Written By Corban
May 28, 2019, 5:29 p.m.(3/8/1011 AR)
I am flattered that so many found my work "On Chivalry" helpful enough to recommend to one newly dedicated to the path of knighthood.
For those interested, a copy is available at the Vellichorian Academy.
And for those who would like to discuss its teachings, I can usually make myself available for a meal or a tea.
For those interested, a copy is available at the Vellichorian Academy.
And for those who would like to discuss its teachings, I can usually make myself available for a meal or a tea.
Written By Corban
May 21, 2019, 4:03 p.m.(2/22/1011 AR)
Every man. Woman. And child in Highhill.
Dead.
As Duke Arn says, these were Wyrmguard vassals, which brought them under the umbrella of the Telmarch, my ancestral home.
I weep for them. I pray to the Queen for them. Not just the nobles: Their mission is to rule and to sacrifice for their people, though any lost life is a tragedy. But for the common woman and man, who seek to do their duty and keep their families. They have no responsibility for these struggles. And yet they are casualties.
Beloved Queen of Beginning and Endings, see to these souls, shepherd them as is Your will, and with dear Lagoma, help us heal the rend in our hearts created by their passing.
Dead.
As Duke Arn says, these were Wyrmguard vassals, which brought them under the umbrella of the Telmarch, my ancestral home.
I weep for them. I pray to the Queen for them. Not just the nobles: Their mission is to rule and to sacrifice for their people, though any lost life is a tragedy. But for the common woman and man, who seek to do their duty and keep their families. They have no responsibility for these struggles. And yet they are casualties.
Beloved Queen of Beginning and Endings, see to these souls, shepherd them as is Your will, and with dear Lagoma, help us heal the rend in our hearts created by their passing.
Written By Corban
May 18, 2019, 12:51 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
In light of the recent discussion on 'warriors,' I offer an excerpt from 'On Chivalry.'
* * *
At its core, chivalry is the purest answer to the question of “how do we persuade humans to fight when they, personally, are not in danger?” It is not a question that lends itself to an obvious answer. After all, humans’ natural condition is to flee danger when it presents itself, and to fight only as a last resort. And there are good and sufficient reasons for that reaction. We wish to live, to thrive, and to die only after a long and fruitful life. To rush into peril when we are not personally and immediately threatened is contrary to those goals.
Yet if we are all to survive, some must commit themselves to danger, to fend off the Darkness, to protect the Light. The question is thus posed: How do we persuade some of us to take up that role, knowing that it may lead to a short life and violent end? Knights rarely die in their beds, surrounded by their families.
A leader could offer coin and wealth to those who are willing to fight, trading material reward for mortal risk. Those who answer that call we know as “mercenaries.” Or a leader could appeal to his subjects’ ties to their land and neighbors, exhorting them to fight for their homes and people. (Or a leader could simply draft them into service and punish those who do not fight.) Those who answer or accede to that call we know as “guards” or “soldiers.”
Chivalry arose as a third answer to this existential question. Put simply, chivalry answers the question in this way: “We fight, even though we are not personally in danger, because it is the right thing to do.” And that is what I mean when I say that chivalry is a pure answer to the question. Chivalry does not rely on appeal to greed or loyalty or obedience. The knight would fight even if there was no reward, even if it was for a stranger, even if no leader ordered it. The knight fights and protects because it is what ought to be done for the good of all.
* * *
At its core, chivalry is the purest answer to the question of “how do we persuade humans to fight when they, personally, are not in danger?” It is not a question that lends itself to an obvious answer. After all, humans’ natural condition is to flee danger when it presents itself, and to fight only as a last resort. And there are good and sufficient reasons for that reaction. We wish to live, to thrive, and to die only after a long and fruitful life. To rush into peril when we are not personally and immediately threatened is contrary to those goals.
Yet if we are all to survive, some must commit themselves to danger, to fend off the Darkness, to protect the Light. The question is thus posed: How do we persuade some of us to take up that role, knowing that it may lead to a short life and violent end? Knights rarely die in their beds, surrounded by their families.
A leader could offer coin and wealth to those who are willing to fight, trading material reward for mortal risk. Those who answer that call we know as “mercenaries.” Or a leader could appeal to his subjects’ ties to their land and neighbors, exhorting them to fight for their homes and people. (Or a leader could simply draft them into service and punish those who do not fight.) Those who answer or accede to that call we know as “guards” or “soldiers.”
Chivalry arose as a third answer to this existential question. Put simply, chivalry answers the question in this way: “We fight, even though we are not personally in danger, because it is the right thing to do.” And that is what I mean when I say that chivalry is a pure answer to the question. Chivalry does not rely on appeal to greed or loyalty or obedience. The knight would fight even if there was no reward, even if it was for a stranger, even if no leader ordered it. The knight fights and protects because it is what ought to be done for the good of all.
