Written By Denica
Jan. 18, 2024, 12:37 p.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
When I look at you, I see our mother.
You are one of the strongest people I know. You always have been, ever since I can remember.
Some of my happiest memories growing up, are because of you. I know you sacrificed a lot for us. You stepped in, and much of who I am, is because you did.
You are one of the strongest people I know. You always have been, ever since I can remember.
Some of my happiest memories growing up, are because of you. I know you sacrificed a lot for us. You stepped in, and much of who I am, is because you did.
Written By Martino
Jan. 18, 2024, 11:48 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
One thing I am struck by as the noise of the bells go by the docks. As citizens grab their spears, as the trained militia stands themselves ready to march. As the captains yell to get final supplies on board leaving Southport.
That those we lost along the way will be watching on from either the Wheel, or wherever they've ended up, with pride at what we have done and will do in the days, weeks and months to come.
Calypso. Our dear Duchess. I followed your instructions. The citizens of Southport are ready.
Domonico. My dear brother. You were a pain in the ass. The Malvici fleet is ready.
Cicero. My dear Uncle-in-Law. I am not sure if that is a title, but you kept us sane. We are ready.
Aahana. My dear Sister-in-Law. You inspired many and that, today, will pick up the sword to fight in our name. They are ready.
Since the first Reckoning we have trained for this. Prepared ourselves for this. Understood that this is our role.
The House of War and the City of Swords is ready.
That those we lost along the way will be watching on from either the Wheel, or wherever they've ended up, with pride at what we have done and will do in the days, weeks and months to come.
Calypso. Our dear Duchess. I followed your instructions. The citizens of Southport are ready.
Domonico. My dear brother. You were a pain in the ass. The Malvici fleet is ready.
Cicero. My dear Uncle-in-Law. I am not sure if that is a title, but you kept us sane. We are ready.
Aahana. My dear Sister-in-Law. You inspired many and that, today, will pick up the sword to fight in our name. They are ready.
Since the first Reckoning we have trained for this. Prepared ourselves for this. Understood that this is our role.
The House of War and the City of Swords is ready.
Written By Mikani
Jan. 18, 2024, 10:47 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Artorius
We must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. We will face our fears. We will permit it to pass over us and through us. And when it has gone past we will turn our eyes to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only we will remain - stronger.
((OOC I know it's a Dune quote but it fits the occasion))
((OOC I know it's a Dune quote but it fits the occasion))
Written By Lianne
Jan. 18, 2024, 9:59 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Azazel doesn't have a head. Even when embodied, you may not be able to find a head to sever.
Which is not to discourage your very worthy aspiration, but to adjust expectations. Please do cut of each and every part of him you can, however head-like or not.
Which is not to discourage your very worthy aspiration, but to adjust expectations. Please do cut of each and every part of him you can, however head-like or not.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 18, 2024, 9:51 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
Day 10:
Skal'daja was the City of Chains. The home of a hundred thousand slaves. I wonder what it is like there now that all chains have been broken? Will they give it a new name? Did they tear down the Palace of Toil? Are they waiting for someone to come and lead them against the Dune Emperor? Have they already found a leader amongst themselves? A hundred thousand free men and women, and likely very angry.
Ahj'on is also known as the High Court, the City of Mirrors. It is believed to be the home of the Magisters of the Mirror, who are the cult of the Sleeper. This is where the Prophet of the Sands can most often be found, I understand, when he is not in Pyre.
Truths are easier to write than lies.
Skal'daja was the City of Chains. The home of a hundred thousand slaves. I wonder what it is like there now that all chains have been broken? Will they give it a new name? Did they tear down the Palace of Toil? Are they waiting for someone to come and lead them against the Dune Emperor? Have they already found a leader amongst themselves? A hundred thousand free men and women, and likely very angry.
Ahj'on is also known as the High Court, the City of Mirrors. It is believed to be the home of the Magisters of the Mirror, who are the cult of the Sleeper. This is where the Prophet of the Sands can most often be found, I understand, when he is not in Pyre.
Truths are easier to write than lies.
