Date: 8/25/97 5:35 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Bapheloc
Swords Community,
I am trying to refrain from making topic threads and getting involved in many of the things I see as flamed wars among the duelers of the Arena. Not completetly successful, but often I have turned the page of the posts to keep reading them rather then writing them, though as obvious not always. Except one thing deeply saddens me and troubles me about the attitudes of DoS. Baron.
I am not going to get involved in the debate about reasons for challenges and what is worthy and what is not worthy reasons or circumstances for anyone to challenge. The Rules simply state the standards by which a dueler can take his career to which direction they wish. What troubles me is the value that has been depreciated of the titles availible. I was reading a post today which sadden me greatly.
Someone made the comment that they were too tired and out of it to remember to get a piece of jewelery. That piece of jewelery was indeed a Baron's Ring of DoS, that that person had achieved. Forgive me for being perhaps naive or even sentimental to a cheesy state, but if perhaps I had gone through such effort to achieve a prize, that the first thing I would be interested in doing was claiming the symbol of my achievements. To go through the ritual ceremony of the passing of the ring from
the previous holder to the new victor. These are sweeping moments in the history of our sport, and yet traditions and ceremonies, and too be honest the basic respect have vanished sadly.
Regardless of reasons for challenging, one thing people should realize in challenging at all is the responsibility one has as a title holder. Not just to defend a ring, and prove thyself with skill, but in a way perhaps be a role-model to other duelers. Being a Baron makes you high profile and someone that everyone watches. I am not saying I am a perfect example of a Baron. What I am saying is that before you do decide to challenge, make sure you have the proper respect and interest,
fully understanding the importance of the position within the community you are trying to undertake.
It makes me sad indeed that someone has thought of the symbol of one of the highest positions of our beloved sport, as simply a piece of jewelery that when he feels up to it he will go and pick up when it is convient. Please, my comrades at arms, when you have made the decision to be an effective part of the community by being a role-model and a title holder at least have enough respect for the title you hold, or else no one else will.
When I entered this past Warlord Tourney, and claimed the prize of the 1st Baron's Ring of DoS, I was immensely happy at my achievement. I had entered the tourney specifically for the reason to capture the ring a former Housemate had worn, and to hopefully be apart of a the history of one of the best rings in the history of the sport. The 1st Ring of DoS. It is the only baron I wish to hold, for as long as I can and as many times as I can if neccessary in my career. Why? Because not only
do I wish to be apart of it's rich history, but I hope to gain the respect of defending it and holding it in a wise manner. Being a Baron, is more then winning one duel to have your name added to a history for taking something from someone else. And I hope all the Barons currently, former, and future think about that indeed before making any challenge regardless of the reasons they challenge.
Baphelocutis est Lathadoscia
Holder of the 1st Baron's Ring of DoS, proudly and with respect.
To Be a Baron
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Date: 8/25/97 5:58 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: IainMacKnz
Baron Lathadoscia~
For a change, I can find no fault whatsoever in your words. Commendable.
Those who hold the rank are charged with maintaining the honor of the prize. Do so well and wisely, and you will find yourself listed alongside the names Maeax, Oakenshield, Prefect, and others. Do so poorly, and find your name scoffed at - or worse yet, forgotten. The history of the Arena is unforgiving to those who can neither show honor and dignity, nor develop same. Indeed, the responsibilities of holding the title of Baron, in my archaic point of view, can extend even beyond one's own tenure. I
rest easy knowing the fate of the Ninth ring; I serve as Baron Montoya's second in honor of his attempt to eclipse my tenure holding the Eighth. And I know that I am not alone in taking the fate of my former rings into consideration; witness Baroness Maeax, for example... or Baroness Morgan and Baron Oakenshield.
Did the rings truly mean so little, they would not be so important even to those uf us who have surrendered them and hove no intention of retrieving them. It pains to see them treated so cavalierly.
Iain MacKenzie
Lord Tynsdale, et. al.
