Written By Vincenzo
Aug. 19, 2019, 6:14 p.m.(9/6/1011 AR)
My three goals this week:
- Design the tapestry for a highlord.
- Create plan and set up an artist working group for the rededication Gloria’s shrine.
- Meeting with Legate Ailith to work on confession and redemption.
- Also, rewrite the Treatise on Diplomacy and publish it.
- Design the tapestry for a highlord.
- Create plan and set up an artist working group for the rededication Gloria’s shrine.
- Meeting with Legate Ailith to work on confession and redemption.
- Also, rewrite the Treatise on Diplomacy and publish it.
Written By Vincenzo
Aug. 12, 2019, 5:07 p.m.(8/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirk
Why is it when you speak to wise people and bring them a question, I find myself holding more questions as I leave than I arrived with?
Written By Vincenzo
Aug. 12, 2019, 2:03 a.m.(8/19/1011 AR)
The sun burned hot
with tempestuous desire,
yearning as it moved
from one dawn
to the next twilight.
But trying in vain,
it bent low
to the horizon, where dreams
meet reality and there,
as pilgrim lips did
fleetingly touch in farewell,
the moon blushed and
hid her silvery mystery
behind the dark gown of
evening clouds as her
diamonds of stars glittered
with hope.
You'd think the world was one big plate of dreariness and despair. But if people were a little braver, they might just find a few words of inspiration from their dreams Jayus gives, and commit their courage to ink and paper so that generations in the future they can read, smile and ponder how we were able to survive.
Be brave and share an original verse to the world.
with tempestuous desire,
yearning as it moved
from one dawn
to the next twilight.
But trying in vain,
it bent low
to the horizon, where dreams
meet reality and there,
as pilgrim lips did
fleetingly touch in farewell,
the moon blushed and
hid her silvery mystery
behind the dark gown of
evening clouds as her
diamonds of stars glittered
with hope.
You'd think the world was one big plate of dreariness and despair. But if people were a little braver, they might just find a few words of inspiration from their dreams Jayus gives, and commit their courage to ink and paper so that generations in the future they can read, smile and ponder how we were able to survive.
Be brave and share an original verse to the world.
Written By Vincenzo
Aug. 9, 2019, 1:16 a.m.(8/13/1011 AR)
I wonder by what happy accident did gods create hidden treasures such as rainbows behind waterfalls, or vitreous worlds that dizzyingly whorl on the surface of a bubble? Little things hidden away, so beautiful, that generally are missed.
I wonder what else I've missed.
I wonder what else I've missed.
Written By Vincenzo
Aug. 5, 2019, 4:28 p.m.(8/6/1011 AR)
I had a dream the other night.
I walked into a soldier’s camp somewhere I’ve never been before, I couldn’t recognize the location and it seemed dark all around me. The sentries had fallen asleep, the fat soldiers in drunken stupor as they laid about, as I walked right through the camp until I reached the center where the fire was extinguished, ignored. The racks of trophies were empty, a few weapons rusted on the racks. I noticed that all the plants had perished to ash, there was no water. I saw strange flakes what appeared to be ash floating around the air I breathed and I coughed, stumbling back, reaching to put my hand on the shoulder of one sleeping sentry but as I touched them, they crumbled to ash and dust too. More of that ashy flake floated in the air, and I struggled to breath.
Then I saw her.
A knight in the most beautiful of armor with a sword of burning golden light stood at the ordinary extinguished camp fire. Behind her were lions that seemed to be golden, with great wings of light, pulling a great golden chariot of fire. She looked at me and I felt a heavy heat as light shined impossibly bright, blinding I had to squint and I heard a voice that called saying something about the ends never justify the means, that honor was armor that can withstand the harshest of challenges but can be destroyed by the simplest of selfish acts to bring dishonor. That stories of bravery, courage, chivalry and honor inspire each of us, even the smallest, to strive to be better and stronger in our little moments of struggle and temptation. That we should remember those stories and strive to emulate them. If only I had my journal there in my dream to write what she said.