Written By Jaenelle
Jan. 18, 2024, 9:26 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
It is no secret that I was not born in the Lyceum, and despite this the Lyceum is where I found my identity, my voice, and my place. It is hard to remember a time in the Mourning Isles where women were given the choice to be more than seen and not heard but I remember when we were not allowed on ships because of tradition. Where weapons were not allowed to sit in our hands because something would be tainted. Where women were meant to smile, to take care of the hearth, and do so quietly and happily. I suffocated beneath my Grandfather's "traditions", beneath his laws and demands.
It took some time, working within the shadows as is necessary, to fit all the places in a row. To convince my grandfather to do anything was a feat but I learned very early in life that when you wanted Donrai Thrax to do anything, you made him think it was his idea, and so I did. "An alliance with House Velenosa, grandfather. They would do well to be connected to the might of House Thrax. Would Archduchess Carlotta do well to hear your wisdom, grandfather? A marriage would certainly solidify such a friendship." I was only a woman, a pawn to be used in Donrai Thrax's game to expand his reach, and I took advantage of this and played as the pawn /so well/. I lost myself in the Mourning Isle, or perhaps I never truly found who I was because I played what was needed when it was needed, and my never ending supply of masks to hide behind were all I had.
I was married to Duchess Carlotta's son, a man who had his own issues and lost his battle with those not long after we were wed. I never knew my husband well, and perhaps I was never meant to and he was simply placed in my life for one purpose and that was my freedom. I know it is a concept that others might look at me with skepticism, what would a Princess of a wealthy House know about a lack of freedom? It is a valid thought, especially in a world of thralls, but it was my own shackle and one I desperately wanted to be free from. Upon Gersard's death Archduchess Carlotta could have sent me back. Upon her death, Archduchess Esera could have decided there was no longer need for her brother's widow and sent me back to my grandfather, but neither did and for that small piece of mercy I owe my existence.
I was a young woman then, who's entire life till that point was lived within shadows and carefully arranged moments, and suddenly I was asked my opinion of matters. Mine. I no longer had to pretend they were those of another in hopes they would be taken seriously. Recognition for my ideas was something that I had never experienced before, and now I was able to write my own name on missives and plans, and I cried over such a small thing I never knew how badly I needed before that. If anyone tells you that a name is but a name, they are lying because a name is everything. As time went on each mask that I clung to for survival was allowed to slip and shatter, and slowly I picked up those pieces and found my own reflection in the mirror. It was a terrifying thing, to have hidden yourself so completely that you must learn who you even are just as you are attempting to navigate an entirely new world. It took time but I learned who I was, I learned the sound of my own voice and the power within it, and vowed then that I would die before I ever allowed anyone to force me to hide again and I would take everyone with me in the process.
So you see, when people say I was not born Lycene that is not right. My mother was of House Thrax and my father was of House Redrain, but Jaenelle Velenosa nee Thrax was most definitely born in the Lyceum and no one will ever convince me otherwise. This is my home, this is my family and those are my people and I will die before I allow any harm to come to them.
It took some time, working within the shadows as is necessary, to fit all the places in a row. To convince my grandfather to do anything was a feat but I learned very early in life that when you wanted Donrai Thrax to do anything, you made him think it was his idea, and so I did. "An alliance with House Velenosa, grandfather. They would do well to be connected to the might of House Thrax. Would Archduchess Carlotta do well to hear your wisdom, grandfather? A marriage would certainly solidify such a friendship." I was only a woman, a pawn to be used in Donrai Thrax's game to expand his reach, and I took advantage of this and played as the pawn /so well/. I lost myself in the Mourning Isle, or perhaps I never truly found who I was because I played what was needed when it was needed, and my never ending supply of masks to hide behind were all I had.
I was married to Duchess Carlotta's son, a man who had his own issues and lost his battle with those not long after we were wed. I never knew my husband well, and perhaps I was never meant to and he was simply placed in my life for one purpose and that was my freedom. I know it is a concept that others might look at me with skepticism, what would a Princess of a wealthy House know about a lack of freedom? It is a valid thought, especially in a world of thralls, but it was my own shackle and one I desperately wanted to be free from. Upon Gersard's death Archduchess Carlotta could have sent me back. Upon her death, Archduchess Esera could have decided there was no longer need for her brother's widow and sent me back to my grandfather, but neither did and for that small piece of mercy I owe my existence.
