Written By Dycard
April 4, 2020, 5:03 p.m.(1/20/1013 AR)
I spent the better part of a day exploring the caves in the village near Stormward, but to no avail. There was no secret lair, no lost knowledge or dark pacts that drew the monster to the village's shores.
Sometimes a giant man-eating crab is just a giant man-eating crab, I suppose.
Sometimes a giant man-eating crab is just a giant man-eating crab, I suppose.
Written By Dycard
March 31, 2020, 8:49 p.m.(1/12/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucene
The people of Caith are lucky to have you as their Sword and their Shield, cousin. Congratulations.
Written By Dycard
March 31, 2020, 8:20 p.m.(1/12/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
That said, Ian - jokes aside -
I'm glad you're alright.
I'm glad you're alright.
Written By Dycard
March 31, 2020, 8:14 p.m.(1/12/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
As a sailor - or rather, as a *leader* of sailors, I'm naturally inclined toward bursts of action. A frenetic dance with a storm, a skirmish with another vessel, that moment of gut-wrenching adrenaline when you see a wave taller than your mainmast coming at you side-on - moments of terrifying energy and strife in an otherwise relatively calm vocation.
This means that tasks based around endurance and repetition do *not* come naturally to me. This being a weakness of mine, my tutor - Lord Ian Kennex - has assigned me the stimulating task of running. A lot.
I can't say I fault his logic - the rational part of my mind accepts and appreciates his advice, and I'm grateful for his tuition - especially given his recent ordeals.
However, after countless laps of the Gauntlet, the irrational part of my mind feels like it's dying and wants to vomit, possibly cry a little, then curl up and go to sleep.
I am trying *very hard* not to resent the Kennex Lord.
This means that tasks based around endurance and repetition do *not* come naturally to me. This being a weakness of mine, my tutor - Lord Ian Kennex - has assigned me the stimulating task of running. A lot.
I can't say I fault his logic - the rational part of my mind accepts and appreciates his advice, and I'm grateful for his tuition - especially given his recent ordeals.
However, after countless laps of the Gauntlet, the irrational part of my mind feels like it's dying and wants to vomit, possibly cry a little, then curl up and go to sleep.
I am trying *very hard* not to resent the Kennex Lord.
Written By Dycard
March 28, 2020, noon(1/5/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Revell
RE: Love
You'll know it when you feel it, I'm told.
You'll know it when you feel it, I'm told.
Written By Dycard
March 26, 2020, 4:54 p.m.(1/2/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Cornelius
So much remains unsaid. Unresolved. I hope we can one day remedy that, father.
Written By Dycard
March 26, 2020, 4:41 p.m.(1/2/1013 AR)
Winter's finally arrived, it seems - and while that means pretty snowfall and brisk nights in Arx, it means there'll be fierce winter storms on the high seas.
The last time I courted one I lost two masts and ten souls to the voracious tempest, and was lucky that she was satisfied with that offering for long enough for my vessel to limp away.
One could not pick a worse time of year to venture out of sight of land. Mangata be merciful to those sailing for Sungreet.
The last time I courted one I lost two masts and ten souls to the voracious tempest, and was lucky that she was satisfied with that offering for long enough for my vessel to limp away.
One could not pick a worse time of year to venture out of sight of land. Mangata be merciful to those sailing for Sungreet.
Written By Dycard
March 21, 2020, 8:52 p.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Revell
It is with pride that I announce in my Whites that I have taken the florist Revell Crownsworn - or simply, Revell - under my wing as my Protege.
She may make missteps - as do we all. As her Patron I accept those missteps as my own, and ask that members of the peerage look kindly on them and her inexperience, both when interacting with Nobility and in general in terms of the cultural melting pot that is our Capital.
If Revell makes a mistake that does not outright breach a law of the Compact, I ask that my fellow Peers take it up with me where possible, although of course the right to correct a commoner is one that all Nobles have. She is an intelligent woman and a quick study, who I genuinely believe wishes to fit in in our city.
