Written By Driskell
Nov. 6, 2017, 12:40 p.m.(7/14/1007 AR)
I sometimes wonder if the gods and archfiends watch in bewilderment as we do a terrific job ourselves in making the world a far more difficult place to be in.
Written By Driskell
Oct. 30, 2017, 5:18 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ford
I delivered a rather old artifact to the Kennex Kay, some say it might be even cursed, after hearing the constant challenges that house have been facing. My hope is that it reminds them of who they are and what they repeatedly do, and hopefully it's not too cursed. I'm not a curse breaker, I suppose that makes me a curse deliverer....which doesn't sound well when I'm reading it. All I'm saying is that it was an appropriate gift for an appropriate time.
When one has their heart open to change, they soon find opportunities arrive in which they can test themselves to either adapt to the storm or be lost to it. All change comes with risks, but then again, all choices carry a cost.
The sigil of house Kennex is a ship upon an ocean carried by a strong gale, their motto is that the winds of change are ever at their back. I find it suitable, considering the changes that the Kennex have begun in regards to Thralldom. May we remember that the Thirteenth desires us to uplift and support one who fails or those that are struggling, for exploiting their weakness for our own gain leads us down the path of corruption and that is certainly a slippery slide to take.
May those who seek knowledge find it, and that this situation shows that the Thirteenth gives strength in dark times. House Kennex is helping to lead the way with the winds of change pushing their advancement and evolution, and I wish them an exciting voyage. Just don't forget the map which leads you back to home and where traditions are. The moment I hear of Thraxans taking up plows, herding cows instead of taking their harvest from the oceans is a day that I'll add salt to the ocean with a tear or two.
Imagine the moment when we all view each other as He views us behind the Mirror and what we could accomplish, together.
I wish you the strongest of storms, Marquis Ford, for that is the only way one can gain an experienced crew.
When one has their heart open to change, they soon find opportunities arrive in which they can test themselves to either adapt to the storm or be lost to it. All change comes with risks, but then again, all choices carry a cost.
The sigil of house Kennex is a ship upon an ocean carried by a strong gale, their motto is that the winds of change are ever at their back. I find it suitable, considering the changes that the Kennex have begun in regards to Thralldom. May we remember that the Thirteenth desires us to uplift and support one who fails or those that are struggling, for exploiting their weakness for our own gain leads us down the path of corruption and that is certainly a slippery slide to take.
May those who seek knowledge find it, and that this situation shows that the Thirteenth gives strength in dark times. House Kennex is helping to lead the way with the winds of change pushing their advancement and evolution, and I wish them an exciting voyage. Just don't forget the map which leads you back to home and where traditions are. The moment I hear of Thraxans taking up plows, herding cows instead of taking their harvest from the oceans is a day that I'll add salt to the ocean with a tear or two.
Imagine the moment when we all view each other as He views us behind the Mirror and what we could accomplish, together.
I wish you the strongest of storms, Marquis Ford, for that is the only way one can gain an experienced crew.
Written By Driskell
Oct. 25, 2017, 10:04 p.m.(6/19/1007 AR)
All that you do and say is witnessed, there are no secrets. That which you do when you feel no one watches is known, and that which you do repeatedly is who you truly are. Whatever power you feel you have, you are but a temporary caretaker with a responsibility to evolve and make the world better than how you received it. He who observes behind the mirror knows all weaknesses and he waits, he watches. He gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own weaknesses and make our decisions what we'll do.
You are watched, and your secrets known.
You are watched, and your secrets known.
Written By Driskell
Oct. 18, 2017, 8:04 p.m.(6/5/1007 AR)
The Thirteenth reminds us that just because we can, doesn't mean we should. May we all strive to master and control our passions so that they might not control us; that we use all our strengths and weaknesses to build upon the goal of keeping in check the Abyssal nightmare and uplift our fellow man so we each might grow.
Using the weakness of others for personal gain places another link of corruption on the soul. Forgive, uplift and grow.
Using the weakness of others for personal gain places another link of corruption on the soul. Forgive, uplift and grow.
Written By Driskell
Oct. 18, 2017, 3:26 p.m.(6/4/1007 AR)
Come, my friends, gather and listen to a short message on honor and duels. Give a moment of your time to the gods and be blessed.