I opened my eyes, and the world seemed normal. The camp fire was blazing brightly and hot, the trophies of war shined brilliantly, the weapons of heroes lined up in honor and thanks to Gloria as they overcame their ordeals.
When I woke, I had a burst of inspiration as I saw the golden sun shine bright through the window of my chambers. To have artists throughout the capital create masterpieces. Of armaments, weapons, paintings, tapestries and more. Trophies that have tales which inspire. To praise and give thanks to Gloria, not for allowing them to win, but strengthening their resolve in trying times and to be lions of the Faith that never retreat. To have a shrine cleansed, rebuilt and rededicated to her.
Tales and stories of honorable combat, of warriors that stared unflinchingly into overwhelming odds and didn’t skirt their duty. Of chivalric codes that emphasize generosity in victory, piety, braver and martial skills. To have the strength to wield arms against foes in a violent time, but the internal fortitude to withhold from cruelty. To maintain the Faith and serve with valor and faithfulness. To protect those who cannot protect themselves. To give willingly what they have to those less fortunate. To refrain from causing unneeded harm. To fight for the good and welfare of all. To fight fair rather than allowing the ends to justify the means. To never refuse a challenge, nor turn their back to a foe.
Dreams can be funny things, dangerous even, when they desire you to act instead of sitting back.
I walked into a soldier’s camp somewhere I’ve never been before, I couldn’t recognize the location and it seemed dark all around me. The sentries had fallen asleep, the fat soldiers in drunken stupor as they laid about, as I walked right through the camp until I reached the center where the fire was extinguished, ignored. The racks of trophies were empty, a few weapons rusted on the racks. I noticed that all the plants had perished to ash, there was no water. I saw strange flakes what appeared to be ash floating around the air I breathed and I coughed, stumbling back, reaching to put my hand on the shoulder of one sleeping sentry but as I touched them, they crumbled to ash and dust too. More of that ashy flake floated in the air, and I struggled to breath.
Then I saw her.
A knight in the most beautiful of armor with a sword of burning golden light stood at the ordinary extinguished camp fire. Behind her were lions that seemed to be golden, with great wings of light, pulling a great golden chariot of fire. She looked at me and I felt a heavy heat as light shined impossibly bright, blinding I had to squint and I heard a voice that called saying something about the ends never justify the means, that honor was armor that can withstand the harshest of challenges but can be destroyed by the simplest of selfish acts to bring dishonor. That stories of bravery, courage, chivalry and honor inspire each of us, even the smallest, to strive to be better and stronger in our little moments of struggle and temptation. That we should remember those stories and strive to emulate them. If only I had my journal there in my dream to write what she said.
I opened my eyes, and the world seemed normal. The camp fire was blazing brightly and hot, the trophies of war shined brilliantly, the weapons of heroes lined up in honor and thanks to Gloria as they overcame their ordeals.
When I woke, I had a burst of inspiration as I saw the golden sun shine bright through the window of my chambers. To have artists throughout the capital create masterpieces. Of armaments, weapons, paintings, tapestries and more. Trophies that have tales which inspire. To praise and give thanks to Gloria, not for allowing them to win, but strengthening their resolve in trying times and to be lions of the Faith that never retreat. To have a shrine cleansed, rebuilt and rededicated to her.
Tales and stories of honorable combat, of warriors that stared unflinchingly into overwhelming odds and didn’t skirt their duty. Of chivalric codes that emphasize generosity in victory, piety, braver and martial skills. To have the strength to wield arms against foes in a violent time, but the internal fortitude to withhold from cruelty. To maintain the Faith and serve with valor and faithfulness. To protect those who cannot protect themselves. To give willingly what they have to those less fortunate. To refrain from causing unneeded harm. To fight for the good and welfare of all. To fight fair rather than allowing the ends to justify the means. To never refuse a challenge, nor turn their back to a foe.
Dreams can be funny things, dangerous even, when they desire you to act instead of sitting back.
Written By Vincenzo
Aug. 1, 2019, 3:47 p.m.(7/26/1011 AR)
I was thinking about a recent case between lord Alban Farshaw and a goodman Ras, and boy, is there a lesson.
