Written By Laric
Feb. 12, 2018, 3:05 p.m.(3/1/1008 AR)
What happened to Esra was a disgraceful tragedy. His crimes were unlikely to end in his death: the Faith had already punished him for his blasphemy and slander against an Archlector, as was their right and duty. The punishment for his reckless interference with an ongoing investigation would have taken his clear mental state into account. If he confessed, the Inquisition would issue corporal punishment and exile him to somewhere he could recover from the strain his discoveries put him under. Perhaps a cloister if the Faith agreed, where godsworn could help him see his errors and return to the Faith's loving embrace. We would have recommended this punishment to the Court if it went to trial.
Let this be a lesson to those who would try to take justice into their own hands. There is a difference between a criminal and an enemy of the Compact. The Iron Guard and the Inquisition are the only entities given the authority to handle the former on the Crown's land and the Crown's waters. If you must act, call for a member of either Order, be it guard or officer, confessor or inquisitor.
That is the extent of what I shall write on the subject for now. We are on the eve of war, and our attention must be aimed forward.
I will pen a letter to his parents tonight expressing my apologies and condolences. House Wyrmguard disowned him but blood ties are not so easily broken.
Let this be a lesson to those who would try to take justice into their own hands. There is a difference between a criminal and an enemy of the Compact. The Iron Guard and the Inquisition are the only entities given the authority to handle the former on the Crown's land and the Crown's waters. If you must act, call for a member of either Order, be it guard or officer, confessor or inquisitor.
That is the extent of what I shall write on the subject for now. We are on the eve of war, and our attention must be aimed forward.
I will pen a letter to his parents tonight expressing my apologies and condolences. House Wyrmguard disowned him but blood ties are not so easily broken.
Written By Laric
Feb. 9, 2018, 8:39 p.m.(2/23/1008 AR)
A simple thing we would all do well to keep in mind, especially in light of the past two days: no great change can occur overnight. Forcing certain issues can do as much damage as leaving them unresolved, and in some cases can make things much worse.
Have patience, Arvum. Have faith in your fellows and the Pantheon. Or your Path, if you're so inclined.
Have patience, Arvum. Have faith in your fellows and the Pantheon. Or your Path, if you're so inclined.
Written By Laric
Feb. 3, 2018, 2:22 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
And since someone voiced this apparently serious concern: no, I am not resigning from the Inquisition nor renouncing my family to become godsworn. Even the Master of Questions can have flashes of piety.
Written By Laric
Feb. 3, 2018, 2:01 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
When most people think of Lagoma, they think of Her Mercies: some of the kindest and most compassionate souls within our Compact. Many seem to equate their name with Her teaching forgiveness. To be kind to those that have wronged you, or your people, or your faith so long as they attempt to atone for their transgressions. This, I feel, is not the case. They are simply Her merciful touch.
The Lady of Change is a goddess of growth and purity. She does not teach us to turn the other cheek in 'forgiveness', in 'mercy'. Forgiveness and purity must be earned through action, not pretty words and token gestures. Their earnest desire to change must be proven in humility and tested in fire. Growth does not come from forgiveness: rather, forgiveness should be the reward of growth. We must challenge those who need it, else nothing is learned and no growth occurs, no change happens.
It goes without saying that those challenges should be scaled to the wrongdoing. Some things are minor and easily resolved or forgotten. Others require penance or punishment. To do something so terrible that the remainder of one's life should be spent atoning for it is difficult for most humans. For the powerful and privileged, it can be as easy as absently signing orders. These acts should not be forgotten and those responsible should be allowed to attempt atonement if such an atrocity does not result in their death or exile. Even so, their actions should never be downplayed in Her name as 'mercy'. Doing so is an insult to Her, to Vellichor for ignoring history, to Gloria for eschewing honor, to Skald for waiving the consequences of choice, and the Sentinel for willfully ignoring the unpleasant side of justice.
The Lady of Change is a goddess of growth and purity. She does not teach us to turn the other cheek in 'forgiveness', in 'mercy'. Forgiveness and purity must be earned through action, not pretty words and token gestures. Their earnest desire to change must be proven in humility and tested in fire. Growth does not come from forgiveness: rather, forgiveness should be the reward of growth. We must challenge those who need it, else nothing is learned and no growth occurs, no change happens.
