Written By Cassius
Jan. 19, 2017, 7:21 p.m.(9/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Tristram
Man is nothing if not energized. I'm pleased to have someone like him driving things forward.
Written By Cassius
Jan. 15, 2017, 10:27 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
I've been failing at writing my journals this past few weeks. I've been focused on my duty, and somehow failed to remember this is one of them.
If any wish to seek me, know I have not become a recluse. Merely, I have been travelling all over Arx, and all over Avrum. Most recently, I return from near Greenmarch, back to Arx. Now I stare down a stack of correspondences.
Praise be to Vellichor, and may he grant me a fast hand.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
If any wish to seek me, know I have not become a recluse. Merely, I have been travelling all over Arx, and all over Avrum. Most recently, I return from near Greenmarch, back to Arx. Now I stare down a stack of correspondences.
Praise be to Vellichor, and may he grant me a fast hand.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Jan. 14, 2017, 9:45 p.m.(9/1/1005 AR)
I hear the elves have arrived.
I will not go see them. I will hope that the rest of you all take good notes.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
I will not go see them. I will hope that the rest of you all take good notes.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Jan. 8, 2017, 1:56 a.m.(8/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Tristram
To the Scholars of Vellichor and the people of Arx:
I originally penned this letter to Prince Tristram Valardin and have made a copy for the archives. The subject matter is faith, miracles, and hope.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
**********************************************************************
Prince Tristram,
When you shared your story at the Assembly - which you had waited so patiently to do - it struck me as strange. You see, the Gods that I have learned of are not known for their direct actions in this world. They are not known for handing out miracles, not in any but the most subtle ways. When you shared that you had experienced what can only be described as a miracle, I was highly skeptical. There is so much false in this world. So many illusions we're meant to see as truth.
I spoke to Father Orazio, the Legate, as well as Archscholar Aldwin, then and there, as I considered your tale. I said to the Father, "But Father, the Gods do not act directly upon this world. How can this story be true?"
He said to me, "The Gods have always acted directly in this world. There have always been miracles."
I said to he, "Certainly, I believe in miracles. But they are small and this is so direct. Would not an action so direct made by the Gods cause their dark reflections to stir? To bring more evil into this world?"
That is when Father Orazio looked to me. He said to me, "Perhaps it is the other way around, Lord Cassius. The enemy has been more than stirring, its actions more than small. Perhaps the Gods feel to balance this darkness with their own light."
It was then and there that I felt so clearly the presence of the Gods amongst us. I knew, without a doubt, that the Father was right. That your story was true. That the Gods can and will take action, now at the time when we need it most. I believe you when you suggest there is another way to stop the Silence and the elves, and to keep Avrum safe.
I started to pen this letter the morning after Assembly. However much I wished to see it completed, duty called me away, and it is only now that I have a chance to finish it. Between then and now, much has happened, no more so than me experiencing a miracle myself. As you shared your tale, so I will share mine, in hopes my words might bolster you and all who read them the way yours have bolstered me.
I was called to assist with a matter, a matter that took me into the Lower Boroughs to chase down what we feared was a demon. Upon finding the demon, a creature that came from beyond the mirror, I recalled a prayer that I had learned as a child. As I held a flask of water blessed by Mangata, I spoke these words:
"We call upon Petrichor, we call upon the wind. Let it blow at our backs, let it push us forward. Let it ripple the pond and upset our dark reflections, so we can live today with only the light."
I cannot tell you why these words came back to me. They had seemed such a simple blessing. Yet, as I spoke them, with conviction in my heart, with courage in my soul, with dedication in my voice, I felt the Gods among us. It was more than something inside me. I felt as the wind stirred and burst through the opened windows of this derelict apartment. I could smell the forest - crisp and wet - despite being deep in the lower boroughs. This wind, this divine wind, blew in and swirled around this demon. It collected the droplets of the holy water I had flung and drove them into the demon's flesh. It howled as it blew past this demon's face, and like the wind can carry sand and carve out a canyon, so Petrichor's presence carved away the false flesh of the beast.
The demon fell. We saved two lives that day and none of my party was seriously injured.
Just as you witnessed a miracle, so have I. I have no doubt, not even the slightest, that the Gods will deliver, so long as we are faithful to them. So long as we believe. So long as we stand righteous.