Gloria, praise be to her name and those that lift their sights towards her radiance for honor and chivalry are the golden aspirations for all peoples of any civilization. It is honorable and just for our betters to address slights among themselves quickly when there is issue rather than allow such matters...even if so small initially, to fester and infect their hearts like a disease of darkness which overtakes them later on. As we've seen here today, the matter is immediately resolved and where there was once discord there now is unity for two to move on so they may continue the fight against the Abyss. We've all heard the phrase 'Call for champions and be done with it!', but we should remind ourselves why this happens.
Gloria is the goddess for honor and chivalry, and duels between nobility...while perhaps commonplace and often are exceptionally action-packed with brilliant displays of martial prowess rarely seen outside of battles, are always to keep safe the honor of their houses and all those who swear fealty to their lords of which those noble represent. By testing honor regularly through combat on disagreements no matter how slight, we are able to learn and therefore become better people. They fight on our behalf, to protect the collective honor each of you have sworn fealty to. But we must temper this test of fire through the teachings of the Thirteenth so that we might not burn an entire noble house down via a spark of anger between two or more persons on an issue. This, my friends, is what I speak about today.
When our nobility control their passions and seek out champions to stand in their stead, it shows that our highborn are able to master themselves and not become controlled by reactions and emotions which can often seek to ruin us, that they understand how important each of their decisions and actions are as every footstep they take is one for thousands. They teach us through example which we all should strive to follow. Each of us have honor, we all know the Sentinel watches even when we might think no one may notice when we're tempted to do wrong and He will remember our deeds even if no one else does.
The Champions are not just an organization of opportunistic thrill seekers or mercenaries jumping to silver, they are an exceptionally important part of ensuring honor is maintained without the opportunity for further bloodshed to happen. We live in a critical time with the Abyss just on the doorstep to Arx, probing everyone and every place for weaknesses to exploit for their ultimate desire to twist all things into a nightmare. Pray that we all learn to temper and master our passions through the Thirteenth and understand that wisdom separates itself from knowledge when we know when to act....and when not to. Thank our nobility for showing us the ways of Gloria and ensuring that we strive to act honorably to all people and in all deeds. May they seek out satisfaction in duels, seek to quell the matter as quickly as possible, but seek to use Champions to mitigate the possibility of further bloodshed. Nobility comes at a high cost, friends, and it isn't how we may perceive as days in luxury, their lives are not their own, their lives are for their fealty and all peoples their sigil represents.
This is the natural order of things, as each of us have a place in the world and we should with all vigor pursue to be the best in what we are. Let us follow their examples in our day-to-day lives by addressing matters immediately and honorably, and seek out assistance where possible so that we might not ruin a fellow believer of the Faith, for we all fight against the Abyss and our prayers are united against evil. May Gloria bless those who have fought today, and may we all reflect on the Thirteenth to master our emotions so they do not master us.
Gloria, praise be to her name and those that lift their sights towards her radiance for honor and chivalry are the golden aspirations for all peoples of any civilization. It is honorable and just for our betters to address slights among themselves quickly when there is issue rather than allow such matters...even if so small initially, to fester and infect their hearts like a disease of darkness which overtakes them later on. As we've seen here today, the matter is immediately resolved and where there was once discord there now is unity for two to move on so they may continue the fight against the Abyss. We've all heard the phrase 'Call for champions and be done with it!', but we should remind ourselves why this happens.
Gloria is the goddess for honor and chivalry, and duels between nobility...while perhaps commonplace and often are exceptionally action-packed with brilliant displays of martial prowess rarely seen outside of battles, are always to keep safe the honor of their houses and all those who swear fealty to their lords of which those noble represent. By testing honor regularly through combat on disagreements no matter how slight, we are able to learn and therefore become better people. They fight on our behalf, to protect the collective honor each of you have sworn fealty to. But we must temper this test of fire through the teachings of the Thirteenth so that we might not burn an entire noble house down via a spark of anger between two or more persons on an issue. This, my friends, is what I speak about today.