Never lose your cool and lash out in blind rage. It only makes you look like a bull in a pottery shop, leaving a mess for people having to clean up after you're done. Even after the mess is cleaned, your bullshit will still leave a stench in the shop and nobody likes bullshit.
Commoner, if you have a grievance with a noble? Do the following: Use the chain of authority by seeking redress from the lowest noble in the chain of authority of the fealty you're a part of, or the impartial Magistrate's Court against that noble in a civil claim if you personally have the resources. If you threaten the nobility with violence, it'll cause more problems not just for you but for many others as the nobility, rightly so, will not tolerate insults or threats against their institution. You aren't just fighting one person, a noble represents potentially tens to thousands of commoners just like you who toil, work hard and live a life of general happiness due to the noble being there. When you threaten the noble, you're threatening all of them.
Noble, if you have a grievance with a commoner? Do the following: Speak with the lowest noble on the run of their fealty's chain of authority and seek redress, or use the impartial Magistrate's Court. Punching down makes you look inept, weak and not able to handle your shit which makes me start to think that the blood might be diluted. The commoner exists and toils not so the nobility can live lives of luxury, but so by giving up some freedoms they are able to live a life of safety and pursue happiness. By threatening a commoner's life, you threaten their noble house and the tens to thousands of commoners that house represents. You create a potential snowball to start rolling down.
I sincerely believe that a noble and commoner dueling or seeking trial by combat for a slight grievance is an insult to the institution of Gloria. Never use her for stupid things, you water down the meaning of seeking absolute pure truth. A court should never allow such an escalation except under the most grievous of circumstances, invoking Gloria to stand with the Sentinel to see that the righteousness are shown and injustice prevented is a holy and sacred thing.
As for the Champion's Guild denying a commoner a champion, I think that's fair. It's an organization built to cater the nobility so they can air their grievances, even if very petty or stupid sounding such as things about tea, so that blood isn't truly shed and civility is maintained. Perhaps there's an opportunity for a guild to be formed of champions that fight for the common person, understanding that money would be low, but being showered in the respect earned each time they win and show the cause of the righteous could be a greater reward.
Still, praise doesn't feed an empty stomach. Maybe the Crown could set up a fund to establish this guild.
Never lose your cool and lash out in blind rage. It only makes you look like a bull in a pottery shop, leaving a mess for people having to clean up after you're done. Even after the mess is cleaned, your bullshit will still leave a stench in the shop and nobody likes bullshit.
Commoner, if you have a grievance with a noble? Do the following: Use the chain of authority by seeking redress from the lowest noble in the chain of authority of the fealty you're a part of, or the impartial Magistrate's Court against that noble in a civil claim if you personally have the resources. If you threaten the nobility with violence, it'll cause more problems not just for you but for many others as the nobility, rightly so, will not tolerate insults or threats against their institution. You aren't just fighting one person, a noble represents potentially tens to thousands of commoners just like you who toil, work hard and live a life of general happiness due to the noble being there. When you threaten the noble, you're threatening all of them.
Noble, if you have a grievance with a commoner? Do the following: Speak with the lowest noble on the run of their fealty's chain of authority and seek redress, or use the impartial Magistrate's Court. Punching down makes you look inept, weak and not able to handle your shit which makes me start to think that the blood might be diluted. The commoner exists and toils not so the nobility can live lives of luxury, but so by giving up some freedoms they are able to live a life of safety and pursue happiness. By threatening a commoner's life, you threaten their noble house and the tens to thousands of commoners that house represents. You create a potential snowball to start rolling down.
I sincerely believe that a noble and commoner dueling or seeking trial by combat for a slight grievance is an insult to the institution of Gloria. Never use her for stupid things, you water down the meaning of seeking absolute pure truth. A court should never allow such an escalation except under the most grievous of circumstances, invoking Gloria to stand with the Sentinel to see that the righteousness are shown and injustice prevented is a holy and sacred thing.
