Written By Gianna
Aug. 11, 2018, 4:32 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
I have won myself a legendary medallion of the Gala from Prince Cerdic otherwise known as Grandmaster Caspian Wild, by singing a song.
Written By Valdemar
Aug. 11, 2018, 4:16 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
For the public record:
I, Valdemar Grimhall, along with my wife, Vanora Grimhall, name Prince Galen Thrax as Salt Parent to our twin sons Arkyn and Antony Grimhall.
I, Valdemar Grimhall, along with my wife, Vanora Grimhall, name Prince Galen Thrax as Salt Parent to our twin sons Arkyn and Antony Grimhall.
Written By Aleksei
Aug. 11, 2018, 4:12 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sheena
I'm not the Archlector of Skald anymore, but sometimes a Scholar who still likes me makes mention of someone writing about thralldom.
I won't question you on your experience, because your life is yours alone. I just want to say this: during my time in the Faith, I was very much thinking about how to help people not only find freedom they wanted, but also to be able to begin new lives. Lack of means and opportunity are also huge limiters of what choices people have available to them. That's why I established the Faith's initiatives to offer transport to any freed thrall who wanted it to anywhere in the Compact they wished to go, room and board when they got there, and assistance finding work or apprenticeships to build new skills. I expect that work to continue even in my absence, because I can't imagine anyone else replacing me to find it anything less than worthwhile and vitally important.
So I hope that answers your question of "Is anyone thinking of this". Yes. I did.
I won't question you on your experience, because your life is yours alone. I just want to say this: during my time in the Faith, I was very much thinking about how to help people not only find freedom they wanted, but also to be able to begin new lives. Lack of means and opportunity are also huge limiters of what choices people have available to them. That's why I established the Faith's initiatives to offer transport to any freed thrall who wanted it to anywhere in the Compact they wished to go, room and board when they got there, and assistance finding work or apprenticeships to build new skills. I expect that work to continue even in my absence, because I can't imagine anyone else replacing me to find it anything less than worthwhile and vitally important.
So I hope that answers your question of "Is anyone thinking of this". Yes. I did.
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 11, 2018, 3:35 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Raymesin
That is because he IS the Grandmaster Caspian Wild. He's playing a part for a game that is part of the lead up to the Gala.
Written By Valdemar
Aug. 11, 2018, 3:15 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Sons,
You are finally here, and we could not be more proud. You were both born healthy and strong, fighters from the start. I have never felt the sort of joy that I did when I raised each of you overhead, presenting you to the gods as I gave you your names. Arkyn, my heir, you will one day become Duke of Grihem's Point after me, and Antony, you will play an important part in supporting him and securing the future of our ancient house. Instead of insight into who I am, that I believe might help you when you are older, this time I make you a promise: I will find a way to make the Mourning Isles a better place for you, or die looking for it.
You are finally here, and we could not be more proud. You were both born healthy and strong, fighters from the start. I have never felt the sort of joy that I did when I raised each of you overhead, presenting you to the gods as I gave you your names. Arkyn, my heir, you will one day become Duke of Grihem's Point after me, and Antony, you will play an important part in supporting him and securing the future of our ancient house. Instead of insight into who I am, that I believe might help you when you are older, this time I make you a promise: I will find a way to make the Mourning Isles a better place for you, or die looking for it.
Written By Raymesin
Aug. 11, 2018, 2:54 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Silks are strange.
I know that's not likely to be news to anyone who's ever met one, but they really are. I came across some Prince of Valardin, looking out to sea like he'd lost his mind out there and was hoping it would come wandering back in with the fog. He said something about some fancy Gala and a throne, and waved a shiny medal at me. As if I have time for galas and thrones and whatever stupidity silks are getting up to at the moment.
The strangest bit was that he looked just like that master duellist I saw in the Lowers the other week. I'd be asking questions about his father if I cared - and if a Prince wouldn't take that sort of question really badly.
