Written By Hadrian
July 10, 2016, 1:44 a.m.(12/23/1003 AR)
I did not expect cheating at an exhibition. It's gauche and shows poor priorities.
If Lady Kima's steed survives, then there may be no permanent damage to anything but Talen Artiglio's reputation. House Velenosa's trust in him would be more damaging had Princess Isolde not offered a reward for anyone who downed the Sword of Velenosa in the melee and Duke Niccolo not interceded to pay the wagers of those who had bet on Artiglio.
If Lady Kima's steed survives, then there may be no permanent damage to anything but Talen Artiglio's reputation. House Velenosa's trust in him would be more damaging had Princess Isolde not offered a reward for anyone who downed the Sword of Velenosa in the melee and Duke Niccolo not interceded to pay the wagers of those who had bet on Artiglio.
Written By Hadrian
July 8, 2016, 2:10 a.m.(12/19/1003 AR)
Say what you will about the Lyceum, we know how to throw a party - and despite our alleged subtlety, we're remarkably good at showing each other where we stand in each other's eyes.
Or _are_ we?!
I know you know I know you know, but sometimes it's fun to pretend we don't. You know?
Or _are_ we?!
I know you know I know you know, but sometimes it's fun to pretend we don't. You know?
Written By Hadrian
July 4, 2016, 8:12 p.m.(12/9/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Meeting a woman of House Thrax was, I believed, necessary for approaching a true understanding of them.
To my delight, I had the pleasure of meeting _the_ woman of House Thrax: Princess Donella, House Thrax's Voice.
I went in without expectations, for too much is contradictory. The stereotype of Thraxian women is clearly a stereotype, and no one who matched them would ever be allowed to speak for them. I have a great respect for strong women - my mother Duchess Adona was one such, and so is my sister Calypso. In the Lyceum, no one doubts that women and equal are equally capable.
But Princess Donella managed to seem deferential to her brother Prince Dagon while speaking her mind boldly.
Even in talk that might cause some to blanch - call it the discussion of true statecraft! - her concern was only that it might not be the best topic at a first meeting.
She shows restraint and confidence simultaneously. I am not the best at that; in truth, I don't think my people want me to be. In her, it works.
As Lord Victus said today, everyone thinks of Thrax women as hiding in their closets, but in truth, they often have no one to rely on but themselves. There were were two 'fuckings' in his words, but however crudely spoken, his point is sound.
What intrigues me, then, is why they are supposed to seek weak in comparison. Lord Victus himself admitted he would have followed Donella as Prince of Maelstrom, were she born a man.
I'm not sure why they wouldn't follow her anyway.
That is not an appropriate subject for mixed company in the Thrax Ward, I believe, and I do not intend to broach it there.
To my delight, I had the pleasure of meeting _the_ woman of House Thrax: Princess Donella, House Thrax's Voice.
I went in without expectations, for too much is contradictory. The stereotype of Thraxian women is clearly a stereotype, and no one who matched them would ever be allowed to speak for them. I have a great respect for strong women - my mother Duchess Adona was one such, and so is my sister Calypso. In the Lyceum, no one doubts that women and equal are equally capable.
But Princess Donella managed to seem deferential to her brother Prince Dagon while speaking her mind boldly.
Even in talk that might cause some to blanch - call it the discussion of true statecraft! - her concern was only that it might not be the best topic at a first meeting.
She shows restraint and confidence simultaneously. I am not the best at that; in truth, I don't think my people want me to be. In her, it works.
As Lord Victus said today, everyone thinks of Thrax women as hiding in their closets, but in truth, they often have no one to rely on but themselves. There were were two 'fuckings' in his words, but however crudely spoken, his point is sound.
What intrigues me, then, is why they are supposed to seek weak in comparison. Lord Victus himself admitted he would have followed Donella as Prince of Maelstrom, were she born a man.
I'm not sure why they wouldn't follow her anyway.
That is not an appropriate subject for mixed company in the Thrax Ward, I believe, and I do not intend to broach it there.
Written By Hadrian
July 4, 2016, 4:36 p.m.(12/9/1003 AR)
Regarding home:
Speaking with Prince Dagon and Princess Donella Thrax about the nature of our homelands and houses has brought to the forefront what the excitement and risks of Arx had so far kept buried:
I miss Southport.