I look forward to the fruits of her labours benefiting both me and family, and hope that in return, my vouching for the calibre of her character carries some weight among my peers.
She may make missteps - as do we all. As her Patron I accept those missteps as my own, and ask that members of the peerage look kindly on them and her inexperience, both when interacting with Nobility and in general in terms of the cultural melting pot that is our Capital.
If Revell makes a mistake that does not outright breach a law of the Compact, I ask that my fellow Peers take it up with me where possible, although of course the right to correct a commoner is one that all Nobles have. She is an intelligent woman and a quick study, who I genuinely believe wishes to fit in in our city.
I look forward to the fruits of her labours benefiting both me and family, and hope that in return, my vouching for the calibre of her character carries some weight among my peers.
Written By Dycard
March 15, 2020, 9:14 p.m.(12/8/1012 AR)
I cannot sleep. I have lain in my cot for hours now, my body exhausted and craving slumber while my mind races. I have paced my cabin at length, walked the length of Arx to try to further tire my body and by proxy my mind, but to no avail. So, I take to my Whites, in the hope that by moving my thoughts from mind to paper, the former will finally succumb to exhaustion.
My frustration rises like the tide - if I watch it, it appears unchanged, but if I allow time to pass and then come back to it, the change is obvious and dramatic. In the day, when I busy myself with work, with fine food or drink and finer company, I am distracted - but at night, when I lie in my cot and listen to the waves lapping against the Gambit's hull, I feel.. tense. On edge. The air has that curious quality in the moments before a storm breaks.
It is maddening.
My investigations into the blood have yielded nought of consequence so far. A whisper here or there, a few tangentially related tales or fragments. Oswald was an evil man, yes - this is not news. He consorted with things he should not have - this is interesting, but does not answer the question of /why./ What drove him to become what he did? Why did a gruff but loving uncle devolve into a savage, pitiless monster? Perhaps most importantly, was he the only one of his kind, or will history repeat itself?
My frustration rises like the tide - if I watch it, it appears unchanged, but if I allow time to pass and then come back to it, the change is obvious and dramatic. In the day, when I busy myself with work, with fine food or drink and finer company, I am distracted - but at night, when I lie in my cot and listen to the waves lapping against the Gambit's hull, I feel.. tense. On edge. The air has that curious quality in the moments before a storm breaks.
It is maddening.
My investigations into the blood have yielded nought of consequence so far. A whisper here or there, a few tangentially related tales or fragments. Oswald was an evil man, yes - this is not news. He consorted with things he should not have - this is interesting, but does not answer the question of /why./ What drove him to become what he did? Why did a gruff but loving uncle devolve into a savage, pitiless monster? Perhaps most importantly, was he the only one of his kind, or will history repeat itself?
Written By Dycard
March 13, 2020, 3:18 p.m.(12/4/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Revell
Revell, you have a big heart, and that's something I genuinely, from the bottom of mine, admire.
Unfortunately the messages from that heart seem to have a direct route to your mouth, without going via your head first.
Be careful, or it's going to get you hurt someday.
Unfortunately the messages from that heart seem to have a direct route to your mouth, without going via your head first.
Be careful, or it's going to get you hurt someday.
Written By Dycard
March 13, 2020, 3:15 p.m.(12/4/1012 AR)
I am not cut out for politics.
I have the skills, of course - I can have my mouth make the right shapes, I can say one thing while vehemently believing another, and I can be courteous to those that don't truly deserve it when it's required of me.
But I am beginning to think I've spent too much time on the sea to truly excel in the arena of diplomacy anymore. I've grown used to being a Captain first, a sailor second and a Lord as an afterthought. I find myself struggling to keep my distaste for politics from showing.
I look forward to sailing again.
I have the skills, of course - I can have my mouth make the right shapes, I can say one thing while vehemently believing another, and I can be courteous to those that don't truly deserve it when it's required of me.
