The Power of Art
Not to show the world the way it is, but the way it can be
It’s your favorite Porcupine Hobo writing this issue of the Haman Nature newsletter. On the last episode of the Haman Nature show, Adam and I discussed that the United States is structured politically more like an oligarchy than a representative republic. I drew an analogy to the popular book and television series Game of Thrones and how the different family houses could represent different real-world power groups.
I think everyone would agree that the power of art to affect the cultural landscape is undeniable. We all know that a book like the Moon Is A Harsh Mistress has been more influential in exposing the masses to libertarianism than the Ethics of Liberty. However you and I may feel about that, it behooves us to support and encourage the production of libertarian themed art. To this end, we thought we’d start doing something a little different with the Friday issue of the newsletter that we hope you will enjoy. I’m currently writing a GoT-style story with a theme that demonstrates how political power corrupts and destroys society and how voluntary cooperation among the people is the market solution to peace and prosperity. Next Friday, I will publish the first chapter of my story A Game of Roasts. As preview, below is the story synopsis along with the world map.
Cheers!
Tyrone the Porcupine Hobo
A GAME OF ROASTS: synopsis
Taking its family name from a magical fruit that only grows on the cliffs beyond The Wall At The Ledge Of Winter in the northernmost prefecture of the Thon Dominion, Clan Kaffa oversees the harvest of the kaffa orchards. Used for a variety of products including medicine, ceremonial religious rites and a delicious stimulating beverage, kaffa production is the economic engine of the dominion and other clans scheme to seize control of the territory. But interclan rivalry isn’t the only threat clan Kaffa faces. Missionaries of the new gods from the Sunrise Continent have crossed the Ignescent Sea to convert by persuasion or force those that practice the old-fashioned customs of the old gods like those practiced by the traditional orchardists of the north. And of course, far beyond the wall, past the kaffa orchards, deep into the icelands bordered by the banks of the River of Three Crossings, an ancient evil lurks, an evil whose return was foretold by a prophecy still taught to frighten children into obeying their parents and taken as the Kaffa clan's motto: Bitter is coming.
A GAME OF ROASTS: map
Exciting! I’m looking forward to it!