I was a young woman then, who's entire life till that point was lived within shadows and carefully arranged moments, and suddenly I was asked my opinion of matters. Mine. I no longer had to pretend they were those of another in hopes they would be taken seriously. Recognition for my ideas was something that I had never experienced before, and now I was able to write my own name on missives and plans, and I cried over such a small thing I never knew how badly I needed before that. If anyone tells you that a name is but a name, they are lying because a name is everything. As time went on each mask that I clung to for survival was allowed to slip and shatter, and slowly I picked up those pieces and found my own reflection in the mirror. It was a terrifying thing, to have hidden yourself so completely that you must learn who you even are just as you are attempting to navigate an entirely new world. It took time but I learned who I was, I learned the sound of my own voice and the power within it, and vowed then that I would die before I ever allowed anyone to force me to hide again and I would take everyone with me in the process.
So you see, when people say I was not born Lycene that is not right. My mother was of House Thrax and my father was of House Redrain, but Jaenelle Velenosa nee Thrax was most definitely born in the Lyceum and no one will ever convince me otherwise. This is my home, this is my family and those are my people and I will die before I allow any harm to come to them.
Written By Ann
Jan. 18, 2024, 3:06 a.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
28 minutes.
Tick
Tock
28 minutes.
Not like there isn't anything else to worry about as of late.
Tick
Tock
28 minutes.
Not like there isn't anything else to worry about as of late.
Written By Cambria
Jan. 18, 2024, 1:46 a.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
In every generation there are those who can lead men to hell. There are never many, for the secrets of that kind of leadership have not been written in books. No one quite knows where the great captains come from. They appear when needed - or they do not, and homelands die
Written By Amari
Jan. 18, 2024, 1:25 a.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
I may have overexerted myself. When I woke this morning, my bed was no bed at all, and it was half submerged in the lake and snacking on a tree as if it were a stick of celery. It took me longer than I care to admit to remember what had happened. When I did recall, I couldn't do anything but laugh.
Reveillon looked so beautiful standing there in the dawn. Like a dream. It's a shame to leave her, and honor a promise few remember and no one asked we keep. How tempting it felt in that moment to simply stay forgotten in the heart of the Shadowood. How comfortable it would have been to have drawn that thick verdant cloak tighter around us so we might disappear and sleep again.
What sort of friends would that make us if we had? Not true friends. Duke Ahmad gave our House its words as the War of Stolen Names waged yet unseen. Issued an ultimatum by the elves of Legion to surrender his human vassals to them, he refused with those same three words and died for them:
"No Truer Friend."
We haven't forgotten.
Reveillon looked so beautiful standing there in the dawn. Like a dream. It's a shame to leave her, and honor a promise few remember and no one asked we keep. How tempting it felt in that moment to simply stay forgotten in the heart of the Shadowood. How comfortable it would have been to have drawn that thick verdant cloak tighter around us so we might disappear and sleep again.
What sort of friends would that make us if we had? Not true friends. Duke Ahmad gave our House its words as the War of Stolen Names waged yet unseen. Issued an ultimatum by the elves of Legion to surrender his human vassals to them, he refused with those same three words and died for them:
"No Truer Friend."
We haven't forgotten.
Written By Fortunato
Jan. 17, 2024, 10:55 p.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I love you, brother. I want to say you became real, but you were always real. If you'd stayed reading cards for nobles, you would have still been real, gods, I miss those days, is it so strange? But look how you've flown. Remember all you've seen. What wonders we've experienced together. Stay alive, if you can. Help ensure Arx rebuilds, Arvum rebuilds, and that there's a place for rapscallions to read cards. That there's a place for rapscallions to grow into their wild dreams and past them. And if I make it back, if we both make it, let's just -- look into still pools of water in bowls again. For the old times.
Written By Ainsley
Jan. 17, 2024, 8:48 p.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
I have been told my entire life by a Goddess, directly, that when her dark reflection comes back into the world I need to stop him. I will not let anyone get between me and my Goddess-Given Duty. Azazel wants to devour the world? I can't stop Tyranny if he does.
So Azazel can fuck right off.
I'll be waiting.
Sword in Hand.
I've died for Gloria before.