Written By Corban
April 29, 2019, 3:47 p.m.(1/6/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
How glad I am to hear of Juniper's new venture. I was glad to make a small contribution to its beginnings.
There is no purpose greater than service to others.
Gild and Lagoma bless her in her work.
There is no purpose greater than service to others.
Gild and Lagoma bless her in her work.
Written By Corban
April 28, 2019, 6:33 a.m.(1/3/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
I did not know Luca Grayson as well as I might. But he was the brother of my dearest Ophelia. And despite his public appearances, he did much for the King and Compact, some which may never be widely known.
I wear a seasilk sash, like those of the paladins and knights of the Reckoning. Its first embellishment is a green griffon for Prince Luca.
We will remember. And you therefore will not wholly die.
I wear a seasilk sash, like those of the paladins and knights of the Reckoning. Its first embellishment is a green griffon for Prince Luca.
We will remember. And you therefore will not wholly die.
Written By Corban
April 25, 2019, 8:16 a.m.(12/25/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Delilah
Warmest congratulations to my dear friend, the new Duchess Consort of Graypeak. Your people will benefit enormously from your intelligence, diligence, and knowledge. And your families will benefit from the alliance between them.
Written By Corban
April 15, 2019, 9:09 a.m.(12/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
How happy I am for the Mother Mercy, who has cast off the title of "Princess" and traded it in for the title of "Sister."
Sophie was always devout, as one must be given her job. But to take the next step and become a priestess of the Pantheon is the ultimate dedication to her craft and to her position.
It is a great sacrifice. But it is one that will benefit the People of Arx and the Compact more than they can know right now.
Welcome, Sister Sophie. I am glad to call you my friend.
Sophie was always devout, as one must be given her job. But to take the next step and become a priestess of the Pantheon is the ultimate dedication to her craft and to her position.
It is a great sacrifice. But it is one that will benefit the People of Arx and the Compact more than they can know right now.
Welcome, Sister Sophie. I am glad to call you my friend.
Written By Corban
April 15, 2019, 9:03 a.m.(12/5/1010 AR)
Another year passed and another year of service to King and Crown. Now that I have found my path with the King's Own, I find great contentment in life. To find one's purpose is the greatest fulfillment one can have, and I have found it.
I also received generous and thoughtful gifts from close friends, including a wonderful multi-course dinner (with paired wine) from the Velenosa kitchens at the invitation of Princess Ophelia. I felt as if I would bust after, but it was absolutely delicious.
But perhaps the greatest gift of all as I enter my 27th year is the gift of Hope. I do not know where it is from or what it portends. But it reminds me of what Copper taught us and what her Apprentice tells us to hold on to.
It is a cloud lifted after a long storm. I hope it means my 27th year will be my greatest yet.
I also received generous and thoughtful gifts from close friends, including a wonderful multi-course dinner (with paired wine) from the Velenosa kitchens at the invitation of Princess Ophelia. I felt as if I would bust after, but it was absolutely delicious.
But perhaps the greatest gift of all as I enter my 27th year is the gift of Hope. I do not know where it is from or what it portends. But it reminds me of what Copper taught us and what her Apprentice tells us to hold on to.
It is a cloud lifted after a long storm. I hope it means my 27th year will be my greatest yet.
Written By Corban
April 8, 2019, 8:40 a.m.(11/19/1010 AR)
I have been deeply touched by how the Knights of Solace have welcomed the two hundred new knights I brought to Arx from the Tribe of the Old Ways in the Gray Forest.
Sir Andry, Archlector Sina, Mother Ailith, Father Aureth, Duke Dagon, Prince Edain, Princess Marian, Lord Jyri, Dame Esoka, Princess Sorrel, Marquessa Simone, Lord Kaldur, Lord Bedivere -- thank you, one and all. You need not have given of your time, talent, and treasure in support of two hundred Abandoned who now join us in service to Gild. But you did. They are now fully of the Knights of Solace. And their might and dedication to duty will serve us well with the troubles on the Great Road.
The Goddess of Charity, Commerce, and Civilization bless them in their duties.
Sir Andry, Archlector Sina, Mother Ailith, Father Aureth, Duke Dagon, Prince Edain, Princess Marian, Lord Jyri, Dame Esoka, Princess Sorrel, Marquessa Simone, Lord Kaldur, Lord Bedivere -- thank you, one and all. You need not have given of your time, talent, and treasure in support of two hundred Abandoned who now join us in service to Gild. But you did. They are now fully of the Knights of Solace. And their might and dedication to duty will serve us well with the troubles on the Great Road.
The Goddess of Charity, Commerce, and Civilization bless them in their duties.
Written By Corban
April 8, 2019, 8:37 a.m.(11/19/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Isabeau
I could not be happier for my cousins Ansel and Isabeau. And a large monetary donation to the Mercies -- not just free drinks -- is a fitting gift upon the birth. May it lift up our injured in the field and at home and bring healing to those at home.