It goes without saying that those challenges should be scaled to the wrongdoing. Some things are minor and easily resolved or forgotten. Others require penance or punishment. To do something so terrible that the remainder of one's life should be spent atoning for it is difficult for most humans. For the powerful and privileged, it can be as easy as absently signing orders. These acts should not be forgotten and those responsible should be allowed to attempt atonement if such an atrocity does not result in their death or exile. Even so, their actions should never be downplayed in Her name as 'mercy'. Doing so is an insult to Her, to Vellichor for ignoring history, to Gloria for eschewing honor, to Skald for waiving the consequences of choice, and the Sentinel for willfully ignoring the unpleasant side of justice.
Written By Laric
Jan. 29, 2018, 3:07 p.m.(1/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
There appears to be a rumor going around that I have issued an arrest warrant for Lady Khanne Halfshav.
To be clear to the two or three people who may actually believe that rumor: as Master of Questions, I would not hesitate to apprehend one of my closest friends and allies were I presented with irrefutable proof that they were an enemy of the Compact. If any such evidence about Lady Khanne exists, I have not seen it nor heard of it. Not only is she one of the finest women I know, but I would be hard-pressed to name someone less likely to be involved in something duplicitous or ethically abhorrent.
Citizens of the Compact are always welcome to write to me or High Inquisitor Alistair about their concerns.
To be clear to the two or three people who may actually believe that rumor: as Master of Questions, I would not hesitate to apprehend one of my closest friends and allies were I presented with irrefutable proof that they were an enemy of the Compact. If any such evidence about Lady Khanne exists, I have not seen it nor heard of it. Not only is she one of the finest women I know, but I would be hard-pressed to name someone less likely to be involved in something duplicitous or ethically abhorrent.
Citizens of the Compact are always welcome to write to me or High Inquisitor Alistair about their concerns.
Written By Laric
Jan. 7, 2018, 8:26 p.m.(12/4/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
Warmest coat I've ever owned. Thank you.
Written By Laric
Dec. 31, 2017, 5:29 p.m.(11/16/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
If necessary. The vast majority of those prodigals interviewed by the Inquisition recently were in and out within twenty minutes, as most were able to prove they were, in fact, citizens quickly and painlessly. I will not insult your intelligence by insinuating that should alleviate the general discomfort that comes with being escorted to the House of Questions, only to illustrate these interviews only became grueling interrogations when the culprits were found.
There are circumstances that make it unlikely we would have to resort to such a strategy in your example that I believe you are aware of, but that would be splitting hairs.
The Inquisition has plans to ensure it will not be necessary in the future, but that is all I will write on the matter tonight.
There are circumstances that make it unlikely we would have to resort to such a strategy in your example that I believe you are aware of, but that would be splitting hairs.
The Inquisition has plans to ensure it will not be necessary in the future, but that is all I will write on the matter tonight.
Written By Laric
Dec. 31, 2017, 4:53 p.m.(11/16/1007 AR)
There is a reason the Inquisition has maintained the Sentinel's faceless visor as its insignia centuries after its secularization. Justice, by Their standard, is not subjective. Its ideal is without expression, neither friendly nor wrathful. Justice, along with truth, is often harsh, unyielding and uncomfortable. It can be upsetting. Anyone in this world is capable of anything, no matter what face they wear. This is a fact I demand my Inquisitors and Confessors keep in mind in the course of their work. That is the ideal the Inquisition I lead strives to embody. When the Inquisition launches an official inquest, it is rarely to 'prove' a theory, guilt or innocence. It is to learn the truth and act upon it, which I must reiterate, is often harsh and uncomfortable.
To those prodigals who feel unfairly and personally impacted by the recent shakedown, you have my personal and sincere apologies for that, and that alone. The Inquisition did what was necessary to root out the Compact's enemies. Killian Ashford and Zhayla of Old Oak were not the only casualties. The number of murders they are responsible for are numbered in the dozens, not single digits, and they had grave potential for causing further anarchy. Now their 'king' moves against the Compact openly and it is all the more imperative Arx is free of those beholden to him.
To those prodigals who feel unfairly and personally impacted by the recent shakedown, you have my personal and sincere apologies for that, and that alone. The Inquisition did what was necessary to root out the Compact's enemies. Killian Ashford and Zhayla of Old Oak were not the only casualties. The number of murders they are responsible for are numbered in the dozens, not single digits, and they had grave potential for causing further anarchy. Now their 'king' moves against the Compact openly and it is all the more imperative Arx is free of those beholden to him.