The other day, as I stand watch at the House of Solace, a Seraph came to me. She asked what had happened, why the Iron Guard was off the streets, why the citizenry seemed so riled up. Buried in her work, she hadn't heard the news of the Assembly and the proclamations made. I shared with her the news, and she looked to me, and she asked, "In the face of such darkness, what is a Seraph to do? How is she to serve the people?" I told her your story. I told her what Father Orazio had shared with me. Just as it had for me, hope shone in her eyes.
I hope now that by adding my tale onto yours we can spread that light through all of Avrum, for if you have felt it, and I have felt it, I am sure there are many more that have as well.
Thank you, Prince Tristram.
Very respectfully,
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
I originally penned this letter to Prince Tristram Valardin and have made a copy for the archives. The subject matter is faith, miracles, and hope.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
**********************************************************************
Prince Tristram,
When you shared your story at the Assembly - which you had waited so patiently to do - it struck me as strange. You see, the Gods that I have learned of are not known for their direct actions in this world. They are not known for handing out miracles, not in any but the most subtle ways. When you shared that you had experienced what can only be described as a miracle, I was highly skeptical. There is so much false in this world. So many illusions we're meant to see as truth.
I spoke to Father Orazio, the Legate, as well as Archscholar Aldwin, then and there, as I considered your tale. I said to the Father, "But Father, the Gods do not act directly upon this world. How can this story be true?"
He said to me, "The Gods have always acted directly in this world. There have always been miracles."
I said to he, "Certainly, I believe in miracles. But they are small and this is so direct. Would not an action so direct made by the Gods cause their dark reflections to stir? To bring more evil into this world?"
That is when Father Orazio looked to me. He said to me, "Perhaps it is the other way around, Lord Cassius. The enemy has been more than stirring, its actions more than small. Perhaps the Gods feel to balance this darkness with their own light."
It was then and there that I felt so clearly the presence of the Gods amongst us. I knew, without a doubt, that the Father was right. That your story was true. That the Gods can and will take action, now at the time when we need it most. I believe you when you suggest there is another way to stop the Silence and the elves, and to keep Avrum safe.
I started to pen this letter the morning after Assembly. However much I wished to see it completed, duty called me away, and it is only now that I have a chance to finish it. Between then and now, much has happened, no more so than me experiencing a miracle myself. As you shared your tale, so I will share mine, in hopes my words might bolster you and all who read them the way yours have bolstered me.
I was called to assist with a matter, a matter that took me into the Lower Boroughs to chase down what we feared was a demon. Upon finding the demon, a creature that came from beyond the mirror, I recalled a prayer that I had learned as a child. As I held a flask of water blessed by Mangata, I spoke these words:
"We call upon Petrichor, we call upon the wind. Let it blow at our backs, let it push us forward. Let it ripple the pond and upset our dark reflections, so we can live today with only the light."
I cannot tell you why these words came back to me. They had seemed such a simple blessing. Yet, as I spoke them, with conviction in my heart, with courage in my soul, with dedication in my voice, I felt the Gods among us. It was more than something inside me. I felt as the wind stirred and burst through the opened windows of this derelict apartment. I could smell the forest - crisp and wet - despite being deep in the lower boroughs. This wind, this divine wind, blew in and swirled around this demon. It collected the droplets of the holy water I had flung and drove them into the demon's flesh. It howled as it blew past this demon's face, and like the wind can carry sand and carve out a canyon, so Petrichor's presence carved away the false flesh of the beast.
The demon fell. We saved two lives that day and none of my party was seriously injured.
Just as you witnessed a miracle, so have I. I have no doubt, not even the slightest, that the Gods will deliver, so long as we are faithful to them. So long as we believe. So long as we stand righteous.
The other day, as I stand watch at the House of Solace, a Seraph came to me. She asked what had happened, why the Iron Guard was off the streets, why the citizenry seemed so riled up. Buried in her work, she hadn't heard the news of the Assembly and the proclamations made. I shared with her the news, and she looked to me, and she asked, "In the face of such darkness, what is a Seraph to do? How is she to serve the people?" I told her your story. I told her what Father Orazio had shared with me. Just as it had for me, hope shone in her eyes.
I hope now that by adding my tale onto yours we can spread that light through all of Avrum, for if you have felt it, and I have felt it, I am sure there are many more that have as well.
Thank you, Prince Tristram.
Very respectfully,
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Jan. 6, 2017, 7:20 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Does no one in this city have enough work to keep them busy?
