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Written By Monique

May 31, 2018, 12:04 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

Are intentions or outcomes more important when judging whether actions are moral?

A question I've been pondering of late. Deep thoughts, and I'm not sure whether I've got an answer.

Written By Tikva

May 31, 2018, 11:55 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

The Inquisition is not appointed for trial by combat as that would make neither legal nor practical sense. The Inquisition is mildly entertained by the Chief Justice's quest to expand her jurisdiction over us but if she does it again the Inquisition may have to challenge her to the most boring and pedantic honor duel of all time.

Written By Arik

May 31, 2018, 11:28 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Veronica

I believe that trial by combat can be denied if the representative of the Faith determines the evidence is undeniable. Denied in some cases, noble right to trial by combat is rarely if ever denied that I know of but we are very far north in Whitehold.

Written By Dycard

May 31, 2018, 11:28 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

Day three in civilisation. So far I've found out that Skye survived and is now Baroness, that Romulius made it back to civilisation, that Uncle Oscar didn't survive, and that father is missing presumed dead. I doubt that last one, given the lengths he went to to escape the Reavers, and that I myself have managed to come back from missing presumed dead. Cousin Iseulet's alive and doing well for herself, and has a very nice bath.

My chequered past is going to cause issues, especially if Romulius has opened his mouth about me; if he hasn't, I'm going to have to plant the right rumours myself. They should already be flying by now, really - let's see where they come back from.

I still possess a talent for flattering people into blushes. So far that includes a Knight, a Princess, and a trained Courtesan, so I'm calling that a victory. Father would be puce with rage, which I've always considered a victory, petty as it may be. Without him around to offend it's still just as much fun as it ever was to see if I can dance along the line of being welcomed without going over it. Now I just need the clothing to go with the title, the accent and the training - there's a difference between a well-turned-out gentleman with a frisson of danger, and a common sailor with the reality of it, and at the moment I'm far too close to the latter for my own comfort. Here's hoping my sister gets back soon, welcomes me with open arms, gives me a load of money, and tells my brother where to shove his righteousness. I'm still a little nervous about seeing Romulius again - I'm not sure he'll forgive me what I've done, and if he winds me up too much I'll tell him where to shove that righteousness myself. Still, if it all goes horribly wrong, there appear to be other options. It's an interesting place, Arx, even if it doesn't have sails.

Written By Veronica

May 31, 2018, 11:25 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Octavia

Thank you for the explanation of the Arxian legal process, Chief Magistrate. It is certainly more complex than the regional trials I am accustomed to. Granted, back home I regularly haul in thieves, robbers and shav bandits, whose guilt are almost universally undeniable.

Written By Cullen

May 31, 2018, 10:11 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Ariella

On second thought, maybe I'll stay on land.

Written By Octavia

May 31, 2018, 9:53 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

To answer the Lady Veronica's question about Trial by Combat: Trial by Combat is a right granted by the Gods, and the Crown Court considers it an equivalent method of obtaining the Sentinel's justice to the Trial by Magistrate.

Typically when someone is brought before the Court for judgement, the charges are read, the accused is given the chance to plead guilty or innocent, and then the Court offers them the choice of Trial by Combat or Trial by Magistrate. This choice is binding and irreversable, so that the accused cannot attempt to change their mind if they are losing.

During a Trial by Combat under the jurisdiction of the Crown Court, a magistrate will appoint a champion, typically from the ranks of the Iron Guard or the Inquisition, while the accused is allowed to find someone to fight for them. The rest of it proceeds as a Trial by Combat typically does, with a magistrate and a priest standing at ringside to certify the outcome of the duel.

Written By Ariella

May 31, 2018, 9:45 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

Amend my previous headcount:

Cullen Greenmarch - Cabin Boy

Written By Cullen

May 31, 2018, 9:24 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Ariella

I have noted a considerable lack of Cullen Greenmarch on that roster. Surely an oversight. I distinctly remember you not saying I would be...whatever second in command of a boat happens to be. However, I shall bring a lot of rum.

Written By Ariella

May 31, 2018, 8:54 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

Headcount of the Red Bargain:

Ariella Igniseri - Captain
Presunto - First Mate
Serrano Corsetano - Quartermaster
Culatello - Bos'n
Bayonne - Sea artist/2nd helmsman
Vallee d'Aoste - 1st helmsman
Lacon Gallego - Cooper/carpenter
Paletilla - Doctor, owns a 'nickel harp' (bad at both jobs, replace ASAP)
Teruel - Sailor
Huelva - Sailor
Guijuelo - Sailor
Trevelez - Sailor
Elenski - Sailor
Short Walter - Sailor

Headcounts every day since the latest attack. I'm not taking anything for granted.