I'll do it again if I must, but like Tolamar Brand. I'm going to cut Azazel's fucking head off first.
So Azazel can fuck right off.
I'll be waiting.
Sword in Hand.
I've died for Gloria before.
I'll do it again if I must, but like Tolamar Brand. I'm going to cut Azazel's fucking head off first.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 3:16 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Donrai
I recently learned something about my grandfather that I could not have fathomed. It is a thing that I shall take with me to my grave. But I will say this. I value the things I learned from him. I do not care what anyone else thinks. He was my mentor, and the lessons I learned from him made me what I am today, and I am grateful.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 3:06 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Denica
You were always there for me. If we do not meet again after I sail, know that I loved you as if you were a sister. You are very dear to me.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 2:58 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
I pray one day the Queen of Endings will still be around to spin your thread once more, and that you'll find redemption on another turning of the Wheel.
Written By Renata
Jan. 17, 2024, 12:56 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
I saw her upon the waves near beaches of the city. I wept for not knowing her sooner. I wept for her need to cast me upon shores. Her words forever to be burned within my thoughts as now I seek to find my own voice and grasp, learn, and sing.
I don't know if this will change me. If it does, I hope for the best.
I also seek to swim under the waves now. To bring a gentle kindness to all, and remind any that kindness should not be overlooked and abused. For any attempt to take my adoptive home from me will learn what it feels to drown.
I don't know if this will change me. If it does, I hope for the best.
I also seek to swim under the waves now. To bring a gentle kindness to all, and remind any that kindness should not be overlooked and abused. For any attempt to take my adoptive home from me will learn what it feels to drown.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 12:17 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
Day 9:
Glor'Ruus is known as the City of Swords. Within this city, due to the teachings of Mutay'a'sib, also known as the Prophet of the Sands, the rulers for countless generations have found it amusing to pit slaves against one another in games of bloodsports and senseless slaughter. Before and after each match, the priests and the competitors are required to give homage to the great Sleeping God, and pray that the blood spilled be accepted as a sacrament to him. At the end of each bloody match, one of the competitors is sacrificed by the High Priestess of the Bloodied Sword, and the name of the Sleeping God is called upon. I saw a vision of a woman named Dalia, a slave. She was commanded to kill herself, casually, by Az'del'Vash, a slave owner. He did it just for his own amusement, and to deny the crowd the fun of the match. Az'del'Vash exploded, and the Whiplords around him were turned to paste.
Petrioch is home to the great water city, surrounded by verdant wilds. It is a place of hunting beasts and green canals, known for its plagues. It is a dangerous land, and the place where my father, Crown Prince Asad Masah'Malak, is from. It is said that the patron deity of Petrioch is the Great Maw of the Sea, and that human sacrifices are given there to sate its unending hunger. Another tradition, instilled by the preaching of the Prophet of the Sands. I saw a dream of the Grand Vizier appointed by the Dune Emperor, sitting upon my throne. I commanded him to leave it, and he did. I killed him with a touch, and claimed my crown.
Eurus is not important. Its people do not deserve freedom from the yolk of tyranny. There is nothing in Eurus that will help. Only Arvum matters.
Glor'Ruus is known as the City of Swords. Within this city, due to the teachings of Mutay'a'sib, also known as the Prophet of the Sands, the rulers for countless generations have found it amusing to pit slaves against one another in games of bloodsports and senseless slaughter. Before and after each match, the priests and the competitors are required to give homage to the great Sleeping God, and pray that the blood spilled be accepted as a sacrament to him. At the end of each bloody match, one of the competitors is sacrificed by the High Priestess of the Bloodied Sword, and the name of the Sleeping God is called upon. I saw a vision of a woman named Dalia, a slave. She was commanded to kill herself, casually, by Az'del'Vash, a slave owner. He did it just for his own amusement, and to deny the crowd the fun of the match. Az'del'Vash exploded, and the Whiplords around him were turned to paste.