It came upon me as I was describing my home for them. The herb gardens, in all their diversity and terrariums. The scents of them fill the air at morning and evening so thoroughly that I think only a master herbalist could recognize them all. I'm so used to it that I notice it only by its absence here in Arx.
The wide-open plazas have more than their match here in the capital, but I do not see the same sense of purpose I'm accustomed to among Arx's commoners. In Southport, people know their place and that hard work will be rewarded. As long as they fulfill their duty and don't harm others, we forbid nothing.
Most interestingly, and perhaps the largest difference - everyone in Southport goes through a period of military training. There are swords or spears in nearly every household; we help arm them through House Malvici's own coffers. I believe Arx's authorities would view that policy as madness.
Perhaps, in Arx, it would be madness.
Speaking with Prince Dagon and Princess Donella Thrax about the nature of our homelands and houses has brought to the forefront what the excitement and risks of Arx had so far kept buried:
I miss Southport.
It came upon me as I was describing my home for them. The herb gardens, in all their diversity and terrariums. The scents of them fill the air at morning and evening so thoroughly that I think only a master herbalist could recognize them all. I'm so used to it that I notice it only by its absence here in Arx.
The wide-open plazas have more than their match here in the capital, but I do not see the same sense of purpose I'm accustomed to among Arx's commoners. In Southport, people know their place and that hard work will be rewarded. As long as they fulfill their duty and don't harm others, we forbid nothing.
Most interestingly, and perhaps the largest difference - everyone in Southport goes through a period of military training. There are swords or spears in nearly every household; we help arm them through House Malvici's own coffers. I believe Arx's authorities would view that policy as madness.
Perhaps, in Arx, it would be madness.
Written By Hadrian
July 1, 2016, 10:29 p.m.(12/1/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianwen
Are courtesans flowers? Let's say they are, for imagery's sake.
Arianwen Grayhope is a budding courtesan. Lord Victus Thrax is watering her.
What an unfortunate metaphor. Is he grooming her? No, for he is not a cat and she is not a potential heiress.
Let us Lord Victus is a bank and he has given Miss Arianwen a loan. What her business is right now, I do not know, but she seeks to build a new one: she aspires to be a courtesan.
I'm not going to blot that out, it amuses me. What I do not quite understand is the benefit to Miss Arianwen. If someone wrongs her, will he fight for her? That would be terrifying. Perhaps Lord Victus simply has contacts that could prove useful in her apprenticeship. I should ask him next time we meet.
She seemed quite excited about my invitation. Artists and performers, performers and artists: I want them all.
Arianwen Grayhope is a budding courtesan. Lord Victus Thrax is watering her.
What an unfortunate metaphor. Is he grooming her? No, for he is not a cat and she is not a potential heiress.
Let us Lord Victus is a bank and he has given Miss Arianwen a loan. What her business is right now, I do not know, but she seeks to build a new one: she aspires to be a courtesan.
I'm not going to blot that out, it amuses me. What I do not quite understand is the benefit to Miss Arianwen. If someone wrongs her, will he fight for her? That would be terrifying. Perhaps Lord Victus simply has contacts that could prove useful in her apprenticeship. I should ask him next time we meet.
She seemed quite excited about my invitation. Artists and performers, performers and artists: I want them all.
Written By Hadrian
July 1, 2016, 10:05 p.m.(11/28/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
I also met the lovely Duchess Nadia Nightgold at the Menagerie. I have never met a lady of the North quite like her. She is either too trusting (I think not) or recognizes honesty when she hears it. A useful skill, that.
I am curious what it is exactly they distill in her holding. I may exchange some of Southport's finest for some of her spirits.
I am curious what it is exactly they distill in her holding. I may exchange some of Southport's finest for some of her spirits.
Written By Hadrian
July 1, 2016, 9:57 p.m.(11/28/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
Day Five of observation. The gray-skinned creature appeared less inclined to tolerate my presence today. To test whether its reactions were truly those of hostility and defense, I touched one of the wooden staves ringing its enclosure.
It is certainly defensive, and it certainly believes I am encroaching on its territory, even when not touching the edge. He must conceive himself as dominant even in areas he cannot physically reach. He is like a young-blooded heir apparent, who thinks the lines on maps dividing the land mark what he may someday control.
