Written By Sina
Sept. 12, 2018, 4:04 a.m.(8/1/1009 AR)
Every once in a while, I enjoy browsing through the stacks. Just walking among the books archived there fills me with a sense of pride in the people of the Compact, for all of their contributions. The rich history of the recent past, as well as rediscoveries from the more distant past, are always a source of endless fascination for me. I cannot help but marvel at the number of carefully enscribed tomes there, the detailed recounting of the recent struggles we have faced, and the beauty of poetry and song hidden within the shelves like little gems, waiting to be discovered.
One thing I did note was that there were quite a lot of books that seemed to be out of place. I have put them back into their proper places. There's something just so very satisfying, seeing the sets of historical texts back in their proper order. They look much more aesthetically pleasing now. There were also a couple of new additions in the book drop, and I was pleased to be able to add those to the archive as well.
I finished my painting as well, and sent that off to Inquisitor Aleksei to include it in the auction. I am pleased with it.
The only strange thing that happened today was that alchemist fellow in the market, with his stage and his potions. Some sort of mass hysteria seemed to overtake the crowd there, and it seemed to me they might have believed anything they were told, given their giddy moods. The Physicians seemed to have it well in hand, however.
It's been a long and productive day, overall. There is much yet to do, but I suppose it's time for rest.
One thing I did note was that there were quite a lot of books that seemed to be out of place. I have put them back into their proper places. There's something just so very satisfying, seeing the sets of historical texts back in their proper order. They look much more aesthetically pleasing now. There were also a couple of new additions in the book drop, and I was pleased to be able to add those to the archive as well.
I finished my painting as well, and sent that off to Inquisitor Aleksei to include it in the auction. I am pleased with it.
The only strange thing that happened today was that alchemist fellow in the market, with his stage and his potions. Some sort of mass hysteria seemed to overtake the crowd there, and it seemed to me they might have believed anything they were told, given their giddy moods. The Physicians seemed to have it well in hand, however.
It's been a long and productive day, overall. There is much yet to do, but I suppose it's time for rest.
Written By Leola
Sept. 12, 2018, 1:53 a.m.(8/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Caspian
I fixed the Hall of Heroes from one monster who tried to destroy it. I really don't want to have to do that again.
That said, I believe ultimately it's up to the High Lord and the Faith who resides in the Hall. You may want to speak to the new Dominus on the matter.
That said, I believe ultimately it's up to the High Lord and the Faith who resides in the Hall. You may want to speak to the new Dominus on the matter.
Written By Audric
Sept. 12, 2018, 1:49 a.m.(8/1/1009 AR)
Everyone, everyone, I have the perfect solution. We draw dicks all over the statue. Boom, problem solved.
Written By Sina
Sept. 12, 2018, 1:11 a.m.(8/1/1009 AR)
I seem to recall that the statue of Koraj Marin was to be moved elsewhere, that history not be desteoyed. While I agree the statue has no place in the Hall of Heroes, destroying it destroys a piece of history that should not be forgotten. Forgetting is what gets us into trouble.
Written By Caspian
Sept. 12, 2018, 1:03 a.m.(8/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
History is for tomes and lectures, statues, especially in a place called 'The Hall of Heroes', are for honoring heroes of The Compact. Not traitors to The Compact who sought it's destruction. The Gyre should be remembered, but with scorn, not honor, and not with a statue in a sacred place.
Written By Lucilia
Sept. 12, 2018, 12:25 a.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Home sweet home. First few days back in Arx and business is already starting. Let's see if it lasts.
Written By Cambria
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:58 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
I would have thought that we were entering an age where the destruction of knowledge was seen as counter intuitive. I also wish to posit that we should not allow history be painted so broadly as to be called good or bad. The past is the past, whether we like it or no. Those who wish to destroy it, or hide from it, do not only a disservice to themselves, but to those others who could potentially live in ignorance due to the excision of such knowledge. After all, you know what they say about ignorance and doom.
If one wishes to debate the validity of the statue of Koraj Marin remaining in the Hall of Heroes, then I believe such would be more appropriate than a call for the statue to be demolished.
If one wishes to debate the validity of the statue of Koraj Marin remaining in the Hall of Heroes, then I believe such would be more appropriate than a call for the statue to be demolished.