As for the Champion's Guild denying a commoner a champion, I think that's fair. It's an organization built to cater the nobility so they can air their grievances, even if very petty or stupid sounding such as things about tea, so that blood isn't truly shed and civility is maintained. Perhaps there's an opportunity for a guild to be formed of champions that fight for the common person, understanding that money would be low, but being showered in the respect earned each time they win and show the cause of the righteous could be a greater reward.
Still, praise doesn't feed an empty stomach. Maybe the Crown could set up a fund to establish this guild.
Written By Vincenzo
Aug. 1, 2019, 2:26 a.m.(7/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
Knock and the door just might open. Seek, and you might find what you're looking for. Ask, and you may find your answer given.
The Salon is hosting another discussion, this time the topic will be "Redemption".
Count yourself invited. Come prepared!
The Salon is hosting another discussion, this time the topic will be "Redemption".
Count yourself invited. Come prepared!
Written By Vincenzo
July 26, 2019, 9:34 p.m.(7/15/1011 AR)
Beyond dreams does the crafter take,
formless, ideas that tug on her mind.
With toil, sweat and many failures.
Success comes with worship intwined.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
The heat of the forge blazes
while acrid smoke stings harshly the eye.
But the slam of her hammer to anvil,
Creates the beat to the song of the divine.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
Huddled over with candles alit,
her eye spies the minute imperfect.
Polished gem set on sparkling metals and linked chain,
To the song of the divine may we connect.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
With fabrics from near and away,
gold stitch and silk threads on display.
Our masterpieces of work is our worship,
greatness of inspiration from Jayus we convey.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
Patronsday! And I finally did it! The outfit is complete and as I presented it to her highness, my muse, for Patronsday, it created a near legendary draw of breath from those who saw it. Two long months gathering Cardian steelsilk, gold, luxury brocade, stygian, star iron and epiphanite. You'll have to see the Grayson princess wearing it. That epiphanite, I stared many an hour at night at it, watching the swirling mists inside and dreaming of daring dreams. Of course, I didn't charge a single silver, how could I as a disciple of Jayus and master artist? But what a prayer to Jayus it is, hopefully to inspire others and have them seek joy in the many trials and failures of being a crafter.
And that truly is the truth. As a master of tailoring, I've failed far more times than any of my apprentices have. While it's frustrating, often I find it gives me a chance to keep myself humble (but gods is it hard, if I'm honest) and take in a moment to think about what these hands are creating from dreams.
To all crafters, be they apprentice, journeyman, master or hobbyist, may this Patronsday be full of ideas that come to you. May you realize you can be so much better than you are today if you keep devoting yourself to the Art or Craft. May you bring delight and happiness in others, and dare to take chances.
And to those nobles who have never had the opportunity yet to dabble in a hobby craft? By all means, seek a crafter out on Patronsday and in worship to Jayus, pay them a large gift to teach you some of the basics. Once you start learning, you'll appreciate even more their hard work and dedication to providing you the very best.
formless, ideas that tug on her mind.
With toil, sweat and many failures.
Success comes with worship intwined.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
The heat of the forge blazes
while acrid smoke stings harshly the eye.
But the slam of her hammer to anvil,
Creates the beat to the song of the divine.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
Huddled over with candles alit,
her eye spies the minute imperfect.
Polished gem set on sparkling metals and linked chain,
To the song of the divine may we connect.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
With fabrics from near and away,
gold stitch and silk threads on display.
Our masterpieces of work is our worship,
greatness of inspiration from Jayus we convey.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
Patronsday! And I finally did it! The outfit is complete and as I presented it to her highness, my muse, for Patronsday, it created a near legendary draw of breath from those who saw it. Two long months gathering Cardian steelsilk, gold, luxury brocade, stygian, star iron and epiphanite. You'll have to see the Grayson princess wearing it. That epiphanite, I stared many an hour at night at it, watching the swirling mists inside and dreaming of daring dreams. Of course, I didn't charge a single silver, how could I as a disciple of Jayus and master artist? But what a prayer to Jayus it is, hopefully to inspire others and have them seek joy in the many trials and failures of being a crafter.
