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.
Written By Gerard
Sept. 11, 2018, 3:49 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
If you end up riding anywhere with a gift shop, remember to bring back something nice for the new house, dear.
Written By Ida
Sept. 11, 2018, 3:03 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I am exceptionally honored and humbled that you might put Sir Daemon and I among those you might consider living heroes. I am not sure I deserve that kind of regard, but also don't want to seem disrespectful or questioning my High Lord. That /you/ think as much is something I am very grateful for.
Really, I'm reminded that it's maybe been too long since Sir Daemon and I had occasion to ride into danger on the back of a war elk. Maybe.
Really, I'm reminded that it's maybe been too long since Sir Daemon and I had occasion to ride into danger on the back of a war elk. Maybe.
Written By Niklas
Sept. 11, 2018, 1:19 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
GMGGO is almost here and I've already given away almost all of my gifts!
I have three more things to have made, and then I'm done.
I am not good at patience.
I have three more things to have made, and then I'm done.
I am not good at patience.
Written By Thena
Sept. 11, 2018, 12:23 p.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Ugh, fine, just you then.
Written By Aleksei
Sept. 11, 2018, 12:16 p.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
He won't be back for another month!
Written By Cristoph
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:54 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
My son's nanny is a real hero.
She fished Eadric out of a laundry shoot yesterday.
Sure, there's that lingering question of how he was able to get down there to begin with.
You'd have to know Eadric to understand. The child needs to be on a leash. This woman deserves every bit of her salary.
She fished Eadric out of a laundry shoot yesterday.
Sure, there's that lingering question of how he was able to get down there to begin with.
You'd have to know Eadric to understand. The child needs to be on a leash. This woman deserves every bit of her salary.
Written By Thena
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:52 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I miss you Aleksei, you big old hero you. Come visit and bring the kid.
Written By Aleksei
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:46 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Jeez, just tell you miss me and want me to visit!
Written By Jasher
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:42 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lisebet
Heroes are the sword that's held on display in a case.
You can take the sword out and use it as a sword should be used, but doing so causes it to acquire the nicks and scratches a blade suffers under regular use. If you desire, you can spend time and manpower to whet back its edge, clean the tarnish, and make the sword look presentable again, but it will never be the same sword that it would be had it remained in its case, untouched except to be cleaned.
However, in order to be so valued that it was put on display, a sword would have already seen some use beforehand. It was already flawed before being placed upon its case of honour.
You can take the sword out and use it as a sword should be used, but doing so causes it to acquire the nicks and scratches a blade suffers under regular use. If you desire, you can spend time and manpower to whet back its edge, clean the tarnish, and make the sword look presentable again, but it will never be the same sword that it would be had it remained in its case, untouched except to be cleaned.
However, in order to be so valued that it was put on display, a sword would have already seen some use beforehand. It was already flawed before being placed upon its case of honour.
Written By Alis
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:38 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lisebet
I do not think someone has to be dead to be a hero. Some of those I look up to as heroes, Princess Marian, Prince Edain, Princess Alarissa, are heroes in part because they are alive. Because they survived what seemed to be insurmountable odds. And they kept living. It matters not to me whether others consider them a hero though, and perhaps that is the key.
Everyone has a different standard, and different criteria for who they personally consider a hero. But usually? A capital H Hero seems to be someone who people from every fealty and every walk of life revere because of their actions. And that only becomes commonly known when they die. I like what Dame Thena has said as well. We'll never know most everyday heroes, because their work goes unnoticed and unrecognized. But without them, life would most assuredly be less.
Everyone has a different standard, and different criteria for who they personally consider a hero. But usually? A capital H Hero seems to be someone who people from every fealty and every walk of life revere because of their actions. And that only becomes commonly known when they die. I like what Dame Thena has said as well. We'll never know most everyday heroes, because their work goes unnoticed and unrecognized. But without them, life would most assuredly be less.
Written By Thena
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:14 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Most of the real heroes in this world? The ones who do real, lasting good? You won't see them.
Written By Harlex
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:07 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lisebet
I would aim to echo some of Bliss's comments. That it is--the business of heroism--setting yourself up for disappointment, so long as they live. That a hero-after-the-fact is an easier sell than one walking amongst us.
You see, I have just found in my time, that when you set someone up like that, you mark them. You make it so that when they come to the gates and find they cannot trespass, when they see their luck won't hold and it is wiser to retreat, that they will not. As though the hands of multitudes push at their backs. Push them into those black flames. Chanting their name.
That is a hard thing to do to a good soul. You lay that guilt on them and it's a kind of corruption in itself. But people are just like that; tradition-lovers, storytellers, singers and scribes. They want to honor sacrifice and noble deeds.