Written By Lisebet

May 31, 2018, 8:34 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)

The surprise shower for Princess Sorrel was fun. I was surprised to win the game that was played, though I am certain it is only because it was a doll's nappy being changed. Had it been a real child, I would have had completely different results! And considering that was some time ago, it is obvious I have not been updating my journal so regularly. I will endeavour to correct this failing going forward.

Written By Elara

May 31, 2018, 3:04 a.m.(11/19/1008 AR)

It seems prudent to write a will. Everyone else is doing it. Unfortunately I have nothing of any great worth, I don't believe, to share specifically with anyone. There are Blacks noted to be released upon my death.
My possessions are to be distributed among House Kennex at Ford's discretion.

Written By Veronica

May 31, 2018, 12:25 a.m.(11/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Amari

I admit that I haven't thought much of what Amari's vocation as a lawyer means, but today I saw it in action at the Holy Feast of Courtkeep. Both my cousin and Prince Alessandro did admirably on both sides of the mock-trial case of Princess Alarissa's "crime against fashion", which is meant to be an introduction and display of how the court process works. But I find myself wondering: with the Crown Court of Arx rendering judgement on crimes, and talented lawyers presenting the cases, what does it say about the ancient practice of Trial by Combat? What if the outcomes of the latter do not agree with the judgement of the Court? Does it not undermine the authority of the Court?

I am a Sword. My duty is to bring the guilty in for judgement, but I am no judge. I suppose this is not a question I often consider, but today it makes me think.

Written By Aureth

May 30, 2018, 9:47 p.m.(11/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Eirene

Thanks, but my social calendar is pretty full, and most of my lovers aren't really into getting coins in their cracks.

Written By Mayir

May 30, 2018, 8:10 p.m.(11/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Tynan

You know, if you want leaflets made, you have a cousin for that.

/s/ Mayir Grayhope
Director of Marketing, Law Offices of Tynan Grayhope

Written By Alessandro

May 30, 2018, 6:25 p.m.(11/17/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Tynan

Master Grayhope is quite correct, and I can personally vouch that should anyone avail themselves of his services, they will find him knowledgeable and thorough. Do not put off going to see him -- as we know, our time here is generally shorter than we imagine.

Written By Cyril

May 30, 2018, 6:16 p.m.(11/17/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Mae

To see my name and my efforts at the State of the Compact was a very nice surprise but I believe I should speak a little bit more about Melaeris; there is no thralldom in Astarrea. House Melaeris has raised banners against House Thrax and House Tyde, many times before, in the name of abolishment of thralldom and while I greatly appreciate the peace we have found with our lady Duchess of Tyde, Lady Margot and the highlord of Thrax, Victus, we are opponents with very polarizing views, but not all battles need to be bloody and not all battles need to take place in the field. To resolve your differences in court, under the judgement of your peers and in a civil matter is a honorable and efficient compromise. Praise be to Gloria but if history is a lesson in life, our best option and only option has to be through diplomacy with respect towards the laws of the land.

I do not need to convince my niece for the end of thralldom because it's very abolishment is the purpose of our house. To light a flame in those who've had injustice done to them, to give them the tools they need to fight and to carry and pass on their flames so that those who see it become inspire to do the same.

Written By Tynan

May 30, 2018, 6:15 p.m.(11/17/1008 AR)

Let me just say that when it comes to wills, it's a good thing to be prepared. So why leave it as an entry in a journal amongst thousand others?

You have collected fine things, you have worked your sweat and brow to earn what you have. Why would you let it languish, with simply a throw-away remark written down in your spare time to safeguard it all? That's no way to handle business. No, what you need is an honest-to-goodness Last Will and Testament.

After all, if you are going to die, do it on your terms! Leave your survivors with the comfort and ease that is a properly prepared will. They are already dealing with heartache, who would be so cruel that they'd leave them with a headache as well?

Handmade, crafted to your specification and without loopholes. Signed and witnessed, with copies safely stored so that there can be no arguments. A document made to make you rest easy in that final rest. A will you can be proud of for the remainder of your days.

It can be yours, for a modest fee.

- Tynan Grayhope
Attorney at Law

Yes, I want the signature written down and scholar, write me down an extra copy of that too. I need to make leaflets.

Written By Eirene

May 30, 2018, 6:13 p.m.(11/17/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Aureth

Archlector - Why not have both? Why not have sex ON a pile of money before you donate it? That way everybody wins. Unless you suck at sex, then only some people win.

Written By Aureth

May 30, 2018, 4:42 p.m.(11/17/1008 AR)

When I was a younger man, my birthday was a great time to get fucking drunk, eat way too much food, and find someone to have sex with, preferably someone good at it.

I'm celebrating my birthday this year by donating large sums of money to the development of our common humanity.

I'm forty years old. Every day is a new beginning.

Cheers, Arvum.

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