And that truly is the truth. As a master of tailoring, I've failed far more times than any of my apprentices have. While it's frustrating, often I find it gives me a chance to keep myself humble (but gods is it hard, if I'm honest) and take in a moment to think about what these hands are creating from dreams.
To all crafters, be they apprentice, journeyman, master or hobbyist, may this Patronsday be full of ideas that come to you. May you realize you can be so much better than you are today if you keep devoting yourself to the Art or Craft. May you bring delight and happiness in others, and dare to take chances.
And to those nobles who have never had the opportunity yet to dabble in a hobby craft? By all means, seek a crafter out on Patronsday and in worship to Jayus, pay them a large gift to teach you some of the basics. Once you start learning, you'll appreciate even more their hard work and dedication to providing you the very best.
Written By Vincenzo
July 19, 2019, 9:29 p.m.(7/1/1011 AR)
The mountains stretch to highest heights,
Upon diamond crown they touch the sky.
Their bones go deep, into the soil.
Glittering blood of rubies, gold taken with toil.
The wind lifts up, and to this my heart hears.
Of wolves and wind howling, some far and some near.
My friend! You once said that you'd teach me. I've open ears if you've lips that would open too. A box to put it in, to keep it safe so they wouldn't come to harm while her wicked allies watch and observe in silence, hunters waiting for the moment to spring the trap.
But the Sentinel sees all, and justice we seek. To right a wrong, a terrible wrong.
Upon diamond crown they touch the sky.
Their bones go deep, into the soil.
Glittering blood of rubies, gold taken with toil.
The wind lifts up, and to this my heart hears.
Of wolves and wind howling, some far and some near.
My friend! You once said that you'd teach me. I've open ears if you've lips that would open too. A box to put it in, to keep it safe so they wouldn't come to harm while her wicked allies watch and observe in silence, hunters waiting for the moment to spring the trap.
But the Sentinel sees all, and justice we seek. To right a wrong, a terrible wrong.
Written By Vincenzo
July 18, 2019, 7:41 p.m.(6/26/1011 AR)
Fear can be good, it can be bad.
Jayus brings inspiration for us to act, never hinder or hold back. To grow, not to be complacent. That's the difference between intimidation and inspiration. Of nightmares and dreams.
Jayus brings inspiration for us to act, never hinder or hold back. To grow, not to be complacent. That's the difference between intimidation and inspiration. Of nightmares and dreams.
Written By Vincenzo
July 15, 2019, 8:31 p.m.(6/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
As a member of the Faith, a master crafter and member of the Crafters Guild, I show my support with the Faith's embargo against Eurus and will no longer be creating pieces of art with any material that is imported from there such as Pyran fireweave. The Pins and Needles at Arx and my shops elsewhere will no longer offer any designs with these embargoed materials. Those asking will be politely turned away towards other materials that aren't affront to the Faith. Any and all Pyran fireweave that I might have had is destroyed so no one can profit from it, and I'll take the financial hit.
It's painful to me as an artist to hinder my creativity, but sometimes sacrifices are needed to show solidarity.
In the future, embargoes might be even better if the Crafters Guild and our Guildmaster are engaged so we can work out logistics. We're honorable folk, many are disciples devoted to the Faith and pursuit of bettering our Art. We work together to make the world more beautiful and better.
It's painful to me as an artist to hinder my creativity, but sometimes sacrifices are needed to show solidarity.
In the future, embargoes might be even better if the Crafters Guild and our Guildmaster are engaged so we can work out logistics. We're honorable folk, many are disciples devoted to the Faith and pursuit of bettering our Art. We work together to make the world more beautiful and better.
Written By Vincenzo
July 10, 2019, 10:25 p.m.(6/10/1011 AR)
Words said can sometimes easily be mended. But putting foolish words in whites? You'll be remembered a fool by everyone forever.
Written By Vincenzo
July 10, 2019, 4:29 p.m.(6/10/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
A dress is temporary, like flowers in spring crowning green hills.
It will fray, just like the flowers wither in summer sun and perish.
