A Call to Arms

[Rakeesh]

The following note was tacked on the corkboard, neatly and carefully scrawn.

Duelists of Rhy'Din,

Come! For years now the city has encouraged a separation of politics and the Arena, with many influential citizens stating on record that dueling has nothing to do with politics. But history tells us otherwise.

Did history have nothing to do with politics when Lord Dalamar Ar'Daumon lay claim to over twenty successive defenses of his crown, shaping the baronies of the Arena and the course of action and focus in the city all at once?

Did history have nothing to do with politics when Shakira used her reign as Overlord to commit murder, destroy the sanctity of the Arena's wards, and terrorize Rhy'Din in her quest to bring chaos?

Did history have nothing to do with politics when Vanion leveraged his titles, and the titles of those he had power over (myself included) to commit genocide on the streets of the Old Temple district?

And that is but a sampling of three very different reigns as Overlord, to say nothing of the many Baronies held in the history of Rhy'Din. The people of the city look to the Barons as leaders, examples to follow, names capable of raising funds for the needy and inciting social change. For a long time now, the Arena has separated itself from the potential impact its highest ranking fighters can have upon the future and peace and prosperity of Rhy'Din.

My challenge is simple. Barons: do something with your power, your title. Make a difference. You are the shining examples that others look to in hopes of one day sharing your fame and influence. You are the face of the Arena, and in many ways, the face of the entire city.

And Warlords and would-be Warlords: hold your Barons accountable for the use of their titles. Yes, duelists rise and fall by the blade. And yet, duelists also rise and fall by the will of the people of this city too. If your Barons will not be a presence in the Arena, will not demand more of themselves in terms of how they use their position to help the people of Rhy'Din ... challenge them!

Warlords, rise to challenge those who act not on the influence they have. Shake the walls of the sleeping city, and change the story of our future to one that is brighter and more progressive! For what is it to be a Warlord that does not do her or his part to use the title and honor that they have earned to make a difference?

Stand, challenge, change, and shape the future of Rhy'Din into something brighter. I ask this knowing that I will demand the same of myself. Many have told me that I am too old to stand in the ring, too old to prove a meaningful opponent. I will do my best to prove them wrong and to make Rhy'Din a better place.

I only ask that you do the same: make a difference. Baronies, will you stand with me to make this city a better place? Warlords, will you stand with me to make the titles of the Arena meaningful, to keep accountable the figureheads so that we may shape the city into what it most deserves to be?

I wait, and I pray for your acceptance of this proposal. Let us do more.

Sincerely,
Rakeesh Sah Tarna
Captain of the Champions of Mythos
The 76th and 91st Overlord of the Arena
The 3rd Baron of New Haven
The 17th Baron of Old Temple

[Mairead Harker]

Warlord Rakeesh Sah Tarna,

My family has always taught me that good things grow from good things and to make use of my strengths. At ten years of age, I am the youngest person actively participating in the Duel of Swords. Because of my skill with a staff and a grant from then Overlord Rand al Tan, I was privileged to become the Baroness of Old Market. During those five months, I was able to get many forms of assistance from businesses to expand on the fire station project that had been built during my mother's time as Baroness in that district. Because of those efforts, construction and other jobs were created to run an urgent care, small surgical center, and emergency shelter. The medical facility is open for everyone, free of charge. It's Lirssa's time there, now; I heard she's helping out children in need. Terry King started a women's shelter to give women in crisis a safe place to go.

By writing you of my project and those of other Old Market baronesses, I'm not looking for praise or any kind of awards. I'm trying to tell you that things have been and are being done. Many of them aren't advertised because helping people doesn't need need to become a circus show. As my Gran says, "You just have to be willing to roll up your sleeves, pitch in with both hands, and not worry about getting dirty or asking others for help."

Respectfully,

Mairead E. Harker
24th Baron of Old Market

[Rakeesh]

Lady Harker,

You are certainly an impressive, intelligent young woman, and I applaud your efforts to leverage your position as a force of good in Rhy'Din. But those less privileged in this city that need help are simply more likely to get it if we raise our voices and encourage proactivity. Those of us who fight for title, who enjoy the spoils of Baronial Manses, Mystical Balls and Festivals, education and writ, we are privileged. We can labor in silence, individually, demanding naught of others.

