Written By Orazio
Oct. 25, 2016, 5:32 p.m.(12/10/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Many wax rhapsodic about the miracles of the natural world. The beauty of a sunset, the play of light on water, the perfection of a faceted gem, or the silken touch of polished stone under the fingertips. The gods work in their shaping of the world around us, and on occasion, I wish that I had the tongue or the pen to describe these things. More, I wish that I had the proper talent to describe my favorite miracles: the Faithful.
Today, I spent time in Solace Square. As always, I am humbled by the Faithful who make pilgrimage to Arx, from every corner of the Compact. They come in weariness, in pain...and in hope. Should any one feel moved to read this, it is likely to be a person who finds it hard to imagine leaving one's home and family and work, and treading the long path from holy site to holy site without any expectation of what you might find at the end of that journey. It is a pure expression of Faith, to subject oneself to wind and rain, to hunger and danger, simply because your love for the gods moves you. It is not a journey for everyone. But for those who make it, how can I do anything but admire them? How can I call their willingness to put themselves in the gods' hands anything other than a miracle?
In less reflective, but no less affectionate news, I had the opportunity to walk and talk with my nephew today. He and his sister have grown into fine scions of their House. I can claim no part of this, for I was absent for large parts of their childhood, but it gives me pleasure nonetheless. They will serve the Saiks well. And, I can hope, find pleasure and meaning for themselves in the bargain. They deserve it, if any of us do.
Many wax rhapsodic about the miracles of the natural world. The beauty of a sunset, the play of light on water, the perfection of a faceted gem, or the silken touch of polished stone under the fingertips. The gods work in their shaping of the world around us, and on occasion, I wish that I had the tongue or the pen to describe these things. More, I wish that I had the proper talent to describe my favorite miracles: the Faithful.
Today, I spent time in Solace Square. As always, I am humbled by the Faithful who make pilgrimage to Arx, from every corner of the Compact. They come in weariness, in pain...and in hope. Should any one feel moved to read this, it is likely to be a person who finds it hard to imagine leaving one's home and family and work, and treading the long path from holy site to holy site without any expectation of what you might find at the end of that journey. It is a pure expression of Faith, to subject oneself to wind and rain, to hunger and danger, simply because your love for the gods moves you. It is not a journey for everyone. But for those who make it, how can I do anything but admire them? How can I call their willingness to put themselves in the gods' hands anything other than a miracle?
In less reflective, but no less affectionate news, I had the opportunity to walk and talk with my nephew today. He and his sister have grown into fine scions of their House. I can claim no part of this, for I was absent for large parts of their childhood, but it gives me pleasure nonetheless. They will serve the Saiks well. And, I can hope, find pleasure and meaning for themselves in the bargain. They deserve it, if any of us do.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 23, 2016, 1:30 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
I have been told that I am "too stern", and "too serious", nearly from the first moment that I entered the priesthood. I am not certain that I understand either of these accusations - although the fact that so many people have repeated them does suggest a certain truth behind them. Just this morning, a woman and her child came to beseech the shrine of the Sentinel, and I asked of their concerns. Although the woman spoke of the injustice she faced - and eloquently - the child hid behind his mother's skirt. When I inquired as to why, he said, voice muffled by the fabric of her dress, "Too scary." I am not certain what I did to provoke such a response.
Regardless, I will look into the matter of concern that was brought to me. If I must frighten people, at least I can use it to achieve good effects.
I have been told that I am "too stern", and "too serious", nearly from the first moment that I entered the priesthood. I am not certain that I understand either of these accusations - although the fact that so many people have repeated them does suggest a certain truth behind them. Just this morning, a woman and her child came to beseech the shrine of the Sentinel, and I asked of their concerns. Although the woman spoke of the injustice she faced - and eloquently - the child hid behind his mother's skirt. When I inquired as to why, he said, voice muffled by the fabric of her dress, "Too scary." I am not certain what I did to provoke such a response.
Regardless, I will look into the matter of concern that was brought to me. If I must frighten people, at least I can use it to achieve good effects.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:32 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
It is well known among the Faithful that in every man, woman, and even child, there exists a darkness. We give this darkness different names, based on how it manifests: pride, cruelty, wrath, lust, greed...the list goes on and on. Call it what you will, it is an inescapable part of who we are, an impulse that must be fought against at every turn. We lift our eyes to the gods as champions and models, but we cannot escape knowing of our own dark reflections - the selves we do not wish to be, but can never fully escape.
I fear that when we are frightened, when sorrow fills our lungs, and when we feel beset on all sides, those darknesses rise within us. They urge us to make decisions out of pride. To hoard power and influence, to value place over effectiveness. This is something we must resist. Sometimes, we must bow our heads, even when our necks fight to remain stiffly upright, and acknowledge a greater authority.
And, then, sometimes we must stand on our principles and what we know to be right as if the Sentinel itself stood at our backs, scales raised to judge our actions.
I think everyone knows the truth of both of those assertions. What we cannot agree on, and the question that I struggle with every day of my life, is how to distinguish between the two, for in the moment, they feel exactly the same.
It is well known among the Faithful that in every man, woman, and even child, there exists a darkness. We give this darkness different names, based on how it manifests: pride, cruelty, wrath, lust, greed...the list goes on and on. Call it what you will, it is an inescapable part of who we are, an impulse that must be fought against at every turn. We lift our eyes to the gods as champions and models, but we cannot escape knowing of our own dark reflections - the selves we do not wish to be, but can never fully escape.
I fear that when we are frightened, when sorrow fills our lungs, and when we feel beset on all sides, those darknesses rise within us. They urge us to make decisions out of pride. To hoard power and influence, to value place over effectiveness. This is something we must resist. Sometimes, we must bow our heads, even when our necks fight to remain stiffly upright, and acknowledge a greater authority.