Written By Laric
Dec. 14, 2017, 6:20 p.m.(10/10/1007 AR)
In the past few years, I've suffered my fair share of injuries. The less severe ones have always been far more aggravating than the ones that have put me on strict bedrest thanks to adrenaline, shock and so on. I always thought the worst were papercuts, but today I've learned splinters, depending on where you get them, can be far more diabolical.
I have no regrets.
I have no regrets.
Written By Laric
Dec. 8, 2017, 11:50 a.m.(9/24/1007 AR)
Goodbye, thirty three.
Written By Laric
Dec. 2, 2017, 1:53 a.m.(9/11/1007 AR)
And here I was worried I would share a birthday with our next child. Two full weeks before mine, thankfully. The birthday cake will remain spaced out. Cara and I met our son in the early hours of this morning, one Arber Grayson, named after His Majesty and in honor of Berthold Ruger, a man I was blessed to know in life.
Written By Laric
Nov. 20, 2017, 3:50 a.m.(8/13/1007 AR)
Unfortunately, my work kept me from attending yesterday's assembly. As I understand it the platinum ballistae were a topic of discussion and there seems to be some belief they are my personal possessions or otherwise owned by the Inquisition. This is not the case. They were sent to me because the Inquisition arranged their transport, and as I stated previously, they were acquired specifically for Arx's defense. The Inquisition serves the Crown and the Crown rules Arx; as such, they are the Crown's property. The ballistae are under our watch until plans to install them have been finalized.
Furthermore, the Inquisition does not have a standing army. None of our Inquisitors have any experience operating siege weapons. To my knowledge exactly three Confessors have experience and that is only incidental; they are veterans of the Tor-Southport war. It is unlikely we will be operating the ballistae unless they require specialized knowledge to use. More than likely they will be operated by the Crown's standing army, the Iron Guard.
Finally, it must be noted that these weapons were made by a civilization steeped in magic, with access to other nations and their resources. Whatever Arvum was before or immediately after the Reckoning, our Compact is no longer either of those things. Attempting to replicate these ballistae with anything less than honed magecraft and platinum would be an exercise in frustration. We do not have mages and we do not have platinum. They, or even mere imitations of its design, are beyond our current means. This is a fact that the Crown must keep in mind when considering what to do with these priceless siege weapons, for if they become damaged, we are unlikely to find replacements.
Furthermore, the Inquisition does not have a standing army. None of our Inquisitors have any experience operating siege weapons. To my knowledge exactly three Confessors have experience and that is only incidental; they are veterans of the Tor-Southport war. It is unlikely we will be operating the ballistae unless they require specialized knowledge to use. More than likely they will be operated by the Crown's standing army, the Iron Guard.
Finally, it must be noted that these weapons were made by a civilization steeped in magic, with access to other nations and their resources. Whatever Arvum was before or immediately after the Reckoning, our Compact is no longer either of those things. Attempting to replicate these ballistae with anything less than honed magecraft and platinum would be an exercise in frustration. We do not have mages and we do not have platinum. They, or even mere imitations of its design, are beyond our current means. This is a fact that the Crown must keep in mind when considering what to do with these priceless siege weapons, for if they become damaged, we are unlikely to find replacements.
Written By Laric
Nov. 5, 2017, 12:36 p.m.(7/12/1007 AR)
Brother Caras should be commended for his willingness to stand for what he feels is right. The gods work through just, honorable and courageous men and women. It is important, however, to remember we do not always have the benefit of Their guidance nor Their clarity. Humans can fail, and humans can be quite mistaken. We grow from accepting these mistakes.
If there is proof a discipleship of the Faith deliberately sabotaged House Navegant and Escuma in a time of war, that proof needs to be taken to the Crown, to House Thrax, to the Legate overseeing that discipleship and the Dominus himself. It should not be vaguely alluded to in white journals nor be used to justify a duel. Such things are matters of utmost gravity and should be treated as such.
As it stands, the Liberators purchased the debts of five thousand thralls - less than a percent of the Isles' thralls - at cost, from all over the Mourning Isles. House Navegant's reaction is their own, and they must accept and deal with their consequences in their own fashion. It is only tangentially related to the ongoing situation in Stormward.