Come by the House of Solace. We've sheets that need changed and bandages that need washed.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Come by the House of Solace. We've sheets that need changed and bandages that need washed.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Jan. 4, 2017, 7:15 p.m.(7/27/1005 AR)
It seems all I can do lately is spread information and help the men and women who are actually doing something. I know those words might offend the scholars, but considering the Archscholar's journal on the Silver Guard, and considering the work I am trained to do, I am feeling particularly useless of late.
It would be more satisfying work to be on the roads again, but I know I am needed here in Arx. And so I stay, and so I do what I can.
Perhaps when Mydas returns he can share his tales of travel and I can live through his words.
It would be more satisfying work to be on the roads again, but I know I am needed here in Arx. And so I stay, and so I do what I can.
Perhaps when Mydas returns he can share his tales of travel and I can live through his words.
Written By Cassius
Jan. 2, 2017, 10:59 a.m.(7/19/1005 AR)
In the last few days I have heard praise for the dark elves. Someone go as far as to say they love them. I have also heard advice that we forgive the Shavs and invite them into the compact.
What is happening? Who is spreading this madness?
Surely, forgiveness and healing have their place. Holding onto anger and grudges is toxic. But to forgive those that are not asking for it? To trust those that offer no reason to? To invite into our homes those who actively, in this present moment, kidnap us, murder us, sacrifice us, and laugh about it?
I pray to Vellichor that we might all remember what has happened to us. To The Sentinel, that we might understand the importance of justice. To Lagoma, that should our enemies ever truly wish to repent and attempt to earn our trust anew we may recognize it.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
What is happening? Who is spreading this madness?
Surely, forgiveness and healing have their place. Holding onto anger and grudges is toxic. But to forgive those that are not asking for it? To trust those that offer no reason to? To invite into our homes those who actively, in this present moment, kidnap us, murder us, sacrifice us, and laugh about it?
I pray to Vellichor that we might all remember what has happened to us. To The Sentinel, that we might understand the importance of justice. To Lagoma, that should our enemies ever truly wish to repent and attempt to earn our trust anew we may recognize it.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Jan. 2, 2017, 10:52 a.m.(7/19/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Valery
Gods be praised for this woman. Lagoma be praised! She is blessed with the power to ward off hangovers, and after a night of over indulgence, I find myself with a slight headache and nothing more.
Written By Cassius
Dec. 31, 2016, 11:34 p.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Castor
Lord Castor Redwind came to Arx to learn how to be a Baron.
It would seem to me he needs instead a lesson on being a man.
While his very presence, his demeanor, his persona, all of it makes me angry, I know that it is pious to do all that I might to see he learns, to see that he becomes a suitable heir. I will do all that I may to ensure the lessons I give are true and he learns all I can teach. I will then pray that the coming darkness does not make those lessons for naught.
It would seem to me he needs instead a lesson on being a man.
While his very presence, his demeanor, his persona, all of it makes me angry, I know that it is pious to do all that I might to see he learns, to see that he becomes a suitable heir. I will do all that I may to ensure the lessons I give are true and he learns all I can teach. I will then pray that the coming darkness does not make those lessons for naught.
Written By Cassius
Dec. 27, 2016, 9:58 a.m.(7/1/1005 AR)
Of all the horrors that lie ahead, of all the duties I now hold, I find myself blessed to take peaceful sleep at night.
I know not how long this reprieve shall last, but I endeavor to enjoy it while it does, and I pray the rest of Arx might find their own respite.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
I know not how long this reprieve shall last, but I endeavor to enjoy it while it does, and I pray the rest of Arx might find their own respite.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Dec. 26, 2016, 12:04 p.m.(6/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
Outside of my family, you are my oldest and best friend. That all the years have not changed this is without doubt one of the greatest blessings.
Written By Cassius
Dec. 26, 2016, 12:01 p.m.(6/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
Dear Lady Lianne,
I chose to take you to the wilds for myriad reasons, and many of them are not matters that ought be made public. One, however, I wish to write freely about: I had wanted to test your mettle.
After five nights of sleeping in the dirt, six days of hard riding, a dozen meals of trail rations and wild game, one horrifying finding, and exactly no luxuries afforded, I am pleased by the results of this test.
I would write 'thank you', but doing one's duty should be expected, not thanked.