But always, always have I seen in this life that more is possible when a community stands together, demands more of itself, holds its members accountable. For a community is greater than the sum of its parts, and alone, we are not.

That, Lady Harker, is no circus show. It is a movement. I thank you for your efforts to help, and hope to live to see what sort of woman you will one day become.

Sincerely,
Rakeesh

[Ellisa Morgan]

I have always, whether in possession of a title or not, worked at benefiting the city. I do not need a lecture, nor do I feel the need to list my accomplishments like some desperate girl seeking adoration or acknowledgement from strangers. -- Note* This is not a reference to you, Mairead, please do not mistake my ire toward Rakeesh as a slight toward you.

I do not know what your motivation for posting this publicly was rooted, but to me it comes off as ignorant and arrogant. To assume that we need you, or anyone, to tell us how to live? Is it because the Baronies are all held by women? Obviously we require a man to set us on the correct path?

If you have a problem with my words then come find me and we can move to more demonstrative methods wherein I can show you where to shove your assumption that you have a right to hold me accountable without any knowledge of who I am or how I live my life.

Most sincerely,
~Ellisa Morgan

[Aya Hayashibara]

Warlord,

If it is a political stance you wish to take, may I suggest contacting the Governor of Rhydin. Barons do not hold any political power whatsoever, and nor should they. It would be unwise to assume political power simply by winning a single battle within a sport.

I echo Baroness Morgan's stance on this matter but shall take no insult as I am sure that your words are meant for encouragement and not condescension.

H.A.

[Vaeluthil Whitevale]

Sometimes barons do things. Good things, bad things, all sorts of things. Me, I did my good things. Not because I have my barony but because it sounded like the right thing to do at the time. But "right" changes from day to day, you know.

The right thing now? I'm going to eat all of the honey in the entire manor and then I shall vanquish the ice cream too.

Maybe tomorrow I'll do something else.

Maybe.





Also, you're not the boss of me.

[Andrea Anderson]

Thinly veiled accusations of sexism seems to be pushing it some. Why any sort of dissenting thought that pulls from the status quo can be quickly labeled as such give less credit to real cases. It looks more like Rakeesh is just saying that Baron's should be doing more. Even if they are considered sports stars, they could be looked upon by the community at large as trend setters.

The thing is, tt's not as is the so-called Governor of Rhydin have any sort of power anyway, the same said about the Watch themselves. I doubt anyone needs a fancy title to do something for the community. The only thing I actually enjoyed about being the Baron of New Haven wasn't the thought of how I could help the community at large; it was instead the fact that I could raid the wine cellar and take my pick of what was down there into my own private collection.

Barons might not hold political power, but they sure as hell can cause trouble if they want to. I recall having such a hassle getting through Seaside last year due to bull**** when all I wanted was some crab legs and fresh lobster. Thankfully Vaeluthil seemed to nip that in the bud, without any help from a "Governor" or Watch presence.

tl;dr, do whatever you want - title or no title. Just don't do it where I live or else I'll shoot you.

It's also nice to see you back Rakeesh, and I hope you gain some ground in the sport.

[Rakeesh]

Baronesses,

Certainly, I do not intend to offend or issue any sort of orders. May I keep my retort simple and honest, and hope that you give it due consideration.

I encourage you to consider your ability to influence the city in a positive way. To act as a role model, to lead by example, to do what you can to make this city safer, happier, healthier. While your titles may not be political positions, they are still positions of influence. This is truth.

How can we better use the influence that we have at our disposal? This is the question that I encourage Barons and Warlords, and all citizens, to ask themselves.

This, I encourage, but I do not order.

I encourage us to hold accountable those with titles by way of honorable challenge and the sword, not by insult and aggression.

This is my letter's purpose. And as I encourage more from you, know that I shall do the same for myself.

Sincerely,
Rakeesh Sah Tarna

[Aya Hayashibara]

One need not even be a duelist in order to "Cause Trouble."

One need not be a title holder in order to be a positive influence.

When I am present in the Arena, I consider my presence to be taken by those at large be as they wish. When I am not present in the Arena, it is of no concern to anyone save myself and those I wish to interact with. If I am interacting with someone, it is their choice to view me as they wish.