Welcome, Lady Sophia. Even though we have not yet met, your Uncle Corban loves you very much.
Welcome, Lady Sophia. Even though we have not yet met, your Uncle Corban loves you very much.
Written By Corban
April 3, 2019, 8:35 a.m.(11/9/1010 AR)
The Tournament of Roses is an Arvani tradition. I remember it most for the great Dayne Valardin, who, triumphant, sought and received as his boon the title of Lord Commander upon the post's vacancy. He was the greatest knight Arvum has seen and he used his boon for honor, to serve King and Compact.
Captain Harlex and Lady Arianna, I hope you follow in the Lord Commander's footsteps and use the boon you have or will receive for the betterment of all.
Captain Harlex and Lady Arianna, I hope you follow in the Lord Commander's footsteps and use the boon you have or will receive for the betterment of all.
Written By Corban
March 25, 2019, 8:23 a.m.(10/19/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Simone
Time spent with my cousin Simone is always enjoyable. She is my cousin, but we are as close as siblings. (And, given the tempestuous relationship between some siblings, some might say even closer than that.)
Her son Myrddin is progressing well in his chivalry lessons. He thinks they are swordsmanship lessons, but the lessons of sportsmanship and honor are more important and his work with his wooden blade. And Matilda the newest arrival is simply darling. I will never have children of my own, but I hope to leave my mark on the next generation through my "nephew" and "niece."
Her son Myrddin is progressing well in his chivalry lessons. He thinks they are swordsmanship lessons, but the lessons of sportsmanship and honor are more important and his work with his wooden blade. And Matilda the newest arrival is simply darling. I will never have children of my own, but I hope to leave my mark on the next generation through my "nephew" and "niece."
Written By Corban
March 22, 2019, 6:10 p.m.(10/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Selene
It is often hard to find a line of men's clothing in high fashion. With the balls and parties, gowns are in high demand.
But Selene Whisper has done a fine thing with her line of waistcoats and trousers. My new outfit was a pretty silver. Yet I suppose I am entitled to treat myself from time to time.
But Selene Whisper has done a fine thing with her line of waistcoats and trousers. My new outfit was a pretty silver. Yet I suppose I am entitled to treat myself from time to time.
Written By Corban
March 15, 2019, 11:55 a.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Tescelina
How lovely it was to meet Lady Tescelina at the Gauntlet the other day. I was able to introduce her to a friend of mine and share a little bit about history she was interested in. The Wyrmguards are long allies of my ancestral family, and dear personal friends as well.
Welcome to Arx, Lady Tescelina. We are glad to have you.
Welcome to Arx, Lady Tescelina. We are glad to have you.
Written By Corban
Feb. 8, 2019, 1:24 p.m.(7/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
As Arx endures, we will remember.
Written By Corban
Feb. 1, 2019, 5:08 p.m.(6/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
With the Mother Mercy's duties throughout Arvum, it was not surprising that I would not have seen her for some time. But now that Princess Sophie is back in Arx, I am so glad to be able to get to spend time with her. We were friends in childhood, and that bond, it seems, is indelible. Our times over tea are some of my favorite in a week.
The Mercies, Lagoma, and the Compact are lucky to have her at the helm.
The Mercies, Lagoma, and the Compact are lucky to have her at the helm.
Written By Corban
Jan. 25, 2019, 2:56 p.m.(6/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Selene
How good it is to have the Radiant Emeritus back in the Capital. With the challenges presented by the Great Road project and the foreign emissaries, the presence of such a skilled diplomat will be a benefit for us all.
Written By Corban
Jan. 12, 2019, 1:40 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
The Silver Swords grow stronger with each knight that takes the Oaths to King, Compact, and Hundred.
Welcome, Sir Austen of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard. Long may you serve with honor and distinction.
Welcome, Sir Austen of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard. Long may you serve with honor and distinction.
Written By Corban
Jan. 11, 2019, 8:55 a.m.(5/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
Welcome, Princess Lilah Thrax. May you have the strength, wisdom, courage, and compassion of your namesake.
As Arx endures, we will remember.
As Arx endures, we will remember.
Written By Corban
Dec. 31, 2018, 1:14 p.m.(4/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
And so the (temporarily) Ninety Nine are to become the Hundred once more. We have extended to Sir Austen Ferron an offer to take oaths as a Silver Sword and he has accepted. The date and time gave been set for the induction and the Valardin have given Sir Austen his leave.
I hope Sir Austen will take the days ahead to pray to Limerance and Gloria on the monumental undertaking he will assume. Oaths to King, Compact, and Hundred unto death. Not to be taken lightly. But a great honor to assume.
I hope Sir Austen will take the days ahead to pray to Limerance and Gloria on the monumental undertaking he will assume. Oaths to King, Compact, and Hundred unto death. Not to be taken lightly. But a great honor to assume.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.