From: IainMacKnz
Baron Lathadoscia~
For a change, I can find no fault whatsoever in your words. Commendable.
Those who hold the rank are charged with maintaining the honor of the prize. Do so well and wisely, and you will find yourself listed alongside the names Maeax, Oakenshield, Prefect, and others. Do so poorly, and find your name scoffed at - or worse yet, forgotten. The history of the Arena is unforgiving to those who can neither show honor and dignity, nor develop same. Indeed, the responsibilities of holding the title of Baron, in my archaic point of view, can extend even beyond one's own tenure. I
rest easy knowing the fate of the Ninth ring; I serve as Baron Montoya's second in honor of his attempt to eclipse my tenure holding the Eighth. And I know that I am not alone in taking the fate of my former rings into consideration; witness Baroness Maeax, for example... or Baroness Morgan and Baron Oakenshield.
Did the rings truly mean so little, they would not be so important even to those uf us who have surrendered them and hove no intention of retrieving them. It pains to see them treated so cavalierly.
Iain MacKenzie
Lord Tynsdale, et. al.
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Date: 8/25/97 6:51 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: PKardinal
Bapheloc,
That was truly well said... I also see the ring as very much more than a piece of jewelry. However, the ring merely symbolizes. The true Baron of the sport comes from within, and what brought you to achieve that rank. The ring holds the history of past Baron's with it and distinguishes one with the title and honor that it holds. I wear mine proudly, but I fill my position in the DoS through myself and my actions, not through my ring or my rank.
~Phil
From: PKardinal
Bapheloc,
That was truly well said... I also see the ring as very much more than a piece of jewelry. However, the ring merely symbolizes. The true Baron of the sport comes from within, and what brought you to achieve that rank. The ring holds the history of past Baron's with it and distinguishes one with the title and honor that it holds. I wear mine proudly, but I fill my position in the DoS through myself and my actions, not through my ring or my rank.
~Phil
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Date: 8/25/97 8:58 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Llenlleawc
::Reads the Baron's missive, and those replies tacked next to it, then puts up his own::
Milord Barons, all of thee, I am truly humbled and proud to know that such noble and honorable persons still exist in the realm of the DoS. Thy words have been well written, and strike well and true at the heart of the issue. The royal titles of the DoS are titles of great respect and rich history. I hope one day that I may be as honorable and worthy a dueler as thou hast proven thyselves to be. With Barons such as thee present in the realm, I rest secure in the knowledge that the history and
nobility of the rings and yea, even the Overlord's Crown, shall be safeguarded. Tous dost have my respect, support, and admiration. May thy reigns be long, honor filled, and always as thou dost deserve.
Respectfully,
Llenlleawc du Lake,
Knight of the Table, Prince of Eire,
Kings Champion
From: Llenlleawc
::Reads the Baron's missive, and those replies tacked next to it, then puts up his own::
Milord Barons, all of thee, I am truly humbled and proud to know that such noble and honorable persons still exist in the realm of the DoS. Thy words have been well written, and strike well and true at the heart of the issue. The royal titles of the DoS are titles of great respect and rich history. I hope one day that I may be as honorable and worthy a dueler as thou hast proven thyselves to be. With Barons such as thee present in the realm, I rest secure in the knowledge that the history and
nobility of the rings and yea, even the Overlord's Crown, shall be safeguarded. Tous dost have my respect, support, and admiration. May thy reigns be long, honor filled, and always as thou dost deserve.
Respectfully,
Llenlleawc du Lake,
Knight of the Table, Prince of Eire,
Kings Champion
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Date: 8/26/97 6:36 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Kalamere
Bapheloc,
Let me begin by saying that I agree with the things you have written here. For the most part, this missive is well worded and carries a more than legitimate point. Nicely done.
Unlike Iain and Dalamar, however, there is more than my base agreement with this statement that I would mention. I find I must also consider some of the stamements you have made of late, and it strikes me with some concern. I write this not as an attack, but, rather, as a request. The request is this: Sit back... consider the things you have written here... then also consider what events would lead to such a state of affairs.