It's adorable.
Oh, I also discovered a Scholar of Vellichor. Prince Aurelian Valardin is rather bookish - people eventually do resemble their pets. But who cares about his bedside manner? The audacity he displays in choosing the goal he has for his life's work is admirable.
I doubt he can recover much predating the Great Fire here in the city, but I cannot claim to know its sewers, catacombs, and cellars. He might have more luck elsewhere - if the shavs haven't already desecrated what ruins there are.
I wish him well. The world would be a better place if more people attempted the impossible. He may never reach the top of his mountain, but he will climb higher than those who don't dare to look up.
If the shavs don't get him. I must remind him of the need for additional guards, if he leaves the city.
Common sense? Yes. But sometimes the Scholars are so busy learning about the past that they forget the present.
It is certainly defensive, and it certainly believes I am encroaching on its territory, even when not touching the edge. He must conceive himself as dominant even in areas he cannot physically reach. He is like a young-blooded heir apparent, who thinks the lines on maps dividing the land mark what he may someday control.
It's adorable.
Oh, I also discovered a Scholar of Vellichor. Prince Aurelian Valardin is rather bookish - people eventually do resemble their pets. But who cares about his bedside manner? The audacity he displays in choosing the goal he has for his life's work is admirable.
I doubt he can recover much predating the Great Fire here in the city, but I cannot claim to know its sewers, catacombs, and cellars. He might have more luck elsewhere - if the shavs haven't already desecrated what ruins there are.
I wish him well. The world would be a better place if more people attempted the impossible. He may never reach the top of his mountain, but he will climb higher than those who don't dare to look up.
If the shavs don't get him. I must remind him of the need for additional guards, if he leaves the city.
Common sense? Yes. But sometimes the Scholars are so busy learning about the past that they forget the present.
Written By Hadrian
June 25, 2016, 12:43 a.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Valerius
Prince Valerius Thrax is a most enjoyable conversation partner. He seems to have a common touch, interacting easily and affably with many in the Thrax Ward's tavern, where we met. He projects a manner of hands-off indolence rather well, but he is cleverer than his reputation led me to suspect.
I think we will have fun entertaining each other and the rest of Arx.
A man who is thoughtful, knows how to enjoy himself, and can fit in in multiple levels of society is after my heart.
I think we will have fun entertaining each other and the rest of Arx.
A man who is thoughtful, knows how to enjoy himself, and can fit in in multiple levels of society is after my heart.
Written By Hadrian
June 24, 2016, 11:39 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Gustave
The Marquis Blackram is very tall and wide. He is polite but puts on no airs. I think perhaps he should put on at least one; his March's location ought to be a badge of honor.
One could be forgiven for thinking his people Redrains of unusual size, but Marquis Gustave is of the Oathlands' northern frontier.
I believe I see a principle at work here: proximity to danger increases pragmatism. No wonder everyone expects the Lyceum to be soft. They ought to expect Southport to be the softest of the lot.
I hope they do. Looks of surprise are a joy to behold.
One could be forgiven for thinking his people Redrains of unusual size, but Marquis Gustave is of the Oathlands' northern frontier.
I believe I see a principle at work here: proximity to danger increases pragmatism. No wonder everyone expects the Lyceum to be soft. They ought to expect Southport to be the softest of the lot.
I hope they do. Looks of surprise are a joy to behold.
Written By Hadrian
June 24, 2016, 11:27 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
We had too little time to talk. All I know is that we both enjoy Lenosian wine, both speak fairly, and are both all-too-careful when it comes to our personal security.
Most importantly, he appears not to gamble.
I wonder how he relaxes.
Surely he does relax?
Most importantly, he appears not to gamble.
I wonder how he relaxes.
Surely he does relax?
Written By Hadrian
June 24, 2016, 11:23 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
Princess Valencia Redrain has baited what traps I've seen too openly.
Is that what passes for subtle maneuvering in the North? I'm not willing to make such a facile judgment.
We shall meet again, your highness, and dance further.
Is that what passes for subtle maneuvering in the North? I'm not willing to make such a facile judgment.
We shall meet again, your highness, and dance further.
