Sophia - Book Part 1

Musings of the Hut Crew

Notes

These are random thoughts of the crew, collected here for reference later. Each of us have recorded various thoughts and ideas in our sections, in no particular order. Read them, muse upon them, use them to form your own concepts about those that have recruited you.

Kyira Dzahmahth,
Head Librarian and Historian of the Hut of All Dimensions

Irena

Power corrupts everyone. Even those most determined to help others find themselves believing only they know the true good. I fell prey to it, as did those that I lifted up to help me. Even now, I am not certain I have managed to step beyond my own ego. I have been gifted or cursed with a destiny I only barely understand, yet must make decisions about on a daily basis.

That will be for you, the reader, to determine, from what you have seen of my policies and achievements. Be careful how you judge, for history and historians are harsh critics. Particularly if those who oppose you are the winners.

Kyira has asked me to discuss the Tools of Statecraft. Quite simply, they are the policies, procedures, and practices used to create and maintain a group. The tools can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful depending on the tool and how it is used.

Tool: Fear and Self Doubt

It is used by any group to convince the members of the group that they are flawed, worthless, or damaged in some way. Once this is established, the various power groups can then sell the "fix", be it religion, goods, services, or whatever. Since the core belief remains, this tool keeps the populace properly docile and receptive to the control group(s) and constantly seeking confirmation of the "fix".

Tool: Control of Information

Any group can only act based on the information it has at the time. If you can provide only desired information, then the group will more easily follow desired guidelines. An educated, thoughtful populace is not easily led or controlled.

This can be used for good by providing more positive and accurate information and reducing the titillation factor of the bad news. Do not attempt to suppress all the bad news or the good news will be viewed as false by anyone with any intellect.

Kyira

It would seem I am not beyond ego myself, to judge from that fancy-ass title I have given myself in the introduction. Such are the seductions of this place, the ease to feel above those we seek to serve. It is so easy to lose sight of the good that can be done in the light of the gratifications that can be accrued. Still, we try to catch each other and remind ourselves when we see it happening. Bring your friends with you on your tasks. Sometimes they are the only ones that can stay your hand when you lose your perspective.

Irena rescued me and brought me to this place. Nothing has been the same since. Even the ever-present hunger is lessened as long as I remain cloistered in this place. The freedom to feed only when I truly wish it has allowed me a view of reality I never could have imagined. Then, when Klktzash asked to resign her post, I became The Librarian, instead of only an assistant. I wish Zash well, wherever she ends up. With luck, she can stay at the Center and not be dragged back into the machinations of the hells. Machinations, a good word, fruity and rich, one she taught me, along with the tending and keeping of this vast library. A library stolen from one who knew not what to do with it, except hide it away and pretend to be keeping it for the future.

Now it is a living place. Fed by the adventures of Irena and the rest of us, offered to those that come after, who help in the Keeping of the Great Balance. Cherish what you find here.