When our nobility control their passions and seek out champions to stand in their stead, it shows that our highborn are able to master themselves and not become controlled by reactions and emotions which can often seek to ruin us, that they understand how important each of their decisions and actions are as every footstep they take is one for thousands. They teach us through example which we all should strive to follow. Each of us have honor, we all know the Sentinel watches even when we might think no one may notice when we're tempted to do wrong and He will remember our deeds even if no one else does.
The Champions are not just an organization of opportunistic thrill seekers or mercenaries jumping to silver, they are an exceptionally important part of ensuring honor is maintained without the opportunity for further bloodshed to happen. We live in a critical time with the Abyss just on the doorstep to Arx, probing everyone and every place for weaknesses to exploit for their ultimate desire to twist all things into a nightmare. Pray that we all learn to temper and master our passions through the Thirteenth and understand that wisdom separates itself from knowledge when we know when to act....and when not to. Thank our nobility for showing us the ways of Gloria and ensuring that we strive to act honorably to all people and in all deeds. May they seek out satisfaction in duels, seek to quell the matter as quickly as possible, but seek to use Champions to mitigate the possibility of further bloodshed. Nobility comes at a high cost, friends, and it isn't how we may perceive as days in luxury, their lives are not their own, their lives are for their fealty and all peoples their sigil represents.
This is the natural order of things, as each of us have a place in the world and we should with all vigor pursue to be the best in what we are. Let us follow their examples in our day-to-day lives by addressing matters immediately and honorably, and seek out assistance where possible so that we might not ruin a fellow believer of the Faith, for we all fight against the Abyss and our prayers are united against evil. May Gloria bless those who have fought today, and may we all reflect on the Thirteenth to master our emotions so they do not master us.
Written By Driskell
Oct. 13, 2017, 3:24 p.m.(5/22/1007 AR)
The single feast day of Tehom approaches with the signs in the celestial bodies above pointing to the event called the Eclipse of Mirrors and as Third Reflection of the Mirrormasks, I write this.
There have been much loss, sacrifice, pain, suffering and sadness since the last eclipse experienced by all people of the Compact. I'm reminded again of hundreds of young children of thralls that were sacrificed and perhaps forgotten when the wall of the Thraxan ward was blown up by the Bringers as that evil desired to take Arx. With the Abyssal nightmares whose single purpose and desire is to twist and corrupt all creation and having brought such travesty right to the doorstep here in Arx, I feel that all should be forgiven for their dark thoughts and look with suspicion to the Thirteenth.
Through all of these challenges we have faced, with some paying the ultimate price with their lives so that others might live, it is easy to lose ones self to feelings of hatred, anger, jealousy, grief and even apathy. Closing ones mind and heart to the world around them and shutting out the words of the Pantheon only will bring further harm to the world.
Take heart, reader. The Dark Reflection gives us the ability to identify and understand these dark passions so that we might master them before they become a yoke on our soul, burdening us down. By understanding that through our duality we are a whole person and recognize that just as we have hidden emotions and feelings that often make us lose ourselves to such things, we can can see that others too are the same as us. Tehom's teachings on duality allow us not just to master our own dark passions, but to choose when to react when others who are hurting inside try harming us. He is not the god of evil, the god to invoke when one desires to do wrong. He is the god that gives us truth and allows us to forgive, to seek forgiveness and seek stronger bonds between one another as we recognize that everyone is the same as ourself struggling with our passions.
Tehom's Eclipse of Mirrors is a time we should think heavily on all that has happened in the previously years and how we all have changed. To look for truth in the Mirror and reflect the truth towards all people we come in contact with. That truth is we all have the light and darkness within us, we all struggle to master our emotions, and that we all will fail from time to time. Use our failings as learning opportunities, use the failings of others as opportunities to forgive them and help them change.
Open your hearts and open your minds, accept truth and become agents of change.
There have been much loss, sacrifice, pain, suffering and sadness since the last eclipse experienced by all people of the Compact. I'm reminded again of hundreds of young children of thralls that were sacrificed and perhaps forgotten when the wall of the Thraxan ward was blown up by the Bringers as that evil desired to take Arx. With the Abyssal nightmares whose single purpose and desire is to twist and corrupt all creation and having brought such travesty right to the doorstep here in Arx, I feel that all should be forgiven for their dark thoughts and look with suspicion to the Thirteenth.