I know that's not likely to be news to anyone who's ever met one, but they really are. I came across some Prince of Valardin, looking out to sea like he'd lost his mind out there and was hoping it would come wandering back in with the fog. He said something about some fancy Gala and a throne, and waved a shiny medal at me. As if I have time for galas and thrones and whatever stupidity silks are getting up to at the moment.
The strangest bit was that he looked just like that master duellist I saw in the Lowers the other week. I'd be asking questions about his father if I cared - and if a Prince wouldn't take that sort of question really badly.
Written By Sheena
Aug. 11, 2018, 2:37 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Date: May 1009
Dearest Scholars,
Today I am writing a letter to you with purpose. I have heard talk of people wanting to know experiences of ex-thralls like me. So, I thought I would write a public story of it. I am not good with talking to people directly but I do well with writing letters. So, here's my story.
My parents were kind and gentle people but they struggled quite terribly to make ends meet because even at their own expense they wanted to help those in need. They were very kind people and I strive to live similarly to them.. just a little less at my own risk. They gave what they had to those that told them stories of why they needed help. Anyways, my parents sought Baron Edward out to borrow some coin to establish a business, I was fairly young when they did this, and it was a great deal of coin. They managed to keep the business for a while, despite often giving things to those in need. However, things when south when they gave away what they owed Baron Edward to someone who said it was dire they have the coin. The amount was, really, to great for the Baron to wave off and my parents agreed that it was them at fault. So, they lost their business and became thralls to Baron Edward. He did not treat them badly, nor did he treat me badly.
Now, some might try claiming my parents died because they were thralls but they did not. Baron Edward and his people assured they were well taken care of. As I have said before, it was not all sunshine and roses. The scars on my back and the callouses on my hands attest to that. I don't believe they would have let my parents die if it could have been avoided. One, I am pretty sure it would have been a loss in income for Baron Edward and his people, and two, they were hard workers who did not seek to rebel against what they felt they deserved. My parents, you see, died not too long after becoming thralls to some sort of sickness they both got. I never asked what it was. Though, I was checked to assure I did not have it. It is likely too late now to check what they had. I learned a bit about medicine just to try and prevent losing someone. Though, I am not nearly skilled enough.
Anyways, Baron Edward had not planned on passing the debt of my parents on to me. He even gave me my freedom. Being a young girl with no family was very hard and no place to live once I was given my freedom. Especially since, even at my young age, I did not want t leave the debt of my parents unpaid, even if I had my freedom. I quickly realized that the life I had as a child of two thralls was not as harsh as my 'freedom' was. Perhaps, had I been older when my parents passed on it would have been easier. So, I returned to Baron Edward and asked him to pass on the debt owed to him by my parents officially and make me one of his thralls. I was not one before that, you see. Merely a child of thralls. Being a thrall offered me security and a roof over my head. I did not have to wonder where my next meal would come from or how I would pay people I owed money: there was no one to owe but Baron Edward. I worked mainly in his home repairing clothing or serving meals. I did not spend too much time around other people since, really, darning clothing did not really require me being around people since I could do it alone. I didn't face much hardship as a thrall and my life wasn't really difficult. I worked hard to pay off the debt I owed Baron Edward but I could not pay it very quickly. I was still a child, after all.
I would probably still be a thrall today if it were not for the Thursday's Child Project. Life as a thrall was not difficult for me, so, I would probably go back to being one. I enjoyed the security, the lack of worries. Never needing to worry about my future, beyond what I would do once my debt was paid. It was a bit frustrating just being freed without concern for if I wanted to be. However, the intent of the Thursday's Child Project was well meaning. Many of those freed were likely not treated as well as I was nor were many likely as old as I was. I was, after all, a few months short of my Majority. Had I been asked? I would have told them I was happy enough as a thrall. I took the debt of my parents by choice, after all.