I do not consider being a Baroness in the Arena to hold any difference for me professionally nor personally in the way others may view me. My influence remains the same and is not restricted by such, as said by naming "All citizens." All citizens are free to act as they choose and need not be held by any single beings standards, though the sentiment is admirable enough.

Title holders in the Arena are meant to be challenged. Title holders come and go. One day, I am sure I shall no longer hold the title of Baroness and when that time comes, I shall remain Hayashibara Aya without the influence of others.

H.A.

[JewellRavenlock]

Warlord Sah Tarna,

While I do not currently hold a barony, I am both aware of and appreciate the immense power that the titles can afford to the holders.

While certainly not a political position, any such achievement that brings one into the public eye can be used for political leverage and thereafter used for the greater good or evil (as you so aptly pointed out).

You have called us to action. In turn, I invite you to meet with me in my neighborhood of Little Elfhame. This small section of Old Market is a true testament to the power and ability one can have without holding any political position.

Sincerely,

The Empress
Warlady Jewell

[Mairead Harker]

Baroness Morgan,

I took no offense to your remarks. Like you, title or not, I try my best to help others.

Mairead
-------------------------------------

Warlord Rakeesh,

I find it interesting that your notice has so far been responded to by women that currently hold or have previously held a title. Even at my age, I have experienced being told that I wasn't good enough or strong enough because I happen to have been born female.

Some people will use their sports title as a stepping stone to gain attention and aid for a something they wish to accomplish for the community. Others will not. Many small good works often accomplish more than one giant one.

You spoke of privilege. I'm blessed to have been born into a family where its matriarch has ensured that her progeny will have a good education. She's also been helping out in orphanages and with children's groups since before I was born. Her donations to Riverview's Pediatric unit have helped families in need. The Chief of Staff there, Dr. Valkonan, donated her time to help with designing and supervising staff selection for the urgent care and surgical clinic I mentioned.

I am privileged to have a family that looks out for me, makes sure that I have a place to live, food to eat, and clothes to wear. Not every child in Rhydin is that fortunate. Not every adult is either. My father is an architect, my mother is a teacher.

Old Market's baronial manor is the Cardinal Inn. While free rooms and food were only advertised for holidays, I never turned away anyone in need of a meal or place to stay the night. Some of them washed dishes or swept floors because they didn't like the idea of taking charity. People have their pride and that must be respected.

What kind of woman will I become? I hope to become a teacher that will help her students learn, grow, and be accepting of their inborn talents while coping with how to control them.

At the end of any day, I am simply Maggie, who strives to be a good example to others.

Respectfully,

Mairead E. Harker
24th Baron of Old Market

[Rakeesh]

Lady Harker,

I will not speak towards prejudice against one sex or species from another, other than to state that I am a staunch opponent against bigotry in any form. My call to action is no slight against you or what you may have done with your influence. And yet, I merely ask, what more can we all do with the gifts that we have been given in this world?

It is an important question that can never be asked enough.



Lady Jewell,

I would be happy to meet with you. I look forward to it.

[Bile]

If only Vanion were still around, he would truly do something.

[Goldglo]

I welcome more female Barons.

--Matt

[PrlUnicorn]

Rakeesh,

Your proposal is a worthy one. However, it seems to discount the good works being done already. I doubt that was your intention. The question I wish answered is what will you be doing to lead this movement that you have proposed? It is not enough to simply ask the question, one must be prepared to be the example and lead the charge as it were. Far too often I have heard people say they want to help in the community, but have no idea how. I recall a solution being posed at one Governor Ilnaren's Town Meetings.

It has been pointed out that the office of Governor has no power in Rhydin. That is a matter of opinion. While there is no legal system for him to uphold, he is able to easily learn what it is needed in the city. He is also able to learn who can help fund the projects like the recent need for road repairs and who is able to do the actual work. Putting the people together can accomplish a great deal. The results of that project benefited everyone that uses those roads.

If you have not already done so, I suggest contacting Claire Caelum or Shadow to visit the Dragon's Gate Orphanage and see the work they are doing with children that had been, regardless of the circumstances, left on their own. You could also contact Johnny Storm, who is not a duelist and has charge of fire brigades in several districts.

Sincerely,

Colleen MacLeod-Fenner