Through all of these challenges we have faced, with some paying the ultimate price with their lives so that others might live, it is easy to lose ones self to feelings of hatred, anger, jealousy, grief and even apathy. Closing ones mind and heart to the world around them and shutting out the words of the Pantheon only will bring further harm to the world.
Take heart, reader. The Dark Reflection gives us the ability to identify and understand these dark passions so that we might master them before they become a yoke on our soul, burdening us down. By understanding that through our duality we are a whole person and recognize that just as we have hidden emotions and feelings that often make us lose ourselves to such things, we can can see that others too are the same as us. Tehom's teachings on duality allow us not just to master our own dark passions, but to choose when to react when others who are hurting inside try harming us. He is not the god of evil, the god to invoke when one desires to do wrong. He is the god that gives us truth and allows us to forgive, to seek forgiveness and seek stronger bonds between one another as we recognize that everyone is the same as ourself struggling with our passions.
Tehom's Eclipse of Mirrors is a time we should think heavily on all that has happened in the previously years and how we all have changed. To look for truth in the Mirror and reflect the truth towards all people we come in contact with. That truth is we all have the light and darkness within us, we all struggle to master our emotions, and that we all will fail from time to time. Use our failings as learning opportunities, use the failings of others as opportunities to forgive them and help them change.
Open your hearts and open your minds, accept truth and become agents of change.
Written By Driskell
Oct. 12, 2017, 1:59 p.m.(5/20/1007 AR)
One should remember that nothing said is unheard, no act unseen. Everything is witnessed.
Written By Driskell
Oct. 9, 2017, 9:35 p.m.(5/15/1007 AR)
We must be as thankful as we are for our successes as we are for our failures. Only through experience do we evolve and through growth are we able to better the world.
May I remember to be humble and have an open heart on correction given to me, and may the gods bless the one who stands up to provide correction for surely they are their brother's keeper. May I be wise enough to learn from others mistakes so that I might use their footsteps rather than blaze another trail going the same way.
May I remember to be humble and have an open heart on correction given to me, and may the gods bless the one who stands up to provide correction for surely they are their brother's keeper. May I be wise enough to learn from others mistakes so that I might use their footsteps rather than blaze another trail going the same way.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 30, 2017, 5:15 p.m.(4/24/1007 AR)
I have today said goodbye to the past, but the echoes of my past will never leave me. High Lord Victus said to me when I asked to become Godsworn that each man ought to have the freedom to explore and chase their own destiny, and I thank him for those words which will remain with me. I am no longer Master Driskell of the Thrax, I am Brother Driskell of the Faith.
I have publicly sworn myself to the Pantheon, given them each specific oaths and promises and I will strive to serve all as I have done before as a steward...rather than managing and keeping safe the domains of my noble employers, I will be a steward of the souls, hearts and minds of all of the Compact.
Interesting times.
I have publicly sworn myself to the Pantheon, given them each specific oaths and promises and I will strive to serve all as I have done before as a steward...rather than managing and keeping safe the domains of my noble employers, I will be a steward of the souls, hearts and minds of all of the Compact.
Interesting times.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 21, 2017, 4:30 a.m.(4/3/1007 AR)
I've decided that it would be best to have a patron or patroness that will be more a symbiotic relationship which should last a very long time in the future. The next step of my growth will need someone in my corner, but who will be that person I wonder? I look forward to seeing who that might be, and how we can make the world better than how we've been given it. Good luck, Past Driskell.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 20, 2017, 6:51 p.m.(4/2/1007 AR)
The truth is that none are free, we simply desire to dress our chains in ways that make it more palatable and argue about the merits of this chain or that one. True freedom from order is chaos, and chaos is the nightmare which the Abyss comes from to destroy and twist all creation.
As each man has good and bad within him and the body strives to maintain balance and order, may we embrace our diversity and gain understanding that all have a place within the song.