Would I become a thrall again? Maybe. Perhaps if I had not become Baron Edward's protege and left to struggle I would have returned to thralldom. Right now, I probably wouldn't. I still find having to make decisions very hard and long for when I didn't have too. I miss the quiet I had as a thrall who spent her days mending clothing or quietly serving people.
The urgency to 'save' thralls is a bit on the annoying side. I don't know that people fully consider what happens to the ex-thralls once is all said and done. Homes do not come cheap, nor do learning skills wanted. And if they make something there is the cost of supplies: be it agriculture, armor, weapons, clothing, or jewelry. Supplies for whatever is not cheap. Not to mention any tariffs that might need to be paid. Are those freeing ex-thralls considering the long term effects of giving people 'their freedom'? Many are criminals and the likes. re they considering how to keep them from falling back in that path? OR those who entered thralldom by choice because they had no home or security? What of their future? Freedom, you see, can come at a great cost. I was lucky because the Thursday's child Project gave me some coin and then Baron Edward took me in as his protege once I arrived in Arx. What about those who were not so lucky? What of the criminals that fall back to their same path?
I will close this letter off there.
With Regards,
Sheena
Dearest Scholars,
Today I am writing a letter to you with purpose. I have heard talk of people wanting to know experiences of ex-thralls like me. So, I thought I would write a public story of it. I am not good with talking to people directly but I do well with writing letters. So, here's my story.
My parents were kind and gentle people but they struggled quite terribly to make ends meet because even at their own expense they wanted to help those in need. They were very kind people and I strive to live similarly to them.. just a little less at my own risk. They gave what they had to those that told them stories of why they needed help. Anyways, my parents sought Baron Edward out to borrow some coin to establish a business, I was fairly young when they did this, and it was a great deal of coin. They managed to keep the business for a while, despite often giving things to those in need. However, things when south when they gave away what they owed Baron Edward to someone who said it was dire they have the coin. The amount was, really, to great for the Baron to wave off and my parents agreed that it was them at fault. So, they lost their business and became thralls to Baron Edward. He did not treat them badly, nor did he treat me badly.
Now, some might try claiming my parents died because they were thralls but they did not. Baron Edward and his people assured they were well taken care of. As I have said before, it was not all sunshine and roses. The scars on my back and the callouses on my hands attest to that. I don't believe they would have let my parents die if it could have been avoided. One, I am pretty sure it would have been a loss in income for Baron Edward and his people, and two, they were hard workers who did not seek to rebel against what they felt they deserved. My parents, you see, died not too long after becoming thralls to some sort of sickness they both got. I never asked what it was. Though, I was checked to assure I did not have it. It is likely too late now to check what they had. I learned a bit about medicine just to try and prevent losing someone. Though, I am not nearly skilled enough.
Anyways, Baron Edward had not planned on passing the debt of my parents on to me. He even gave me my freedom. Being a young girl with no family was very hard and no place to live once I was given my freedom. Especially since, even at my young age, I did not want t leave the debt of my parents unpaid, even if I had my freedom. I quickly realized that the life I had as a child of two thralls was not as harsh as my 'freedom' was. Perhaps, had I been older when my parents passed on it would have been easier. So, I returned to Baron Edward and asked him to pass on the debt owed to him by my parents officially and make me one of his thralls. I was not one before that, you see. Merely a child of thralls. Being a thrall offered me security and a roof over my head. I did not have to wonder where my next meal would come from or how I would pay people I owed money: there was no one to owe but Baron Edward. I worked mainly in his home repairing clothing or serving meals. I did not spend too much time around other people since, really, darning clothing did not really require me being around people since I could do it alone. I didn't face much hardship as a thrall and my life wasn't really difficult. I worked hard to pay off the debt I owed Baron Edward but I could not pay it very quickly. I was still a child, after all.