If there is proof a discipleship of the Faith deliberately sabotaged House Navegant and Escuma in a time of war, that proof needs to be taken to the Crown, to House Thrax, to the Legate overseeing that discipleship and the Dominus himself. It should not be vaguely alluded to in white journals nor be used to justify a duel. Such things are matters of utmost gravity and should be treated as such.
As it stands, the Liberators purchased the debts of five thousand thralls - less than a percent of the Isles' thralls - at cost, from all over the Mourning Isles. House Navegant's reaction is their own, and they must accept and deal with their consequences in their own fashion. It is only tangentially related to the ongoing situation in Stormward.
Written By Laric
Nov. 1, 2017, 8:14 p.m.(7/5/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
In the wise words of our God of freedom, Skald: "I do what I want."
(Which is generally not 'setting myself on fire', thank you, and absolutely not what happened.)
(Which is generally not 'setting myself on fire', thank you, and absolutely not what happened.)
Written By Laric
Nov. 1, 2017, 10:31 a.m.(7/4/1007 AR)
Marquis Malesh's account of last night is not entirely accurate, though the details of the attack and the nature of my wounds are not a matter I care to broach in white journals. The physicians expect me to make a full recovery in time. If Lagoma smiles upon me, the only lasting damage will be scars. My thanks to Princess Inquisitor Tikva, High Inquisitor Alistair, Count Thesarin and Lady Joslyn, as well as the numerous loyal Confessors and King's Own for their quick-thinking and readiness to do their duties.
And Lark's dogs. What good boys.
My thanks to those who reached out to ask after my well-being as well. I intend to reply to each of you in time.
And Lark's dogs. What good boys.
My thanks to those who reached out to ask after my well-being as well. I intend to reply to each of you in time.
Written By Laric
Oct. 28, 2017, 7:19 p.m.(6/24/1007 AR)
The gods do love a good challenge, don't they? I suppose you reap what you sow.
Written By Laric
Oct. 20, 2017, 1:07 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
Yours isn't far behind his. It might even come first.
Written By Laric
Oct. 20, 2017, 12:16 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
We're all looking forward to your first midlife crisis, Blessed one.
Written By Laric
Oct. 12, 2017, 3:19 p.m.(5/20/1007 AR)
The matter of the Inquisition's secularization is far more complicated than being a simple 'betrayal' or a mere 'grasp for power'. That matter is, however, ancient history with little bearing on our future. In spite of that history, the leadership of today's Inquisition enjoys a strong working relationship with the Dominus, the Legate of Concepts, and many of the Faith's Archlectors. It is my sincerest hope that in time, that relationship will lead to a steady rapport between other members of the Church and the House of Questions.
We will remain an instrument of the Crown, charged with investigating serious crimes and threats that affect the people of Arvum. It does not matter if those threats are magical or mundane, foreign or Abyssal, at home or afar. Unlike our cousins in Eurus, we Arvani are blessed by the gods to live free. As long as we remain vigilant, we will remain so.
To those we have not had the pleasure of speaking or working with: the Inquisition gives its aid freely in these matters. Any citizen may reach out to me, be it for investigatory or research assistance, advice or guidance, or help finding like-minded souls.
In service,
Master of Questions Laric Grayson
We will remain an instrument of the Crown, charged with investigating serious crimes and threats that affect the people of Arvum. It does not matter if those threats are magical or mundane, foreign or Abyssal, at home or afar. Unlike our cousins in Eurus, we Arvani are blessed by the gods to live free. As long as we remain vigilant, we will remain so.
To those we have not had the pleasure of speaking or working with: the Inquisition gives its aid freely in these matters. Any citizen may reach out to me, be it for investigatory or research assistance, advice or guidance, or help finding like-minded souls.
In service,
Master of Questions Laric Grayson
Written By Laric
Oct. 5, 2017, 5:49 p.m.(5/6/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
How does a Grayson befriend a Grayhope? Through a misunderstanding, a wrong assumption, and a presumed case of mistaken identity. Wonderful little story that I won't go into detail on. Not only am I rather happy to formally become his patron, I'm quite proud to support his future works. His skill at evoking emotion through his paintings cannot be denied - nor, in my mind, surpassed.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.