But I am beginning to think I've spent too much time on the sea to truly excel in the arena of diplomacy anymore. I've grown used to being a Captain first, a sailor second and a Lord as an afterthought. I find myself struggling to keep my distaste for politics from showing.
I look forward to sailing again.
Written By Dycard
March 8, 2020, 8:19 a.m.(11/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucene
Remember that the trick's much less impressive once you see how the magician does it, cousin.
Written By Dycard
March 8, 2020, 8:19 a.m.(11/21/1012 AR)
If you need to say something out loud to yourself, but can't, find someone who'll say it to you.
If you need to hurt someone or something, but won't, find someone who can take it.
If you need to be hurt, find someone who'll do it out of affection.
If anyone reading this finds themselves needing to vent some anger or frustration or words politely left unsaid, I cannot recommend this enough - ask a friend to the training centre, and try to cave their head in while they do the same to you.*
*This is a joke, Scholar. I am not advocating murder in a White.
If you need to hurt someone or something, but won't, find someone who can take it.
If you need to be hurt, find someone who'll do it out of affection.
If anyone reading this finds themselves needing to vent some anger or frustration or words politely left unsaid, I cannot recommend this enough - ask a friend to the training centre, and try to cave their head in while they do the same to you.*
*This is a joke, Scholar. I am not advocating murder in a White.
Written By Dycard
March 3, 2020, 8:01 p.m.(11/12/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cornelius
Oh, as an addendum - in the interests of our shared blood, Sir, I will warn you once.
Do not threaten to injure my friends again.
Do not threaten to injure my friends again.
Written By Dycard
March 3, 2020, 7:59 p.m.(11/12/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cornelius
Sir,
I can only assume that I've engendered affection or respect for the Blackshore name in the minds of the commoners you refer to, to the extent that they expected similar qualities when speaking to you. I have no doubt that you corrected them, and imagine that they'll lose interest in you soon enough.
If you find Arx not to your taste, I'm sure that the city wouldn't mourn your departure overly.
In order to 'reconnect,' some form of pre-existing connection would be required, wouldn't it? I don't recall ever having such a thing with you, but if you would like some assistance finding your place in the House or a way to make yourself useful, I'm sure I can spare the time.
With the deserved respect,
Dycard
I can only assume that I've engendered affection or respect for the Blackshore name in the minds of the commoners you refer to, to the extent that they expected similar qualities when speaking to you. I have no doubt that you corrected them, and imagine that they'll lose interest in you soon enough.
If you find Arx not to your taste, I'm sure that the city wouldn't mourn your departure overly.
In order to 'reconnect,' some form of pre-existing connection would be required, wouldn't it? I don't recall ever having such a thing with you, but if you would like some assistance finding your place in the House or a way to make yourself useful, I'm sure I can spare the time.
With the deserved respect,
Dycard
Written By Dycard
March 2, 2020, 7:09 p.m.(11/10/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cornelius
I hear that you are alive, father.
I suppose this adds credence to the theory that sharks are discerning creatures, and don't care for rotten meat.
I suppose this adds credence to the theory that sharks are discerning creatures, and don't care for rotten meat.
Written By Dycard
March 1, 2020, 7:26 a.m.(11/7/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
Austen, old friend - you have no idea how much I needed to have that conversation. It is a harrowing experience, to speak one's fears out loud, to give them a voice and put them out into the world as a /thing/ that /exists,/ but I feel better for having done so.
I do realise in hindsight that we spent almost the entire evening talking about /me,/ however. While I appreciate, needed to, and in truth rather enjoy waxing lyrical about myself, I want to extend the same offer to you in return. If you ever need to get something off your chest, I am all ears.
I am saddened that you won't be joining me on my pleasure cruise, but I can fully understand your reasons and accept them. We all have our duties.