I would probably still be a thrall today if it were not for the Thursday's Child Project. Life as a thrall was not difficult for me, so, I would probably go back to being one. I enjoyed the security, the lack of worries. Never needing to worry about my future, beyond what I would do once my debt was paid. It was a bit frustrating just being freed without concern for if I wanted to be. However, the intent of the Thursday's Child Project was well meaning. Many of those freed were likely not treated as well as I was nor were many likely as old as I was. I was, after all, a few months short of my Majority. Had I been asked? I would have told them I was happy enough as a thrall. I took the debt of my parents by choice, after all.
Would I become a thrall again? Maybe. Perhaps if I had not become Baron Edward's protege and left to struggle I would have returned to thralldom. Right now, I probably wouldn't. I still find having to make decisions very hard and long for when I didn't have too. I miss the quiet I had as a thrall who spent her days mending clothing or quietly serving people.
The urgency to 'save' thralls is a bit on the annoying side. I don't know that people fully consider what happens to the ex-thralls once is all said and done. Homes do not come cheap, nor do learning skills wanted. And if they make something there is the cost of supplies: be it agriculture, armor, weapons, clothing, or jewelry. Supplies for whatever is not cheap. Not to mention any tariffs that might need to be paid. Are those freeing ex-thralls considering the long term effects of giving people 'their freedom'? Many are criminals and the likes. re they considering how to keep them from falling back in that path? OR those who entered thralldom by choice because they had no home or security? What of their future? Freedom, you see, can come at a great cost. I was lucky because the Thursday's child Project gave me some coin and then Baron Edward took me in as his protege once I arrived in Arx. What about those who were not so lucky? What of the criminals that fall back to their same path?
I will close this letter off there.
With Regards,
Sheena
Written By Sheena
Aug. 11, 2018, 1:56 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Date: May 1009
Dearest Adoptive Grandparents,
I know it has been quite some time since I wrote. Arx is a very busy city with way too many people. I am pretty sure I can't walk out my door without tripping over a person. It is very hard for me to deal with so many people.
I have been hearing stories from others that are ex-thralls as well as from others who think they know what it is like to be a thrall. It has made me realize that Baron Edward took good care of my family. Well, his people did. It was not all sunshine and roses, as I do have scars from having to face punishment a time or two.
MY little shop, Sew What, does well enough and I have been picking up skills to help me work better. I can get good deals for supplies and take things apart with better skill. I have future plans as well.
Adoptive Grandma asked me in your last letter to me if I had found someone. I have not. I really do not venture very far from my shop except for errands. I get to nervous and scared around so many. Perhaps one day but for the time I am content as I am. I know you guys would like great grandchildren but there is plenty of time. You guys have many years ahead of you.
With love,
Sheena
P.S. I wrote a second copy of this letter for the public records so you guys can store this one away. I know Adoptive Grandpa expressed mild frustration at not being able to put some of my letters in the public records so there is something that gave insight to our lives. I don't think it is really worth submititng my letters but if it makes oyu guys happy, I will write 2 letters so it can be done.
Dearest Adoptive Grandparents,
I know it has been quite some time since I wrote. Arx is a very busy city with way too many people. I am pretty sure I can't walk out my door without tripping over a person. It is very hard for me to deal with so many people.
I have been hearing stories from others that are ex-thralls as well as from others who think they know what it is like to be a thrall. It has made me realize that Baron Edward took good care of my family. Well, his people did. It was not all sunshine and roses, as I do have scars from having to face punishment a time or two.
MY little shop, Sew What, does well enough and I have been picking up skills to help me work better. I can get good deals for supplies and take things apart with better skill. I have future plans as well.
Adoptive Grandma asked me in your last letter to me if I had found someone. I have not. I really do not venture very far from my shop except for errands. I get to nervous and scared around so many. Perhaps one day but for the time I am content as I am. I know you guys would like great grandchildren but there is plenty of time. You guys have many years ahead of you.