I don't know.
I only know the way I've seen it. But that is how I've seen it time and time again. That when I have seen stone statues lying in their coffins, they have all had feet of clay.
You see, I have just found in my time, that when you set someone up like that, you mark them. You make it so that when they come to the gates and find they cannot trespass, when they see their luck won't hold and it is wiser to retreat, that they will not. As though the hands of multitudes push at their backs. Push them into those black flames. Chanting their name.
That is a hard thing to do to a good soul. You lay that guilt on them and it's a kind of corruption in itself. But people are just like that; tradition-lovers, storytellers, singers and scribes. They want to honor sacrifice and noble deeds.
I don't know.
I only know the way I've seen it. But that is how I've seen it time and time again. That when I have seen stone statues lying in their coffins, they have all had feet of clay.
Written By Edain
Sept. 11, 2018, 10:50 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lisebet
Difficult times make many heroes and that is perhaps the secret blessings of our turbulent times. Heroes are often flawed people, maid more heroic because of thier flaws rather than the absence of them.
This is a list of some living heroes. This is not all inclusive, some on this list are heroes for reasons that are stories that are no one's to share yet, and sometimes they just resonate more strongly with me:
Duke Gabriel Bisland
Princess Marian Redrain
Lady Aislin Ashford
Princess Alis Valardin
Duchess Margot Tyde
Sir Daemon and Dame Ida
This list is not complete as I don't have enough paper to list everyone I believe to have earned the title of hero in thier life time. I would wager most have thier own lists.
This is a list of some living heroes. This is not all inclusive, some on this list are heroes for reasons that are stories that are no one's to share yet, and sometimes they just resonate more strongly with me:
Duke Gabriel Bisland
Princess Marian Redrain
Lady Aislin Ashford
Princess Alis Valardin
Duchess Margot Tyde
Sir Daemon and Dame Ida
This list is not complete as I don't have enough paper to list everyone I believe to have earned the title of hero in thier life time. I would wager most have thier own lists.
Written By Bliss
Sept. 11, 2018, 10:26 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lisebet
There are a few people alive, today, who I would consider heroes, but there are a few problems with naming them such. The most notable issue, to me, is that when they're alive, they still have the opportunity to ruin everything good they have ever done in a single moment. It's something that you.can see happening again and again in the past, and it's something that I've had all too much experience with, in people who were not what they claimed to be.
The sad truth of the matter, though, is that many of the people we consider heroes and honor as such had sickening truths to them - truths that are easier to ignore once they are dead, truths that are easier to fathom in the contexts of their whole lives. They did not always do the right thing, by any means, yet some of the things they did are such shining examples that we choose to follow them. There is also the issue that what one people finds heroic, others might find monstrous. There are a number of statues in the Hall of Heroes you would never see outside of their own halls for this reason.
Heroism is embodying the ideals of your people. And if you are led to believe you are a hero while alive, well, then you are going to find it really easy to justify doing anything you want - after all, you're doing it, so it must be heroic. There are a few prominent, dangerous examples of this, so it's probably best to just wait until people die.
Or I suppose you say 'fuck it', recognize that your life will be a legendary thing, and work as hard as you can to make sure that when it's looked at, people will be inspired.
The sad truth of the matter, though, is that many of the people we consider heroes and honor as such had sickening truths to them - truths that are easier to ignore once they are dead, truths that are easier to fathom in the contexts of their whole lives. They did not always do the right thing, by any means, yet some of the things they did are such shining examples that we choose to follow them. There is also the issue that what one people finds heroic, others might find monstrous. There are a number of statues in the Hall of Heroes you would never see outside of their own halls for this reason.
Heroism is embodying the ideals of your people. And if you are led to believe you are a hero while alive, well, then you are going to find it really easy to justify doing anything you want - after all, you're doing it, so it must be heroic. There are a few prominent, dangerous examples of this, so it's probably best to just wait until people die.
Or I suppose you say 'fuck it', recognize that your life will be a legendary thing, and work as hard as you can to make sure that when it's looked at, people will be inspired.
Written By Lisebet
Sept. 11, 2018, 10:02 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
My not so deep thought of the day yesterday - must one die in order to be a hero? I know that is not so deep as some questions others ask, but it seemed to be one that was worth considering. So, it was something that I spent some time considering, while in the Hall of Heroes. Duke Harlan happened by, and we chatted for a bit, but I am not sure I even voiced my question to him. Unsurprisingly I found no real answers. I then spoke with Lord Ingvar at Bold Espressions, and we had an interesting conversation on heroes.