But like the fragrance of a spring evening can bring memories,
I think having new dresses should always be a thing.
Live in and for the moment.
It will fray, just like the flowers wither in summer sun and perish.
But like the fragrance of a spring evening can bring memories,
I think having new dresses should always be a thing.
Live in and for the moment.
Written By Vincenzo
July 8, 2019, 8:27 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
Being mentioned or written about in someone's Whites (or I suppose Blacks) is an honor, for they're taking the time out of their limited hours to think about you and in their writing, keeps you from being lost in time. That we can have differing opinions until a court, higher lord or king rules, is a wonderful freedom stemmed from creativity.
Even if I initially disagree, I can't help but find myself taking in some of their ideas.
I'm looking forward to chatting with quite a few people about foreign persons wandering wherever they'd like and further influencing citizens with their foreign thoughts, and why embassies are needed.
Even if I initially disagree, I can't help but find myself taking in some of their ideas.
I'm looking forward to chatting with quite a few people about foreign persons wandering wherever they'd like and further influencing citizens with their foreign thoughts, and why embassies are needed.
Written By Vincenzo
July 7, 2019, 7:54 p.m.(6/4/1011 AR)
Another week passes and still those ships are in the harbor while representatives walk freely in the city to gather intelligence and convert others to be less than loyal to the Compact. Either the Compact is strong enough to defend its people and borders, or just these few foreigners are stronger than all the people the king and high lords represent. That can’t be the case. But nations that respect each other should have formal and established relationships instead of representatives slinking around and given opportunities to keep pushing their propaganda.
Embassies for foreign powers and show respect to our king! Guest rite means you’re a guest, trespassers aren't the same as guests.
I really doubt any of the Cardians, Undying Empire or whatever other groups that are walking around here would read this, but if you hold yourselves as representatives instead of spies, then formalize with a permanent place. Build an embassy, establish relationships even if we aren’t allies, or leave.
Embassies for foreign powers and show respect to our king! Guest rite means you’re a guest, trespassers aren't the same as guests.
I really doubt any of the Cardians, Undying Empire or whatever other groups that are walking around here would read this, but if you hold yourselves as representatives instead of spies, then formalize with a permanent place. Build an embassy, establish relationships even if we aren’t allies, or leave.
Written By Vincenzo
July 5, 2019, 2:57 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
Talk in the taverns is about another house gone while those skeletons in the closet are rattling their bones. That's I think three houses wiped out. Are noble houses growing like apples on the white dragon tree? They sure seem to be dropping off like apples, and that has me worried. How can I show art, establish trade routes and increase my business if houses aren't going to be around?
"Oh but you don't need nobles, Vincenzo!" I hear from beyond the journal which makes me want to shout "Yes I do! Yes we do!" except you can't shout in a journal, although maybe a reader hears a shout in their mind reading about shouting. I bet scholars get a kick at things like that.
The relationship between noble and commoner allows nobility to lead and make tough decisions, one person representing thousands, and on their shoulders a very heavy yoke of responsibility. I say yoke instead of crown, because the noble is in front of the wagon pulling and leading via their strength and focused determination so that the cart reaches the destination and prosperity is distributed. That cart isn't going to be moving anywhere when the ox aren't yoked, so the goods will spoil and the driver will eventually starve.
The vast majority of people in the Compact are those who tend fields and do the myriad of hard labor tasks which need to be done so the whole fealty can work. It isn't glamorous, it isn't easy but it's honorable work which supports their noble house that they're attached to. While some might feel helpless, a commoner has the highest opportunity and chance to change their lot through their efforts.
Maybe the Templars will be marching on a crusade? An increase in recruitment for them? Or more recruitment for the knights of Solace to protect the Great Road? I sure would be happier with more of those knights. The west is a beautiful stretch of country with all sorts of lovely villages and towns pocketed through forest, hills and valleys. Hard working and devout people. People who are getting massacred while Abandoned are able to just walk into the open gates of cities while spies of the enemy move unhindered. Goodness, there's foreign representatives given opportunities to push their propaganda to people who aren't even sure what they believe right here in the capital, and I don't recall ever hearing about invitations for the Compact to be doing the same in those strange lands. Can't we send them back home as our good king already said no thank you? Maybe that's too strong.