With love,
Sheena
P.S. I wrote a second copy of this letter for the public records so you guys can store this one away. I know Adoptive Grandpa expressed mild frustration at not being able to put some of my letters in the public records so there is something that gave insight to our lives. I don't think it is really worth submititng my letters but if it makes oyu guys happy, I will write 2 letters so it can be done.
Written By Torian
Aug. 11, 2018, 1:11 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
The orphans of Culler's Safe Harbor House have been moved until this crisis is over. Additionally, experienced members of my family (clad in the best leathers, mine) will be controlling the animal population with force of arms.
Written By Delilah
Aug. 11, 2018, 12:39 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
I've found the perfect blend of spices for this scent. If mad alchemy leaves the manor adrift in wafting banks of smoke and fragrant ruin, I admit it was worth it.
Written By Monique
Aug. 11, 2018, 12:04 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
There has been one change to the rules of The Gala Cloak Raffle!
People may buy tickets right up until the start of The Gala, but once the party starts, the sale of raffle tickets will be closed.
People may buy tickets right up until the start of The Gala, but once the party starts, the sale of raffle tickets will be closed.
Written By Monique
Aug. 11, 2018, 11:33 a.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
LET THE GAME BEGIN
Six wonderful Legends will be roaming the streets of Arx between now and The Gala, and each will possess a special token. Should you stumble upon one of these Legends in public, actively playing their role, you may attempt to convince them to part with their token with some impressive social feat! A wonderful story or song, a particularly clever joke or manipulation of words, perhaps a stare so fulminating their fingers weaken and the token just falls free! Each person who shows up to The Gala bearing one of the six Legendary tokens will receive a very special prize… their own THRONE, styled after the Legend they heroically won their token from!
Rules: Legends will only accept challenges when out in public as their Legend. No messengers to them about this game! If you send a messenger, you will be disqualified. One attempt per Legend, per day. Example: if you have attempted to convince Princess Sorrel one day, you may not try to convince her again until the next day, but you may try to convince any of the other Legends. One token per person. Tokens are non-transferable. Any questions may be directed to Lady Monique Greenmarch.
The Legends:
Goodwoman Josephine Arcuri as the Hierophant Pena Stormryder
Princess Sabella Grayson as Queen Alarice Grayson
Grandmaster Caspian Wild as Prince Cerdic Valardin
Princess Sorrel Thrax as the Leader of the Metallic Order
Lady Aahana Volkov as Goldenpyre
Lady Orelia Stonewood as Prince Weohstan Redrain
(OOC-Legend must be in public with their LRP flag on to accept challenges; no OOC paging or scene-crashing in relation to this game, please; roll difficulty at 60; Charm/Command/Composure/Wits + Diplomacy/Empathy/Etiquette/Manipulation/Performance/Propaganda/Riddles/Seduction)
Six wonderful Legends will be roaming the streets of Arx between now and The Gala, and each will possess a special token. Should you stumble upon one of these Legends in public, actively playing their role, you may attempt to convince them to part with their token with some impressive social feat! A wonderful story or song, a particularly clever joke or manipulation of words, perhaps a stare so fulminating their fingers weaken and the token just falls free! Each person who shows up to The Gala bearing one of the six Legendary tokens will receive a very special prize… their own THRONE, styled after the Legend they heroically won their token from!
Rules: Legends will only accept challenges when out in public as their Legend. No messengers to them about this game! If you send a messenger, you will be disqualified. One attempt per Legend, per day. Example: if you have attempted to convince Princess Sorrel one day, you may not try to convince her again until the next day, but you may try to convince any of the other Legends. One token per person. Tokens are non-transferable. Any questions may be directed to Lady Monique Greenmarch.