Obviously, in order to be buried and honored in the Hall of Heroes, one must be dead.
I think it might just be that in general, heroes do the right thing, even when it is dangerous, putting themselves in the way of harm and/or overwhelming odds.
And that perhaps leads to death more often than not.
Obviously, in order to be buried and honored in the Hall of Heroes, one must be dead.
I think it might just be that in general, heroes do the right thing, even when it is dangerous, putting themselves in the way of harm and/or overwhelming odds.
And that perhaps leads to death more often than not.
Written By Calista
Sept. 10, 2018, 11:47 p.m.(7/26/1009 AR)
I do not say this often but I should make a special note on how proud I am to have such incredible vassals. House Mazetti works tirelessly to serve the people of Ostria, and trust me when I say their efforts do not go unnoticed. Marquessa Cambria is more than just a lovely face; She is driven, passionate, and dedicated to her cause. Anyone who knows the Marquessa knows I speak the truth.
When I asked for tales of good deeds, it was Marquis Hadrian who wrote of his lady wife's unflappable dedication to their people. Thank you, House Mazetti for being a prime example of how success is achieved through hard work and persistence.
When I asked for tales of good deeds, it was Marquis Hadrian who wrote of his lady wife's unflappable dedication to their people. Thank you, House Mazetti for being a prime example of how success is achieved through hard work and persistence.
Written By Calista
Sept. 10, 2018, 11:39 p.m.(7/26/1009 AR)
Recently, I asked to be told tales of good deeds and I was not disappointed. Much to my surprise, not all who wrote to me sought praise for themselves but for others which is quite noble and selfless in my book.
I was most impressed by Lady Delilah and Lady Miranda, who shared stories about the trials and tribulations of others they hold with great esteem and respect. Their stories have certainly inspired me and perhaps I will once more call upon the people of Arx to share their selfless and brave stories with me.
I was most impressed by Lady Delilah and Lady Miranda, who shared stories about the trials and tribulations of others they hold with great esteem and respect. Their stories have certainly inspired me and perhaps I will once more call upon the people of Arx to share their selfless and brave stories with me.
Written By Sophie
Sept. 10, 2018, 10:59 p.m.(7/26/1009 AR)
What a day it was! After my recent self imposed solitary soul searching I was much too busy with matters relating to the Mercies to focus on what is truly important -my relationship and service to Lagoma. I surmise that it is normal human nature to become lost in the daily grind and forget the bigger picture of why we do the things we do.
I took a relaxing walk to the Shrine of Lagoma, and once there I spent an entire glorious hour in silence, simply communing with Lagoma and seeking her guidance in the months to come. It seems almost as if she was drawing certain people there today. Perhaps I'm being overly dramatic, but I suspect there was something much larger at work today and I can't wait to see what comes of the acquaintances that were forged today.
Archlector Roran was there, of course, and though I like him and respect him for his work I feel that he is silently disapproving almost constantly. I fear he questions my ability to adequately fill my post and I suppose, in future, I'll have to watch what I say to him. I have a tendency to tease and he seems to take nearly everything quite literally. As nearly half of what I say cannot be taken literally, it makes for a rather interesting conversation.
Lord Aethan was perhaps the most surprising part of the day. I left thinking I hadn't left the least bit of an impression on him, and that I would have to make a concerted effort to try to bring him out of his shell, and within hours he had sent, via messenger, a generous donation toward the purchase of new linens for the House of Solace. I have invited him for tea and cake. I look forward to discovering why Lagoma saw fit to bring us together in that most fortuitous meeting in the presence of her holy flame.
I took a relaxing walk to the Shrine of Lagoma, and once there I spent an entire glorious hour in silence, simply communing with Lagoma and seeking her guidance in the months to come. It seems almost as if she was drawing certain people there today. Perhaps I'm being overly dramatic, but I suspect there was something much larger at work today and I can't wait to see what comes of the acquaintances that were forged today.
Archlector Roran was there, of course, and though I like him and respect him for his work I feel that he is silently disapproving almost constantly. I fear he questions my ability to adequately fill my post and I suppose, in future, I'll have to watch what I say to him. I have a tendency to tease and he seems to take nearly everything quite literally. As nearly half of what I say cannot be taken literally, it makes for a rather interesting conversation.
Lord Aethan was perhaps the most surprising part of the day. I left thinking I hadn't left the least bit of an impression on him, and that I would have to make a concerted effort to try to bring him out of his shell, and within hours he had sent, via messenger, a generous donation toward the purchase of new linens for the House of Solace. I have invited him for tea and cake. I look forward to discovering why Lagoma saw fit to bring us together in that most fortuitous meeting in the presence of her holy flame.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.