To illustrate, look upon these two quotations...
The first from the present missive...
> Please, my comrades at arms, when you have made the decision to be
> an effective part of the community by being a role-model and a title holder
> at least have enough respect for the title you hold, or else no one else will.
Contrasted against this, from your response to Dalamar's "Ramblings of the Overlord" series.
> If it is your right to do something and you wish to do it, then do it, either
> you will succeed or fail. In the end to thyself be true, for you have only
> yourself and your gods to answer to in the end.
These two statements do not reconcile. A person that has only himself to answer to does not necessarilly wish to be a role-model, yet now you imply that this comes with the title.
Lack of respect and reasoning in the issue of challenge, leads neccessarilly to lack of respect for the ring that represents the title. The latter quote from you is one of a series of such statements indictating that challenge within the rules is sufficient, with no requirement of reasoning, respect or honor. Reconsider your words here... and perhaps you will come to recognize how closely the two are tied.
~Kalamere...
From: Kalamere
Bapheloc,
Let me begin by saying that I agree with the things you have written here. For the most part, this missive is well worded and carries a more than legitimate point. Nicely done.
Unlike Iain and Dalamar, however, there is more than my base agreement with this statement that I would mention. I find I must also consider some of the stamements you have made of late, and it strikes me with some concern. I write this not as an attack, but, rather, as a request. The request is this: Sit back... consider the things you have written here... then also consider what events would lead to such a state of affairs.
To illustrate, look upon these two quotations...
The first from the present missive...
> Please, my comrades at arms, when you have made the decision to be
> an effective part of the community by being a role-model and a title holder
> at least have enough respect for the title you hold, or else no one else will.
Contrasted against this, from your response to Dalamar's "Ramblings of the Overlord" series.
> If it is your right to do something and you wish to do it, then do it, either
> you will succeed or fail. In the end to thyself be true, for you have only
> yourself and your gods to answer to in the end.
These two statements do not reconcile. A person that has only himself to answer to does not necessarilly wish to be a role-model, yet now you imply that this comes with the title.
Lack of respect and reasoning in the issue of challenge, leads neccessarilly to lack of respect for the ring that represents the title. The latter quote from you is one of a series of such statements indictating that challenge within the rules is sufficient, with no requirement of reasoning, respect or honor. Reconsider your words here... and perhaps you will come to recognize how closely the two are tied.
~Kalamere...
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Date: 8/26/97 8:32 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Spikushell
::laughs a little...perhaps Baphe ought to think about setting a good example first before he disses other duelers(from an earlier incident) A baron should nae talk down to the people that are supposed to look up to them::and besides one must always be careful of what ye say for who knows who will end up hearing it::
From: Spikushell
::laughs a little...perhaps Baphe ought to think about setting a good example first before he disses other duelers(from an earlier incident) A baron should nae talk down to the people that are supposed to look up to them::and besides one must always be careful of what ye say for who knows who will end up hearing it::
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Date: 8/26/97 11:10 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: PrlUnicorn
Baphe..
Well done, a barons ring is indeed more than a piece of jewelry and represents much history... unfortunately some have no respect for history and the struggles of others..
I agree with you... The rank of baron should be treated with respect.. I would find it difficult to give any respect within the rings or outside them to someone with that attitude..
Colleen
From: PrlUnicorn
Baphe..
Well done, a barons ring is indeed more than a piece of jewelry and represents much history... unfortunately some have no respect for history and the struggles of others..
I agree with you... The rank of baron should be treated with respect.. I would find it difficult to give any respect within the rings or outside them to someone with that attitude..
Colleen
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Date: 8/26/97 11:19 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Bapheloc
Warlord Kalamere,
To answer thy question, I will stand by both statements and offer this further to tie each closer together.