Petrioch is home to the great water city, surrounded by verdant wilds. It is a place of hunting beasts and green canals, known for its plagues. It is a dangerous land, and the place where my father, Crown Prince Asad Masah'Malak, is from. It is said that the patron deity of Petrioch is the Great Maw of the Sea, and that human sacrifices are given there to sate its unending hunger. Another tradition, instilled by the preaching of the Prophet of the Sands. I saw a dream of the Grand Vizier appointed by the Dune Emperor, sitting upon my throne. I commanded him to leave it, and he did. I killed him with a touch, and claimed my crown.
Eurus is not important. Its people do not deserve freedom from the yolk of tyranny. There is nothing in Eurus that will help. Only Arvum matters.
Written By Raymesin
Jan. 17, 2024, 9:07 a.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Fatima
I am not your ally, crown-seeker, and I never have been. I started with nothing, title-hunter, and everything I have I earned with my own sweat and blood and cunning - save for the love of two of the best people that the world has to offer, for which I will forever be grateful.
My real allies are fighting - and dying - to buy time for the army you bring to arrive. Time is not on our side and you said that yourself, glory-sniffer, but you're willing to waste a little of it to get your crown. You are wasting the lives of my allies and my kin on slaughtering your way to a crown, sacrificing their last breaths on the altar of your own personal ambitions, and only once those are sated will you bother to help the armies already engaged in what you have so loudly announced as a fight just as important as the one that faces us here in Arvum.
I have refused a greater change in station than you seek, Woman Who Would Be Queen For A Week; don't piss on me and tell me it's raining. Fatima the Ruthless, Fatima the Diplomat, Fatima the Sellsail, Fatima the Ambitious; go and do what you will, by your own choice. But don't tell me I can't judge your decision. And don't even think about telling a street orphan who rose to Ulbran Second that he doesn't understand what it means to be ruthless.
My real allies are fighting - and dying - to buy time for the army you bring to arrive. Time is not on our side and you said that yourself, glory-sniffer, but you're willing to waste a little of it to get your crown. You are wasting the lives of my allies and my kin on slaughtering your way to a crown, sacrificing their last breaths on the altar of your own personal ambitions, and only once those are sated will you bother to help the armies already engaged in what you have so loudly announced as a fight just as important as the one that faces us here in Arvum.
I have refused a greater change in station than you seek, Woman Who Would Be Queen For A Week; don't piss on me and tell me it's raining. Fatima the Ruthless, Fatima the Diplomat, Fatima the Sellsail, Fatima the Ambitious; go and do what you will, by your own choice. But don't tell me I can't judge your decision. And don't even think about telling a street orphan who rose to Ulbran Second that he doesn't understand what it means to be ruthless.
Written By Martino
Jan. 17, 2024, 4:18 a.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
There is not any other sound to that of an entire city bracing itself for war.
There is not any other sound than families handing their trusted weapon to the eldest child.
There is not any other sound than that of one bidding farewell to children they may never see again.
There is not any other sound than victory when those who will take everything with us will be defeated.
Neither by chance nor by fate will House Malvici allow this to be our end.
There is not any other sound than families handing their trusted weapon to the eldest child.
There is not any other sound than that of one bidding farewell to children they may never see again.
There is not any other sound than victory when those who will take everything with us will be defeated.
Neither by chance nor by fate will House Malvici allow this to be our end.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 2:14 a.m.(7/25/1021 AR)
Day 8:
There are a lot of spiders in the world. A lot. Sometimes they are our friends.
Obsidian, Fractal and not your friend, is trying to awaken the Sleeper. There is something precious in Eurus. The armies of the Dune Emperor stand between us and that precious thing. Best way to defeat a large army is with another large army and a sound plan.
Telling your allies to "piss off" is excellent diplomacy.
There are a lot of spiders in the world. A lot. Sometimes they are our friends.
Obsidian, Fractal and not your friend, is trying to awaken the Sleeper. There is something precious in Eurus. The armies of the Dune Emperor stand between us and that precious thing. Best way to defeat a large army is with another large army and a sound plan.
Telling your allies to "piss off" is excellent diplomacy.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 1:52 a.m.(7/25/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Raymesin
My fight in Eurus is every bit as important as the fight in Arvum. Those who cannot see this, will soon enough.
We all know you are more than a mere pauper, Paladin of Death.
And I am more than just a fancy metal hat.
We all know you are more than a mere pauper, Paladin of Death.
And I am more than just a fancy metal hat.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.