Ionna was not a slave, she was an employee.  There were several references to the possibility of her seeking a job elsewhere.  It is quite possible that, among her other duties, she acted as a scribe.

Sanvean writes like a goddess. I envy her for the richness of her vocabulary, and sure wish english was my first language, at times.

One thing puzzled me a bit... The relationship between the noble and the servant seemed to be based on true, honest friendship and fondness - moreso than just being appreciative of a dear, and useful pet. I wonder if this kind of relationship with a commoner used to be more normal than it is now, or if it was exceptional then as well.

I think people are missing the point. There's good reason to believe the story was based on zalanthas, not taken directly. There's a lot of interesting aspects in the story which could help understand 'nakki politics a bit better, but it's just that, not a direct accounting to be taken literally...

If I'm not mistaken, Sanvean had announced a book containing collections of player character stories years ago. This is why I assumed they are based on actual ingame history. But I could be remembering it wrong.

Quote from: Akaramu on February 10, 2011, 09:27:22 AM
Sanvean writes like a goddess. I envy her for the richness of her vocabulary, and sure wish english was my first language, at times.

One thing puzzled me a bit... The relationship between the noble and the servant seemed to be based on true, honest friendship and fondness - moreso than just being appreciative of a dear, and useful pet. I wonder if this kind of relationship with a commoner used to be more normal than it is now, or if it was exceptional then as well.

Did you ever play IN Fale?  Fale's very different from inside than from outside.  Fale's also incredibly different from all other Noble Houses.

Quote from: Malifaxis on February 10, 2011, 04:58:06 PM
Did you ever play IN Fale?  Fale's very different from inside than from outside.  Fale's also incredibly different from all other Noble Houses.

I did - in fact, as your underling.  I still had the impression that the 'favourite pet' approach was the norm, though I've seen one exception in there. That was with three different Fale ladies being quite fond of my male bard. You stored too soon to give me an impression. 

Reading the story actually improved my RP for about an hour, no joke, all those lovely descriptions floating around. Wonderful story.

Quote from: Akaramu on February 10, 2011, 05:10:15 PM

Quote from: Malifaxis on February 10, 2011, 04:58:06 PM
Did you ever play IN Fale?  Fale's very different from inside than from outside.  Fale's also incredibly different from all other Noble Houses.

I did - in fact, as your underling.  I still had the impression that the 'favourite pet' approach was the norm, though I've seen one exception in there. That was with three different Fale ladies being quite fond of my male bard. You stored too soon to give me an impression. 

That's right, I recall now.  But this sort of thing isn't too uncommon, at least that's what I was told when I jumped into it.

And it wasn't my fault.  Senaj Ozzixilloxis Zarquon Inufrian Fale wasn't stored because I was bored.  He was stored because he was simply too awesome for the rest of the world to comfortably cope with.

He single handedly won the Copper War.

Sanveans story is based in the world of Zalanthas. It is not as prevously mentioned an actual literal translation of in game happenings.  Zalanthas is the setting.  Overall it's a good example of politics due to the interactions between houses, the use of Templars to try and lever position over others.  The byplay between family members (they aren't all the greatest friends).  But not every single sentence should be taken as gospel to apply to the game.

I am a horrible write and have no right to criticize anyone. Here I go anyway.

Typically what distinguishes a great writer from a good writer for my personal enjoyment is the ability to make both male and female characters seem real. I find that male writers tend to make good male characters and females female characters. In this case the males are dull to dim witted tools who are more caricature than character. Also, I think the author just wanted to throw in that Tuluki culture with the bards which was totally unbelievable (if you actually play the game).

Not a bad story overall, but just hard to distance yourself from a story you are sort of living.

<real ending> Lady Fale receives a report that all Tuluki bards have been stabbed in the face. Later in the week she is found stabbed in the face to death.

Quote from: Akaramu on February 10, 2011, 05:10:15 PM

Quote from: Malifaxis on February 10, 2011, 04:58:06 PM
Did you ever play IN Fale?  Fale's very different from inside than from outside.  Fale's also incredibly different from all other Noble Houses.

I did - in fact, as your underling.  I still had the impression that the 'favourite pet' approach was the norm, though I've seen one exception in there. That was with three different Fale ladies being quite fond of my male bard. You stored too soon to give me an impression. 

All the Fale's I've ever met have been complete pansies! I mean, err, never. Malifaxis could never play a pansy.

Anyway, I loved the story. I could see much of it happening in game. If someone has given you invaluable service and been a hard worker for you, your cause, your family, why shouldn't you reward them with reading or writing, even if it was to be required as something paid 'under the table'? Why wouldn't you dye their hair or speak to them with (relative for Allank(i)) kindness? It only seems a tad logical not to scorn your help but to treat them with (again, relative for Allanak) kindness, or with as much as your House might be able to afford.