And, then, sometimes we must stand on our principles and what we know to be right as if the Sentinel itself stood at our backs, scales raised to judge our actions.
I think everyone knows the truth of both of those assertions. What we cannot agree on, and the question that I struggle with every day of my life, is how to distinguish between the two, for in the moment, they feel exactly the same.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:20 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
A fine illustration of both the virtues of a man of honest, forthright scholarship, and of the difficulties in mixing such a man with an inherently complex and pride-driven world. Much can be learned from the Archscholar's wisdom and compassion. I only pray that the Compact learns the lessons while we can benefit the most from them.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 18, 2016, 4:54 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Although I am anointed as the Voice of the Sentinel, let it not be said that I neglect the rest of the Pantheon. All gods should be venerated in their correct place and time, with no one set above the rest, except perhaps in the hearts of mortals, which do not have the perfect justice of the gods. I say this to provide context to my day's actions. In the morning, I met with a strong-hearted woman, and we walked through the shrines together, speaking of the nature of faith and the gods. This is my duty, although also a pleasure. Before that, I answered messages and judged petitions of disciples and priests, on matters that touched every god's domain. This is also my duty, although I must confess the volumes of paperwork are less of a pleasure. This evening, I agreed to speak to a petitioner who seeks the service of Lagoma, that eternal force of growth, change, and healing. This is also my pleasure, when the work of the Archlector of Lagoma does not permit them to answer such petitions themselves.
My purpose in this recitation is to remind myself that while focus is a virtue, failing to account for the larger context is foolishness. The Sentinel does not stand alone, but rather among the Pantheon. No god rises above the others, and none should be venerated beyond its assigned place in the Pantheon. As it is with the deities, so too it is with events. Do not become overly focused on an individual moment, a singular occurrence. Instead, look wider. Find the truth that lies at the conjunction of events, that which can only be found by examining every available piece of evidence. There, true Justice lies.
Although I am anointed as the Voice of the Sentinel, let it not be said that I neglect the rest of the Pantheon. All gods should be venerated in their correct place and time, with no one set above the rest, except perhaps in the hearts of mortals, which do not have the perfect justice of the gods. I say this to provide context to my day's actions. In the morning, I met with a strong-hearted woman, and we walked through the shrines together, speaking of the nature of faith and the gods. This is my duty, although also a pleasure. Before that, I answered messages and judged petitions of disciples and priests, on matters that touched every god's domain. This is also my duty, although I must confess the volumes of paperwork are less of a pleasure. This evening, I agreed to speak to a petitioner who seeks the service of Lagoma, that eternal force of growth, change, and healing. This is also my pleasure, when the work of the Archlector of Lagoma does not permit them to answer such petitions themselves.
My purpose in this recitation is to remind myself that while focus is a virtue, failing to account for the larger context is foolishness. The Sentinel does not stand alone, but rather among the Pantheon. No god rises above the others, and none should be venerated beyond its assigned place in the Pantheon. As it is with the deities, so too it is with events. Do not become overly focused on an individual moment, a singular occurrence. Instead, look wider. Find the truth that lies at the conjunction of events, that which can only be found by examining every available piece of evidence. There, true Justice lies.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 17, 2016, 7:15 p.m.(8/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fawkuhl
The closest to the gods. This has a different weight than many imagine, who are most familiar with a liege of secular power; to be Dominus is bear not just power and responsibility, but the prayers of many thousands in your hands. A careless man or woman can crush them without a thought. Thankfully, Dominus Fawkuhl is not a careless man.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 16, 2016, 8:53 a.m.(8/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
A true noblewoman of the Lyceum, with everything that entails.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 13, 2016, 10:50 p.m.(7/25/1004 AR)
To the faithful reader:
Although my duty is sworn to The Silent Watcher, tonight belongs to my contemplation of the mercy Lagoma brings to our lives. Tonight, I had the great pleasure to see my niece and my nephew, after too long without the comfort of family around me. While I never regret swearing myself to the service of the gods above all others, it is still a pleasure to see shared blood, and more, the growth of children into proud women and men who I, in turn, can be proud to claim. Age and change touch us all, and even as it brings grey to my hair and an ache to my back, so does it bring strength and confidence to the younger generation. It is a reminder that Lagoma's touch is needed, for did the older cease to diminish, then how could the younger rise to their full opportunities? Do not fear the cool caress of autumn, I must remind myself, for it's only by the descent into winter can we come back around to the spring.
That sounds rather more like a sermon than I intended. Perhaps I grow to miss the pulpit, so consumed have I been by my administrative duties. I, too, must change and grow.
Although my duty is sworn to The Silent Watcher, tonight belongs to my contemplation of the mercy Lagoma brings to our lives. Tonight, I had the great pleasure to see my niece and my nephew, after too long without the comfort of family around me. While I never regret swearing myself to the service of the gods above all others, it is still a pleasure to see shared blood, and more, the growth of children into proud women and men who I, in turn, can be proud to claim. Age and change touch us all, and even as it brings grey to my hair and an ache to my back, so does it bring strength and confidence to the younger generation. It is a reminder that Lagoma's touch is needed, for did the older cease to diminish, then how could the younger rise to their full opportunities? Do not fear the cool caress of autumn, I must remind myself, for it's only by the descent into winter can we come back around to the spring.
That sounds rather more like a sermon than I intended. Perhaps I grow to miss the pulpit, so consumed have I been by my administrative duties. I, too, must change and grow.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 13, 2016, 10:16 p.m.(7/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Eos
My nephew. A fine man, who has overcome the gods' trials better than some.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 13, 2016, 10:15 p.m.(7/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
My niece. Talented, but impetuous.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.