Written By Hadrian
June 24, 2016, 11:16 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Vercyn
The Duke of House Halfshav is a personable older gentleman. We met while watching Lady Kima Saik's bout with Princess Marian Valardin. He offered a decent wager on 'the redhead,' on no other basis I can discern but pride in that common hair color of men and women from the North.
Some might judge this foolish. I do not.
Someone who has that much pride and confidence in his fellows can win fierce loyalty. His money may be gone - I passed it on to the true victor, Lady Kima - but consistently expect the best, and you have greater odds at receiving it.
I met his bet with one on Lady Kima for the same reason. I had not seen her fight in years. Might I have been backing a losing candidate? Perhaps, but I always support those who support me.
If I had lost the wager, it would still have been a thousand silver well-spent.
Duke Vercyn, I must also note, has excellent manners. He seems quite taken with Princess Valencia Redrain (nee Velenosa), as well, perhaps because she invites courtesies.
Is the North a place where my lord Vercyn has little opportunity to practice such ways? I do not know, but I intend to find out.
Some might judge this foolish. I do not.
Someone who has that much pride and confidence in his fellows can win fierce loyalty. His money may be gone - I passed it on to the true victor, Lady Kima - but consistently expect the best, and you have greater odds at receiving it.
I met his bet with one on Lady Kima for the same reason. I had not seen her fight in years. Might I have been backing a losing candidate? Perhaps, but I always support those who support me.
If I had lost the wager, it would still have been a thousand silver well-spent.
Duke Vercyn, I must also note, has excellent manners. He seems quite taken with Princess Valencia Redrain (nee Velenosa), as well, perhaps because she invites courtesies.
Is the North a place where my lord Vercyn has little opportunity to practice such ways? I do not know, but I intend to find out.
Written By Hadrian
June 23, 2016, 6:02 p.m.(11/4/1003 AR)
*This journal has been stricken and replaced with a note bearing the personal seal of the Dominus*
-Tampering discovered by the Censor Liborum, reported to Aldwin, Arch Scholar of Vellichor. The evidence of the tampering has been sealed forever, with the guilty party being sentenced by Dominus Fawkuhl forever more as a Silent Reflection. Never again will the name of the guilty scholar be seen, as they have sinned against Vellichor, and are now blotted away forevermore. So it is written, so shall it be known.
-Tampering discovered by the Censor Liborum, reported to Aldwin, Arch Scholar of Vellichor. The evidence of the tampering has been sealed forever, with the guilty party being sentenced by Dominus Fawkuhl forever more as a Silent Reflection. Never again will the name of the guilty scholar be seen, as they have sinned against Vellichor, and are now blotted away forevermore. So it is written, so shall it be known.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 2:29 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
Lady Kima Saik is delightfully unconventional. That is to say, she flaunts any convention that rubs her wrong on a given day.
It is good to be reminded that knights come in many types. The Templar model is merely one, and in my opinion, not the best one for his liege and the kingdom.
A man unwilling to dirty his honor for the good of his people - what use is he? I will take a man who accepts himself and the world as it is and loves both rather than a templar, every time.
Or in this case, a woman. I am honored to have her in my service.
It is good to be reminded that knights come in many types. The Templar model is merely one, and in my opinion, not the best one for his liege and the kingdom.
A man unwilling to dirty his honor for the good of his people - what use is he? I will take a man who accepts himself and the world as it is and loves both rather than a templar, every time.
Or in this case, a woman. I am honored to have her in my service.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 2:17 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Talen Artiglio is a man after my heart. Proper and respectful without being terrified or obsequious, he is well-spoken, clever, and willing to run a social risk here and there. He is a servant; he makes that clear. His worth is no less because of that.
Oh, and he is the Sword of Velenosa. How about that? A killer with the mien of a rabbit. Fear the man whose pride does not get in the way of his duties. It is all too tempting to trust him.
That is a high compliment for a man from Lenosia.
Oh, and he is the Sword of Velenosa. How about that? A killer with the mien of a rabbit. Fear the man whose pride does not get in the way of his duties. It is all too tempting to trust him.
That is a high compliment for a man from Lenosia.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 2:10 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
She was the most well-armed visitor to the Ambassadors Salon that day by a margin of at least two swords. Given what happened to her husband and his family, I cannot blame her.