Written By Sina
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:47 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
I have been working on a rather special project. There is not much that I have been able to find to do in preparation for defense of the Lodge, but I was approached recently to create a painting for the upcoming auction sponsored by the Inquisition. This is a piece that I am quite excited to work on, and I have been pouring my heart and soul into it. I hope that it does well in the auction, but I'm just happy to be able to contribute something. It is nearly finished, and while it is unlikely I will be able to actually attend the auction itself, I hope that it finds a good home, for a good cause.
Written By Caspian
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:16 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Since we're talking about heroes, can we talk about King Koraj Marin and why in The Abyss his statue is still in The Hall of Heroes? I heard his statue was to be taken down, but it's been a year since the war with The Gyre and his statue is still there. How many times do I need to give that statue the middle finger?
If no one can figure out how to remove it, give me a sledge hammer and an afternoon and I'll get rid of it for you.
If no one can figure out how to remove it, give me a sledge hammer and an afternoon and I'll get rid of it for you.
Written By Aureth
Sept. 11, 2018, 6:53 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
My hero is Peanut.
Written By Shard
Sept. 11, 2018, 6:24 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
I don't believe in heroes. I've written this before. Heroes are stories. I believe in people...some specific people, anyway. But if I did believe in heroes, there are two people that would make the top of my list, and no one else's. Their names aren't known to anyone, their story is untold, they have no graves, and the place where they fell is unmarked. They will never have statues, for many reasons, chief of those being that their heroism didn't involve saving nations or slaying world ending villains. There are many people like that, whose stories I will never know.
Written By Samantha
Sept. 11, 2018, 6:23 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
That was yesterday, Samantha.
What have you done today?
What have you done today?
Written By Samantha
Sept. 11, 2018, 6:22 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
You are MY hero.
Forever and always.
Forever and always.
Written By Gabriel
Sept. 11, 2018, 6:07 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
It was recently brought to my attention that Highlord Edain Valardin wrote a journal containing a list of men and women he considers heroes. My name is upon that list, and while I deeply appreciate the Highlord's inclusion of me, as well as his honored regard, I now desire to make public a few thoughts about that.
I do not, and have never, felt like a hero. I am a mortal man. I have, perhaps, done more in my life than most, but I do not think that makes me any more or less than another. I have things that bring me great joy and pride. I have many, many things that I regret. I have not always made the 'right' choice, but I have always striven to do what I believe is best. Not every act has been cloaked in glory. There is most certainly never any music playing when I take to the field of battle, though bards and playwrights are fond of making it seem as such.
This isn't to say it is wrong to look up to others, or to suggest Highlord Edain's own feelings aren't valid. I suppose what I would like to say is that heroes are ideals. The best of us. Perhaps that is why so many of our heroes are dead, though others have suggested their own opinions in that vein. The living can demur, the living can hunch their shoulders and duck their heads and say, 'no, not me.' The living have a hard time filling a hero's shoes. If the person isn't an utter dog, this sort of appellation will leave them feeling inadequate, rather than full of themselves.
Because being a hero...
Being a hero takes everything.
I do not, and have never, felt like a hero. I am a mortal man. I have, perhaps, done more in my life than most, but I do not think that makes me any more or less than another. I have things that bring me great joy and pride. I have many, many things that I regret. I have not always made the 'right' choice, but I have always striven to do what I believe is best. Not every act has been cloaked in glory. There is most certainly never any music playing when I take to the field of battle, though bards and playwrights are fond of making it seem as such.
This isn't to say it is wrong to look up to others, or to suggest Highlord Edain's own feelings aren't valid. I suppose what I would like to say is that heroes are ideals. The best of us. Perhaps that is why so many of our heroes are dead, though others have suggested their own opinions in that vein. The living can demur, the living can hunch their shoulders and duck their heads and say, 'no, not me.' The living have a hard time filling a hero's shoes. If the person isn't an utter dog, this sort of appellation will leave them feeling inadequate, rather than full of themselves.
Because being a hero...
Being a hero takes everything.
Written By Miranda
Sept. 11, 2018, 5:58 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
Your protective nature is appreciative.
