannes came from the fact that IRL, the Mamluks funded churches in the Caucasus, while Janissaries sent aid back to their home villages, while keeping many Christian customs (that last part isn't as important as the first).

- Ioannes sees his enslavement as justified, because it meant that once he was 18, he can reclaim his name, his diety (or choose a new one) and furthermore, send money and aid back to whatever relatives he has left, should they accept it (they did).

- Ioannes' main relative is an Aunt in the Kingdom of Hellas; she's a kind person who accepted Ioannes despite the fact that Giray is sort of an enemy (though not to the extent of the IRL Turkish-Greek hate).

- Ioannes, despite seeing his own enslavement as justified, wants to find another way, because he's realized from the stories of his fellow slaves that being taken away from one's parents is traumatic, and thus, if another way is found, then that would be a moot point.

- Because Giray Slaves are bound by a pain-inducing slave collar for the first two years of training, Ioannes would see stuff around his neck, even something as innocent as scarves or necklaces, as a trigger for trauma (assuming I'm using PTSD).

- The oligarchy wants the Mamlukes and Slave-Bureaucrats to see each other as a team, to be loyal to each other, because the slaves would one day replace the masters, and once that happens, they need to work together instead of being at odds. While 'weakness' isn't tolerated, slaves are expected to look after each other's needs outside of training or battle. When they are sick, other slaves are expected to take part in taking care of them; same for hunger and thirst and even other needs. To encourage this, the slavemasters do not directly help the slaves, except to give them instructions and the approrpiate supplies; they may watch the slaves to prevent them from escaping, but cannot interfere unless one is on the verge of death.

- Slave training is harsh, back-breaking (not literally) and demanding. One has to master multiple weapons, fight as both Infantry and Cavalry, and also be proficient a number of scholarly subjects (history, engineering, and medicine are 'recommendations'). Not merely that, but acts of kindness from the trainers are rare, and mostly kept hidden and subtle, to be revealed only once the training is over.

- Giray, despite being a slavocracy, does have redeeming, even laudable qualities that the slaves are frequently reminded of. Basically, Giray is a multifaith, multiethnic, and multicultural state that works, and it's because of the Mamluks and Slave-Bureaucrats. While the rest of the world is divided in petty, self-destructive divisions, Giray is diverse but united, and the Slave System is justified because it protects this diverse unity (that last part is exaggeration and propaganda).

- Any slave found to have kept the 'weak' emotions of kindness and empathy, or exhibit the capability to fake them, are assigned to Public Relations, Diplomatic Offices, or various missions requiring interaction with others. Ioannes is one of those slaves.

Waeldeshore 1.0 [CONCLUDED]

?

@IcePezz

Ah, was just going to ask you something, but then the question became moot.

Black Moon, White Night: A Visual Novel-inspired Urban Fantasy RP

@Letter BeeUh, it still shows him mentioning the sword when I look at it so . . .? And also, I won't be getting a post in tonight to resound, too late. Just thought I should let you know.

@Raijinslayer

Further edited.

Black Moon, White Night: A Visual Novel-inspired Urban Fantasy RP

@Raijinslayer, Edited!

Black Moon, White Night: A Visual Novel-inspired Urban Fantasy RP

@Letter BeeBee, he only summoned the hilt of the weaponed, and he kept it hidden behind him, using his body to cut off Osamu's line of sight with the object.

@Raijinslayer

Ah, will edit.