I do realise in hindsight that we spent almost the entire evening talking about /me,/ however. While I appreciate, needed to, and in truth rather enjoy waxing lyrical about myself, I want to extend the same offer to you in return. If you ever need to get something off your chest, I am all ears.
I am saddened that you won't be joining me on my pleasure cruise, but I can fully understand your reasons and accept them. We all have our duties.
Written By Dycard
Feb. 29, 2020, 5:54 p.m.(11/6/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucene
I am not alone.
I've /felt/ alone in one sense or another for some time now, amusingly more so in a city teeming with other souls than out on a boat with no land in sight. But talking to my cousin, venting frustrations, putting the world to rights and swearing to look out for each other has eased my mind somewhat.
Come what may in the coming few days, regardless of how my relationships with friends heal or decay further, I know that there is at least one person who has my back, who has heard of my mistakes and cares for me nevertheless.
Lucene, if you're reading this - from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I've /felt/ alone in one sense or another for some time now, amusingly more so in a city teeming with other souls than out on a boat with no land in sight. But talking to my cousin, venting frustrations, putting the world to rights and swearing to look out for each other has eased my mind somewhat.
Come what may in the coming few days, regardless of how my relationships with friends heal or decay further, I know that there is at least one person who has my back, who has heard of my mistakes and cares for me nevertheless.
Lucene, if you're reading this - from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Written By Dycard
Feb. 28, 2020, 11:28 a.m.(11/3/1012 AR)
Honour and loyalty are bizarre concepts, and become more farcical the more I consider them.
Romulius always saw them as clear-cut, binary ideals - something is honourable, or it is not. /Someone/ is loyal, or they are not.
I find that such a black-and-white ideology doesn't hold water when put to the test. One can do despicable things for the right reasons. One can lie through one's teeth out of fealty and fidelity.
...But maybe that's just cowardice talking, my mind trying to connive a way to both have its cake and eat it.
Either way, I would make an awful knight.
Romulius always saw them as clear-cut, binary ideals - something is honourable, or it is not. /Someone/ is loyal, or they are not.
I find that such a black-and-white ideology doesn't hold water when put to the test. One can do despicable things for the right reasons. One can lie through one's teeth out of fealty and fidelity.
...But maybe that's just cowardice talking, my mind trying to connive a way to both have its cake and eat it.
Either way, I would make an awful knight.
Written By Dycard
Feb. 27, 2020, 1:20 a.m.(11/1/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
The pure simplicity of swordplay is something I needed on many levels.
The juddering impact of steel on steel demands attention. The ringing of blades blots out errant thoughts. If one's eye wanders from the opponent, one is summarily punished.
I can feel myself improving already, and have Lord Domonico to thank for that. He is a patient teacher, and I could ask for no finer instructor. It's been mere days since we first crossed swords, but I'm becoming faster, more precise, more canny with every lesson. It's statistically a possibility that I might even land a touch soon.
Still, I can't help but want to push myself harder. Time is of the essence, after all, and with all that Winter brings looming on the horizon, I have a very real deadline. Inaction and delay stifles me, like a soft weight pushing down on my throat.
There are some sharks in the deeps Arvum that are said to be ever in motion; the act of staying still for even a moment being genuinely perilous for them. I find that I can empathise.
The juddering impact of steel on steel demands attention. The ringing of blades blots out errant thoughts. If one's eye wanders from the opponent, one is summarily punished.
I can feel myself improving already, and have Lord Domonico to thank for that. He is a patient teacher, and I could ask for no finer instructor. It's been mere days since we first crossed swords, but I'm becoming faster, more precise, more canny with every lesson. It's statistically a possibility that I might even land a touch soon.
Still, I can't help but want to push myself harder. Time is of the essence, after all, and with all that Winter brings looming on the horizon, I have a very real deadline. Inaction and delay stifles me, like a soft weight pushing down on my throat.
There are some sharks in the deeps Arvum that are said to be ever in motion; the act of staying still for even a moment being genuinely perilous for them. I find that I can empathise.
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