Why don't we have two embassies built then, one for the Cardians, one for the Undying Empire. Right next to the Nox'alfar one. Maybe then something better can come out of having them stick around. Build an embassy, and allow the Compact to have one in their capitals.
I worry and wonder which house will fall next, and what we can do to prevent it. I know it bothers me seeing noble houses fall. It should bother everyone.
"Oh but you don't need nobles, Vincenzo!" I hear from beyond the journal which makes me want to shout "Yes I do! Yes we do!" except you can't shout in a journal, although maybe a reader hears a shout in their mind reading about shouting. I bet scholars get a kick at things like that.
The relationship between noble and commoner allows nobility to lead and make tough decisions, one person representing thousands, and on their shoulders a very heavy yoke of responsibility. I say yoke instead of crown, because the noble is in front of the wagon pulling and leading via their strength and focused determination so that the cart reaches the destination and prosperity is distributed. That cart isn't going to be moving anywhere when the ox aren't yoked, so the goods will spoil and the driver will eventually starve.
The vast majority of people in the Compact are those who tend fields and do the myriad of hard labor tasks which need to be done so the whole fealty can work. It isn't glamorous, it isn't easy but it's honorable work which supports their noble house that they're attached to. While some might feel helpless, a commoner has the highest opportunity and chance to change their lot through their efforts.
Maybe the Templars will be marching on a crusade? An increase in recruitment for them? Or more recruitment for the knights of Solace to protect the Great Road? I sure would be happier with more of those knights. The west is a beautiful stretch of country with all sorts of lovely villages and towns pocketed through forest, hills and valleys. Hard working and devout people. People who are getting massacred while Abandoned are able to just walk into the open gates of cities while spies of the enemy move unhindered. Goodness, there's foreign representatives given opportunities to push their propaganda to people who aren't even sure what they believe right here in the capital, and I don't recall ever hearing about invitations for the Compact to be doing the same in those strange lands. Can't we send them back home as our good king already said no thank you? Maybe that's too strong.
Why don't we have two embassies built then, one for the Cardians, one for the Undying Empire. Right next to the Nox'alfar one. Maybe then something better can come out of having them stick around. Build an embassy, and allow the Compact to have one in their capitals.
I worry and wonder which house will fall next, and what we can do to prevent it. I know it bothers me seeing noble houses fall. It should bother everyone.
Written By Vincenzo
July 2, 2019, 11:49 p.m.(5/22/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
It was a beautiful spring morning today, I woke early for a meeting with importers at the botanical gardens. Seeing the sunrise touch pearls of dew, turning gemmed petals with a golden hue and breathing in the light perfume was simply perfect, plus the deal sealed was absolutely excellent for all parties. And so it came that I heard the passing of a man I once had the privilege of calling uncle.
That old fox played the game very well, making allies and gaining powerful enemies as each seemed to be fluid depending on the moment. Death comes for all, we just choose whether we'll meet her with honor or not.
I'll remember something you taught though. Failure is required in order to grow, and without it, I'd stagnate and grow complacent. You said don't be ruled by failure or pain, learn to accept it and learn from it so I might grow. And above all, find out the truth from that experience and bring it to the light.
I've failed those whom I loved the most in this world, and I failed specifically one treasured above all. I will use the memory of the man who was once my uncle and set out to do something different, a new adventure. To take a new risk and grow.
Vapid enemy hiding in plain sight, always so hungry to devour while you search what you can't have. You and your friends have grown complacent because you don't embrace that failure can make you better.
I'm coming.
That old fox played the game very well, making allies and gaining powerful enemies as each seemed to be fluid depending on the moment. Death comes for all, we just choose whether we'll meet her with honor or not.
I'll remember something you taught though. Failure is required in order to grow, and without it, I'd stagnate and grow complacent. You said don't be ruled by failure or pain, learn to accept it and learn from it so I might grow. And above all, find out the truth from that experience and bring it to the light.