To any that read this open letter: Lady Lianne Pravus is a scholar, a scientist, a noblewoman, and a fine trail companion. Any expedition out of or inside of Arx would benefit from her aid. And fear not, she: owns pants, is not adverse to dirt, will eat rabbit, and is armed.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
I chose to take you to the wilds for myriad reasons, and many of them are not matters that ought be made public. One, however, I wish to write freely about: I had wanted to test your mettle.
After five nights of sleeping in the dirt, six days of hard riding, a dozen meals of trail rations and wild game, one horrifying finding, and exactly no luxuries afforded, I am pleased by the results of this test.
I would write 'thank you', but doing one's duty should be expected, not thanked.
To any that read this open letter: Lady Lianne Pravus is a scholar, a scientist, a noblewoman, and a fine trail companion. Any expedition out of or inside of Arx would benefit from her aid. And fear not, she: owns pants, is not adverse to dirt, will eat rabbit, and is armed.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Dec. 26, 2016, 11:41 a.m.(6/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sigurd
It is hard to put to words how much I appreciate having a man at my side who I trust to explicitly, not only to keep me alive, but to take over any and all duties that I might otherwise perform, should I find myself unable to do so. I fear only that travelling with Sigurd more regularly could lead to me growing sloppy. There are worst things to fear.
Written By Cassius
Dec. 26, 2016, 11:38 a.m.(6/27/1005 AR)
To any and all that track such matters:
I took a small troop north - Princess Deva Redrain, Lord Sigurd Nightgold, Lady Lianne Pravus, and half a dozen of my family's finest mounted soldiers - to inspect a Shav village and an ancient shrine that resided beside it. The local legends say the shrine was created by the Sylv'Alfar so long ago.
We located the site of the shrine and the village, but found both entirely leveled. Not remains but overgrown rubble, save for a vile desecration left in the place the shrine had resided.
If any wish more details, or could provide insight, please do not hesitate to write me.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
I took a small troop north - Princess Deva Redrain, Lord Sigurd Nightgold, Lady Lianne Pravus, and half a dozen of my family's finest mounted soldiers - to inspect a Shav village and an ancient shrine that resided beside it. The local legends say the shrine was created by the Sylv'Alfar so long ago.
We located the site of the shrine and the village, but found both entirely leveled. Not remains but overgrown rubble, save for a vile desecration left in the place the shrine had resided.
If any wish more details, or could provide insight, please do not hesitate to write me.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Dec. 25, 2016, 10:40 p.m.(6/25/1005 AR)
I return from the North. I wish I could say all is well, but I cannot without lying. To all that might read this, and to the Gods themselves, I will make sure to share what we have discovered, as soon as I can process the all of it.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Cassius
Dec. 25, 2016, 2:14 a.m.(6/22/1005 AR)
I am leaving for the north, seeking answers. Should be back in a few days.
Gild watch over me.
Gild watch over me.
Written By Cassius
Dec. 23, 2016, 11:02 a.m.(6/18/1005 AR)
Is the Lyceum really in such a way that a man who says what he thinks and thinks what he says truly a rarity?
Perhaps we could ship some of these southern lords and ladies and princesses and princes up north for a spell. Summer is coming. They'd not freeze to death.
Perhaps we could ship some of these southern lords and ladies and princesses and princes up north for a spell. Summer is coming. They'd not freeze to death.
Written By Cassius
Dec. 22, 2016, 11:56 a.m.(6/15/1005 AR)
Always, but now more than ever, I seek Lagoma's strength, so I might endure change; Limerance's compassion, so I might forgive those who wrong me; Gloria's wisdom, so I might remain focused on my duty; Gild's guidance, so my path may be laid clear to me; and Vellichor's vigilance, so that I might never forget what I have asked my Gods for.
With these gifts I might survive Arx yet.
With these gifts I might survive Arx yet.
Written By Cassius
Dec. 21, 2016, 3:48 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
There is so much happening right now. So many questions. So many possible changes in my life. Everything that was when I reached Arx seems to have upended. I'm not sure I could recognize my life today were I the Cassius of months ago.
But through this all, I cling to one thought. One focus. One thing that remains static.
Where is Dustin?
But through this all, I cling to one thought. One focus. One thing that remains static.
Where is Dustin?
Written By Cassius
Dec. 19, 2016, 3:51 p.m.(6/6/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I don't care for parties.
But they are better when you have a friend to keep you company, and make sure you are not required to speak too often.
But they are better when you have a friend to keep you company, and make sure you are not required to speak too often.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.