Never forgotten, either.
And don't worry, we younger siblings stick together.
Never forgotten, either.
And don't worry, we younger siblings stick together.
Written By Miranda
Sept. 11, 2018, 5:50 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fecundo
Whenever I need to vent, you listen.
Whenever I need to cry, you hug me.
Whenever I need to scream, you let me.
Whenever I need to talk, you hear me.
Whenever I need to spar, you kick my ass.
Whenever I need to take you down a peg, you let me.
You never fail me, Brother.
Whenever I need to cry, you hug me.
Whenever I need to scream, you let me.
Whenever I need to talk, you hear me.
Whenever I need to spar, you kick my ass.
Whenever I need to take you down a peg, you let me.
You never fail me, Brother.
Written By Delilah
Sept. 11, 2018, 5:06 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
The greatest deed is usually the unsung work performed by another, who expects no credit for their efforts. They act because it is right... Or fun, I suppose.
Written By Victus
Sept. 11, 2018, 4:18 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Most heroes are exceptionally good at killing /something/ you'll find.
Written By Niklas
Sept. 11, 2018, 4:03 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
My thoughts on heroes aside, I'll always enjoy visiting the Hall of Heroes and seeing that the Isles host a hero who is notable for killing Northerners, the North hosts a hero who is notable for killing Oathlanders, the Oathlands host a hero who is famous for killing Lycenes and the Lyceum... well, mostly hosts heroes who are famous for killing other Lycenes.
Written By Perronne
Sept. 11, 2018, 3:58 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Heroes.
I think we'll never know most of the real heroes in the world. Not the ones with titles, who have noble families willing to spend enough silver to save a hundred towns from starving for the next decade so that they can have a statue built in the Hall. Those people may be perfectly nice, and brave, and kind, and all of that. But there are thousands of people like that in the Compact, and some just have...more resources to devote to being better known than others.
But I think most heroes don't have that. Because I think that one of the things that defines a hero, for me, is the person who realizes that they are all alone, in the dark, where there is no one to see what they do, and no one to remember their name. And while in that long dark, they realize that if they do the right thing, they will die alone, and no one will ever know. Or people WILL know, but they will disapprove because sometimes the popular thing, the thing that makes people cheer your name and build monuments to you, isn't actually all that right. Or they could walk away, and live a long and happy life. And maybe get called a hero for other things.
And they do the right thing anyway. And they die, without fanfare or reward or the expectation of either. They die so that others might live and never know their name - or need to know it.
We'll never see statues or memorials to most of the heroes of the Compact, I think. Sometimes, I stand in ruins, though, and I find something that tells a story that lets me see them, just for a moment. Standing and holding the line so that others might thrive, with no expectation of survival. I don't know that I could ever do something like that. It terrifies me. I'm not cut out for it. But I say a prayer for them, the forgotten defenders, whenever I visit the Shrines.
I think we'll never know most of the real heroes in the world. Not the ones with titles, who have noble families willing to spend enough silver to save a hundred towns from starving for the next decade so that they can have a statue built in the Hall. Those people may be perfectly nice, and brave, and kind, and all of that. But there are thousands of people like that in the Compact, and some just have...more resources to devote to being better known than others.
But I think most heroes don't have that. Because I think that one of the things that defines a hero, for me, is the person who realizes that they are all alone, in the dark, where there is no one to see what they do, and no one to remember their name. And while in that long dark, they realize that if they do the right thing, they will die alone, and no one will ever know. Or people WILL know, but they will disapprove because sometimes the popular thing, the thing that makes people cheer your name and build monuments to you, isn't actually all that right. Or they could walk away, and live a long and happy life. And maybe get called a hero for other things.
And they do the right thing anyway. And they die, without fanfare or reward or the expectation of either. They die so that others might live and never know their name - or need to know it.
We'll never see statues or memorials to most of the heroes of the Compact, I think. Sometimes, I stand in ruins, though, and I find something that tells a story that lets me see them, just for a moment. Standing and holding the line so that others might thrive, with no expectation of survival. I don't know that I could ever do something like that. It terrifies me. I'm not cut out for it. But I say a prayer for them, the forgotten defenders, whenever I visit the Shrines.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.