Post by contributor on Aug 8, 2013 17:17:01 GMT -5
My son, before you depart to make your fortune in the quadrant, please sit down. There are some things you must know about who you are and what it means to be of the Clan Javat. We are not like the rest of the Star Traders and we must not lose the precious gift we have received from our forefathers.
One day you will make a fine Star Trader, but you must also know that man cannot live in the stars alone. We may have come to the quadrant across the stars but, without finding green grass and the good earth for our feet, our race would have withered in the ether between the orbs.
It is true that the space between our worlds must be traversed, but it is deep and empty and very little that is truly good has ever come out of it. That which sustains life and makes it tolerable is almost always the product of men and women working the soil to grow and to manufacture.
It is said that, before the exodus, stories were told of a race (though some stories speak of two different races) of men. They were short in stature, close to the earth. Some it was said dug deep into the earth bringing forth it's treasures, while others lived in shallow holes digging and plowing upon it, and these brought forth that which was good to eat and brought joy to the heart. It's said, though we share nothing of their stature, that the clan Javat has descended from this race, and as such we have carried on the traditions of industry and craft. Remember my son, one cannot be closer to the Maker, than when one is taking from the raw materials and creating objects of use and beauty.
Be warned though, there are many among us, too many, who have left off the making of things and have instead ran after the finding of things. There are many things, great things, that were lost from the galactic core and it is right for us to seek out the wisdom of the past. But there were also terrible things that were lost. Great powers were unleashed in those days that no man is able to control. Set not your hopes upon such things for once a man has set his heart on them he is as good as dead. Rather enjoy what man has made. Contentment comes not from from possessing things (for in that we are often possessed), but from the thankful enjoyment of them.
Be wary of the other factions as well. Among the syndicates, we are closest to De Valtos. Lovers of money, they work hard and are mostly fair though never generous. Without them we would not have half the markets for our trade goods. What can be said of proud Cadar? They seek glory in great deeds of valor even when such are not called for. Deal with them carefully, and deal not at all with Rychart if you can help it. Rychart, the scourge of worlds, of all the factions least understands the value of good soil and productive work. They appreciate things only for the power it gives them and never for the thing itself.
As for our fellow houses, you know that much blood is shared between us and Thulun, but much blood has also been shed between us. They have too often mistaken leadership for the right to control the other houses. Don’t listen to their calls to honor whatever dusty old agreement, made before the exodus, they have dug up today. Steel Song is secretive and given to an excess of violence, but they can often be counted upon to rally to the cry of their clan brethren. Stay on their good side and you will find allies when you need it most.
Finally a day may come when you are drawn into battle. Do not be eager for this day but always be ready for it. And when it comes do not shrink back for a moment. An honest hard-working man has nothing to fear in death. Be as tenacious as a badger and fight until you are victorious. For who will stand against a man who bears pain lightly and is not afraid of death.
Go now my son and seek your fortune in the stars but may the day of your death find your body lying upon the green grass and the good earth with the sun shining upon you.
One day you will make a fine Star Trader, but you must also know that man cannot live in the stars alone. We may have come to the quadrant across the stars but, without finding green grass and the good earth for our feet, our race would have withered in the ether between the orbs.
It is true that the space between our worlds must be traversed, but it is deep and empty and very little that is truly good has ever come out of it. That which sustains life and makes it tolerable is almost always the product of men and women working the soil to grow and to manufacture.
It is said that, before the exodus, stories were told of a race (though some stories speak of two different races) of men. They were short in stature, close to the earth. Some it was said dug deep into the earth bringing forth it's treasures, while others lived in shallow holes digging and plowing upon it, and these brought forth that which was good to eat and brought joy to the heart. It's said, though we share nothing of their stature, that the clan Javat has descended from this race, and as such we have carried on the traditions of industry and craft. Remember my son, one cannot be closer to the Maker, than when one is taking from the raw materials and creating objects of use and beauty.
Be warned though, there are many among us, too many, who have left off the making of things and have instead ran after the finding of things. There are many things, great things, that were lost from the galactic core and it is right for us to seek out the wisdom of the past. But there were also terrible things that were lost. Great powers were unleashed in those days that no man is able to control. Set not your hopes upon such things for once a man has set his heart on them he is as good as dead. Rather enjoy what man has made. Contentment comes not from from possessing things (for in that we are often possessed), but from the thankful enjoyment of them.
Be wary of the other factions as well. Among the syndicates, we are closest to De Valtos. Lovers of money, they work hard and are mostly fair though never generous. Without them we would not have half the markets for our trade goods. What can be said of proud Cadar? They seek glory in great deeds of valor even when such are not called for. Deal with them carefully, and deal not at all with Rychart if you can help it. Rychart, the scourge of worlds, of all the factions least understands the value of good soil and productive work. They appreciate things only for the power it gives them and never for the thing itself.
As for our fellow houses, you know that much blood is shared between us and Thulun, but much blood has also been shed between us. They have too often mistaken leadership for the right to control the other houses. Don’t listen to their calls to honor whatever dusty old agreement, made before the exodus, they have dug up today. Steel Song is secretive and given to an excess of violence, but they can often be counted upon to rally to the cry of their clan brethren. Stay on their good side and you will find allies when you need it most.
Finally a day may come when you are drawn into battle. Do not be eager for this day but always be ready for it. And when it comes do not shrink back for a moment. An honest hard-working man has nothing to fear in death. Be as tenacious as a badger and fight until you are victorious. For who will stand against a man who bears pain lightly and is not afraid of death.
Go now my son and seek your fortune in the stars but may the day of your death find your body lying upon the green grass and the good earth with the sun shining upon you.