It is indeed true one should be true to thyself and thy own beliefs, and to follow thy heart in reasonings for seeking a higher position in life, or in this case this sport of Swords. While the Rules state that simply being dueling qualified to challenge is enough without personal reason for want or need of the title other then to gain it, that in it's self is still reason enough to issue challenge in my opinion. However, if one is planning to make challenge, regardless of the reasons of who
and why they are challenging, they should realize that once successful that they assume a whole new responsiblitiy to not only themselves, but to the community. To summarize, reasons to challenge are justifiable only in the eyes of the challenger usually, but the challenger should realize that dispite his reasons for challenge that he enters a whole new world by being a title holder of Swords.
While the titles of Swords switch hands because of personal friendly rivalries, grudges, or bitter eneimies trying to take another down, or simply other duelers simply seeking to claim a title for themsleves and become apart of the history of Sword, what I think very few realize or take the time to consider, is the effect on the Swords Community at large. I have always tried to inform those of my House, and my comrades, that one should challenge for a title against someone who they feel does
not serve the community, but rather they serve themselves with little regard for the community. While the Baron's Council has not had need to be active of late, that does not mean it won't be at some point in the future. And as well many who become Baron end up dueling a lot less or rarely at all anymore. It is as if being Baron is a title in which you go onto a semi-retirement or vacation.
So in final thought, yes, I believe that everyone has a right to challenge regardless of thier reasons to challenge, however, they should realize that whatever they do in making a challenge and being a title holder if successful is indeed being a role-model to the community whether they wish to be one or not. And one could therefore then argue that being said role-model starts from the time they issue challenge and what they say in said issue of challenge to the time they turn over the
symbol of title to the one who defeats them. So indeed, reasons are important in the sense of how the rest of the community precieves thee, but thee should not do things just because of what others might think of thee, rather thee should do them for what is indeed important to thyself. And by being thy own person and doing what one thinks is honorable to themselves and their way of life, you are a role-model to set an example for others if they wish to follow or not follow.
I hope that makes sense, let me know if it does not.
Baphe
From: Bapheloc
Warlord Kalamere,
To answer thy question, I will stand by both statements and offer this further to tie each closer together.
It is indeed true one should be true to thyself and thy own beliefs, and to follow thy heart in reasonings for seeking a higher position in life, or in this case this sport of Swords. While the Rules state that simply being dueling qualified to challenge is enough without personal reason for want or need of the title other then to gain it, that in it's self is still reason enough to issue challenge in my opinion. However, if one is planning to make challenge, regardless of the reasons of who
and why they are challenging, they should realize that once successful that they assume a whole new responsiblitiy to not only themselves, but to the community. To summarize, reasons to challenge are justifiable only in the eyes of the challenger usually, but the challenger should realize that dispite his reasons for challenge that he enters a whole new world by being a title holder of Swords.
While the titles of Swords switch hands because of personal friendly rivalries, grudges, or bitter eneimies trying to take another down, or simply other duelers simply seeking to claim a title for themsleves and become apart of the history of Sword, what I think very few realize or take the time to consider, is the effect on the Swords Community at large. I have always tried to inform those of my House, and my comrades, that one should challenge for a title against someone who they feel does
not serve the community, but rather they serve themselves with little regard for the community. While the Baron's Council has not had need to be active of late, that does not mean it won't be at some point in the future. And as well many who become Baron end up dueling a lot less or rarely at all anymore. It is as if being Baron is a title in which you go onto a semi-retirement or vacation.
So in final thought, yes, I believe that everyone has a right to challenge regardless of thier reasons to challenge, however, they should realize that whatever they do in making a challenge and being a title holder if successful is indeed being a role-model to the community whether they wish to be one or not. And one could therefore then argue that being said role-model starts from the time they issue challenge and what they say in said issue of challenge to the time they turn over the
symbol of title to the one who defeats them. So indeed, reasons are important in the sense of how the rest of the community precieves thee, but thee should not do things just because of what others might think of thee, rather thee should do them for what is indeed important to thyself. And by being thy own person and doing what one thinks is honorable to themselves and their way of life, you are a role-model to set an example for others if they wish to follow or not follow.
I hope that makes sense, let me know if it does not.
Baphe