I did warn Princess Marian that the most likely threat in the capital ignored armor and weapons alike. It feels very strange to tell someone that she ought to worry about poison. I believed this common knowledge. To her credit, she did not look at me afterwards as though I invented poison myself.
She does not seem a traditional Valardin, but we did not get into sharing the stories of our lives. I am not an expert on how members of the House conduct themselves, but she was not scandalized when- well, that is a matter for a Black Reflection, I think.
I did warn Princess Marian that the most likely threat in the capital ignored armor and weapons alike. It feels very strange to tell someone that she ought to worry about poison. I believed this common knowledge. To her credit, she did not look at me afterwards as though I invented poison myself.
She does not seem a traditional Valardin, but we did not get into sharing the stories of our lives. I am not an expert on how members of the House conduct themselves, but she was not scandalized when- well, that is a matter for a Black Reflection, I think.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 1:55 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
The Lyceum's respect for the Thirteenth is misunderstood everywhere else in Arvum. Lady Isolde Velenosa is well-suited to being a Mirrormask: she tempts deliberately; she reminds men and women of what they want and what they secretly wish they could be.
She needs no mask to be a mirror, for she is a reminder that you, too, have a Dark Reflection, whether you admit it to yourself or not. You need not fear being possessed by your reflection, so long as -you- are willing to possess -it.-
Did I miss my calling in life as a disciple of the Thirteenth?
Heavens, no.
Isolde is good for Arx. It is human nature that we frequently resist what is good for us.
She needs no mask to be a mirror, for she is a reminder that you, too, have a Dark Reflection, whether you admit it to yourself or not. You need not fear being possessed by your reflection, so long as -you- are willing to possess -it.-
Did I miss my calling in life as a disciple of the Thirteenth?
Heavens, no.
Isolde is good for Arx. It is human nature that we frequently resist what is good for us.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 1:39 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
This Lord of Thrax is an uncouth barbarian more suited to piracy than representing his House. He is a weapon to be wielded; who thought he would be an asset at court or the Assembly of Peers?
I think I would like him during his good moods. I wonder if he has any.
What I would love beyond all else is to see him in a social situation where he has no choice but to attempt the niceties. Can he form sentences without cursing? Does he know the purpose of a fork? These mysteries and more will only be laid to rest should the day come when a command from his liege forces him to care.
I hope I'm there to see it.
I think I would like him during his good moods. I wonder if he has any.
What I would love beyond all else is to see him in a social situation where he has no choice but to attempt the niceties. Can he form sentences without cursing? Does he know the purpose of a fork? These mysteries and more will only be laid to rest should the day come when a command from his liege forces him to care.
I hope I'm there to see it.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 1:28 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
A beautiful woman sent me a rose and claims she does not hate me. Shouldn't that be enough for any reasonable man? If it weren't for the largely-contained Tor-Southport War, I could take her at her word without worry or care.
Unfortunately, a man with my last name caused that war. Her mother the Duchess of Tor could be considered the first casualty. The war proper began with Valardin knights supporting Duke Leo Fidante's claims. That this did not cause a wider war and bring more ruin and death than it did is a testament to skillful diplomacy and restraint.
Lady Calista and I have much in common. We were both very young during these events, neither of us could affect them in any way, yet they have, in many ways, shaped our lives. Will they continue to determine our destiny?
For my part, I hope not.
Unfortunately, a man with my last name caused that war. Her mother the Duchess of Tor could be considered the first casualty. The war proper began with Valardin knights supporting Duke Leo Fidante's claims. That this did not cause a wider war and bring more ruin and death than it did is a testament to skillful diplomacy and restraint.
Lady Calista and I have much in common. We were both very young during these events, neither of us could affect them in any way, yet they have, in many ways, shaped our lives. Will they continue to determine our destiny?
For my part, I hope not.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 1:02 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
Duke Niccolo Velenosa is dignified without being pompous and respectful without resorting to flattery. He seems entirely unforced: either his entire life is a deception or he is genuinely self-contained. There is an economy about his words and actions - he doesn't say too much or too little. He expresses himself without revealing all, and his gestures are those befitting a statesman.
He would be a formidable opponent. I do wish I had been able to see him together with the Grand Duchess Carlotta. Given the lengths he went in order to wed her (who in the Lyceum doesn't know the story?), she must have been an extraordinary woman.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.