The Legends:
Goodwoman Josephine Arcuri as the Hierophant Pena Stormryder
Princess Sabella Grayson as Queen Alarice Grayson
Grandmaster Caspian Wild as Prince Cerdic Valardin
Princess Sorrel Thrax as the Leader of the Metallic Order
Lady Aahana Volkov as Goldenpyre
Lady Orelia Stonewood as Prince Weohstan Redrain
(OOC-Legend must be in public with their LRP flag on to accept challenges; no OOC paging or scene-crashing in relation to this game, please; roll difficulty at 60; Charm/Command/Composure/Wits + Diplomacy/Empathy/Etiquette/Manipulation/Performance/Propaganda/Riddles/Seduction)
Written By Jacali
Aug. 11, 2018, 10:12 a.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Finished that final brew, me, I did. Right under the wire, just at it, toes might'a been wigglin' on the other side of it, just might've been. Knew I'd do it, mind, knew it all along. Never let it be said ol' Jac don't deliver when her friends're dependin' on her.
Written By Audric
Aug. 11, 2018, 8:39 a.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
What?
Written By Rinel
Aug. 11, 2018, 6:41 a.m.(5/16/1009 AR)
I entered the world of Arx (for it is indeed a world of its own) by attending the Glittering Gala. It is fitting I leave it with a masquerade.
A temporary departure, I trust. Wynna wishes to see more of the world, and who can blame her? It is vast and exciting. We shall be visiting Sanctum for at least the next six months. Perhaps longer. Perhaps for the rest of our lives. I admit it is frightening and somewhat saddening to leave so many behind who I have grown to regard so fondly--but where my heart goes, so must I follow. I am encouraged, as always, by Wynna's presence at my side.
I shall do my very best to return and visit. It is with sorrow and joy that I depart on this new stage of my life.
For those perspicacious and curious enough to note the difference in handwriting and wondered at it: Mistress Atreke has been kind in performing this final task of taking dictation for me, on account of the recovering injury to my hand.
A temporary departure, I trust. Wynna wishes to see more of the world, and who can blame her? It is vast and exciting. We shall be visiting Sanctum for at least the next six months. Perhaps longer. Perhaps for the rest of our lives. I admit it is frightening and somewhat saddening to leave so many behind who I have grown to regard so fondly--but where my heart goes, so must I follow. I am encouraged, as always, by Wynna's presence at my side.
I shall do my very best to return and visit. It is with sorrow and joy that I depart on this new stage of my life.
For those perspicacious and curious enough to note the difference in handwriting and wondered at it: Mistress Atreke has been kind in performing this final task of taking dictation for me, on account of the recovering injury to my hand.
Written By Shard
Aug. 11, 2018, 3:19 a.m.(5/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
Wait...
What?
What?
Written By Hadrian
Aug. 11, 2018, 1:08 a.m.(5/16/1009 AR)
A child's First Liar. An important position to hold in the life of a Lycene child. So important that you lie about what it's even called. One must sometimes obfuscate the fact that they are a child's Best Liar, by identifying themselves as the child's First Liar. Really it's the very first step in lying on the behalf of the child.
Written By Sasha
Aug. 11, 2018, 12:36 a.m.(5/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowenova
I was bested in my own game by my beloved protege. I am quite impressed with her and her development since my tutoring. I can't wait to see just how much more she blossoms and flourishes under my guidance and with my aide.
Written By Mae
Aug. 11, 2018, 12:28 a.m.(5/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
It's a bit late, but I wanted to write my thanks for Duke Aiden and his Masquerade. It's so easy to see how much that man cares! Thank you, and everyone else that helped.
Written By Isidora
Aug. 10, 2018, 11:59 p.m.(5/16/1009 AR)
Made a massive breakthrough today. The patient exhibited much relief at the tincture of aspic oil. This tincture hopefully will reduce the fever and the discoloration of the skin. Aspic Oil is also good at reducing bruises and balancing the phlegm humors. Anise Oil, a diffusion will reduce fluid retention that is plaguing the soft tissues of the patients. Finally, the compresses of Self-Heal will take care of the open sores, the itching and pain. So far it has given relief. Even if it is minor ... it is something. Though I do think this is a big step in the right direction.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.