I've failed those whom I loved the most in this world, and I failed specifically one treasured above all. I will use the memory of the man who was once my uncle and set out to do something different, a new adventure. To take a new risk and grow.
Vapid enemy hiding in plain sight, always so hungry to devour while you search what you can't have. You and your friends have grown complacent because you don't embrace that failure can make you better.
I'm coming.
Written By Vincenzo
July 1, 2019, 2:17 p.m.(5/20/1011 AR)
Apprenticeships work as the institution creates a foundation on which basics, intermediate and possibly advanced knowledge of the craft are learned at appropriate time in an artist's journey. Why would you want to chase after intermediate or advanced things on an unrelated skill when you haven't yet mastered your initial craft? Maybe they're chasing after rainbows, or see the grass is greener on the other side. I'd smack my apprentice if they tried to use some new carpentry idea on a gown, bill them for the wasted material and boot them soundly out the door. I'd knock them on the head if they were talking about masonry tactics while I'm designing an outfit and say very loudly "Focus on the art first and then you can learn about other things after you master it!".
I wonder about all these foreigners coming in and giving some type of life lesson propaganda, and worry why such people are allowed a place to distribute their foreign thoughts and ways; I haven't heard yet of someone from the Compact going to their capital cities and given the same leniency and opportunity.
If so, I'd like to see Grandmaster Preston go. I'll admit to wanting to tag along, honestly only to acquire materials. And while I'm being honest, I'll bring the beauty of Arvum to those dark foreign and strange places to illuminate their minds with the inspiration from Jayus.
I wonder about all these foreigners coming in and giving some type of life lesson propaganda, and worry why such people are allowed a place to distribute their foreign thoughts and ways; I haven't heard yet of someone from the Compact going to their capital cities and given the same leniency and opportunity.
If so, I'd like to see Grandmaster Preston go. I'll admit to wanting to tag along, honestly only to acquire materials. And while I'm being honest, I'll bring the beauty of Arvum to those dark foreign and strange places to illuminate their minds with the inspiration from Jayus.
Written By Vincenzo
June 28, 2019, 2:05 p.m.(5/14/1011 AR)
The Brave Bards met on a spring evening, that black axe where we sat and sang so comfortably before our procession went and to the spring moon we sang and danced in the grotto while libations and music filled soul and night. Gems and strife, of pretty things and pretty prices. Of blood and bone, claw and tooth, of rock and soil and, well, you get the idea. Raucous cacophony as silver moonlight splashed across the world, mixed with the gold of our fire.
I woke in a dream, but awake did I slumber.
That treasure they took, unseen did they plunder.
Bright sun was gone, the stars were pitch.
Black treasure shined, worn by the witch.
A clan held tight, to shadows they speak.
In forest, to flowers, pretty things now they seek.
Awake in a dream, but lost in this life.
A choice that was made, lost love and gained strife.
I woke in a dream, but awake did I slumber.
That treasure they took, unseen did they plunder.
Bright sun was gone, the stars were pitch.
Black treasure shined, worn by the witch.
A clan held tight, to shadows they speak.
In forest, to flowers, pretty things now they seek.
Awake in a dream, but lost in this life.
A choice that was made, lost love and gained strife.
Written By Vincenzo
June 27, 2019, 12:37 a.m.(5/10/1011 AR)
An unnerving magpie with greedy eyes sitting in my shop, always watching. So hungry for something shiny, while it doesn't recognize its own iridescent plumage. I suppose if I see thirteen of them holding counsel at the window, tapping their judgments and sounding their proclamations with clamor, I'll have enough to make a beautiful hat.
I'd say I'll miss her, but her work inspires so many like how the sunset reflects off the still pond; two skies painted beautifully for the price of one. Journey well and may dreams challenge you to go beyond.
I'd say I'll miss her, but her work inspires so many like how the sunset reflects off the still pond; two skies painted beautifully for the price of one. Journey well and may dreams challenge you to go beyond.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.