Merilsell wrote...
This. This THIS. Oh Skadi your post is so much full of win. I couldn't agree more.Not to mention that it saves me from writing an essay about the reasons when you have already done that in such an eloquently way.
Aww shucks. Thanks!
It was one of my few recent moments of lucidity, given the season! @KoP: I was under the impression that the Chevalier are nobility, or at least drawn from the ranks of the nobility, but instead of loyalty to one noble family, or being under the charge of one noble family, they are instead loyal to the imperial court. Sort of like the empress' own pet nobles with teeth, but a sufficient leash that they do not pose problems to her. Also, from what I remember of the Calling (it's been almost a year since read), I got the impression that generally, the aristocracy can and often does exploit their "lessers" whether human or elf, in varying degrees.
I agree, in general, however, about not wanting a totally centralized system or a cradle to grave nanny state, which I find personally repulsive. I would prefer a strong crown/ federal type leadership for dealing with external problems and general internal stability and growth, while having reasonably stable, competant, and somewhat independant provincial/local governments run by officials selected for their competance and ability. And of course, they would need to be people who understand the need for general unity and support for the main government.
As far as the elves go, I disagree with the cheap labor premise, but I can see why you would support such a thing. It is practical enough. However, from my own experience, an unregulated market and exploitation/dependancy on cheap labor has brought benefit to a small minority of people, but problems and a decline in the standard of living to the majority. It certainly has plenty of short term benefits, but long term, proves disasterous. If the elves ever want equality with their fellow Fereldens, they shall have to work hard for it, prove that they do have something to contribute. In order for this to happen, they have to have something to work for, something to look forward to, if not for themselves, then for their children/grandchildren/future posterity. Thus, I would repeal alot of laws restricting them from basic things, like travelling, or where they are permitted to live, or property ownership. I would also enforce existing laws regarding abuse/assault on the elves as I would for the humans. I wouldn't, however, just yet, allow them to have positions of power over humans, as that would be counterproductive, even dangerous, for social order. The opportunity to work towards a better financial future for their posterity, I think, would be enough to start with.
In doing so, I would hopefully create a social climate where ambitous, talented elves could rise from poverty and become useful members of society. Those that don't wish to apply themselves, or wish to have things given to them...well...there's your source of cheap labor. In general, though, like humans, I wish to seperate wheat from chaff, and find those individuals who surpass their fellows in ability and talent, so that they may contribute to, and reap the rewards of a more functional and healthy society.
Sure, it won't be easy or smooth, and you are bound to run into alot of problems with this. Attitudes and perceptions of race are not erased easily or overnight, as we have many real world examples. There will be plenty of people who will actively carry on their old prejudices, or resist the system, and yeah, riots or civil disturbances are almost a given. But I dislike having to periodically purge the alienage, or see potentially bright and talented individuals overlooked and brushed aside for the sake of a very temporary, and fragile social peace.
Retour en haut
As said Lenya isn't a char that appeals to everyone (which is deliberately made this way), but with some patience