As each man has good and bad within him and the body strives to maintain balance and order, may we embrace our diversity and gain understanding that all have a place within the song.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 18, 2017, 8:25 p.m.(3/27/1007 AR)
We must celebrate both good and bad which happens in our lifetimes. How would we ever be able to enjoy and remember fondly the warmth on our faces from a golden summer's day if we never had the opportunity to experience the cutting bite of a dark winter's storm? If we are hungry, do we not eat? If we're thirsty, do we not drink? Life is meant for experiences which in turn create more experiences for those in our circle and on and on the ripples go. We must come to terms and embrace duality, turning each dark fear and passion into a shining pearl of self-mastery.
The gods do not give us impossible challenges, they merely set the stage so that we might take our places in the epic story that we are all a part of. Without these challenges, without hardship, there would be nothing to celebrate or give thanks for.
We must find the blessing in every curse and meet every challenge with a focused mind. May we evolve through all experiences.
The gods do not give us impossible challenges, they merely set the stage so that we might take our places in the epic story that we are all a part of. Without these challenges, without hardship, there would be nothing to celebrate or give thanks for.
We must find the blessing in every curse and meet every challenge with a focused mind. May we evolve through all experiences.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 15, 2017, 4:17 p.m.(3/20/1007 AR)
There are things which even kings treasure more than all the dragonweep and star-forged weapons in the world: the counsel of true friends who are strong enough to give you wisdom and correction, the guiding hand of the Faith and a soul free from corruption.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 14, 2017, 1:48 p.m.(3/18/1007 AR)
We the common people oft are reminded to watch and emulate the highborn which is only right and just, however a study between a few currently in a public spat while great matters are being decided may cause confusion for many of us lowborn. At what point is the proper use of our dark passions?
The Thirteenth reminds us that corruption begins as a seed and is difficult to tend to once it establishes a root in our soul. We must use and control our passions so that we might not be ruled by emotional reactions. We must observe, look at the truth and then exhibit self-control. To carefully use our darker passions can give us strength in the right times, to lose self-mastery over our passions will cause them to corrupt and consume us.
Praise be to the Reflection, which observes and reflects wisdom, and chooses not to act. For us lowborn, we should thank Him for this lesson being "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.".
The Thirteenth reminds us that corruption begins as a seed and is difficult to tend to once it establishes a root in our soul. We must use and control our passions so that we might not be ruled by emotional reactions. We must observe, look at the truth and then exhibit self-control. To carefully use our darker passions can give us strength in the right times, to lose self-mastery over our passions will cause them to corrupt and consume us.
Praise be to the Reflection, which observes and reflects wisdom, and chooses not to act. For us lowborn, we should thank Him for this lesson being "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.".
Written By Driskell
Sept. 13, 2017, 8:52 p.m.(3/17/1007 AR)
Tides come and go, and yet we survive. Thrax has been busy with our ever powerful Highlord taking the reins and binding alliances to work together against the forces of the Gyre, the Abyss and others. It is heartening to see the power of Maelstrom rising using cooperation and unity versus division and mistrust, and I hope my fellow Thraxans see this too. But I've been thinking heavily on activities have been happening here in Arx and what that might pose beyond the illuminated boundaries of the Compact and its allies.
There are two laws which nature follows, always. The first is for every action, there is an equally powerful reaction. The second is you cannot create out of nothing, creation requires sacrifice.
What if for every prayer the Faith gives, for every gathering of the people for devotion and worship, there is an equal one given to which we of the Compact fight against? The other worry is that for all the focus we give currently to Thraxan ships and navies of the allies, what exactly are we taking power or blessings away from? Power is not without end, there is alway a cost.
There are two laws which nature follows, always. The first is for every action, there is an equally powerful reaction. The second is you cannot create out of nothing, creation requires sacrifice.
What if for every prayer the Faith gives, for every gathering of the people for devotion and worship, there is an equal one given to which we of the Compact fight against? The other worry is that for all the focus we give currently to Thraxan ships and navies of the allies, what exactly are we taking power or blessings away from? Power is not without end, there is alway a cost.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 10, 2017, 7:28 p.m.(3/10/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
One should take care on matters of temptation and corruption, you never know where an addiction might crop up. But...who am I to tell the willing to walk away? We'll have to share in my latest creation.
I'm reminded too this is how rumors start.
I'm reminded too this is how rumors start.
Written By Driskell
Sept. 10, 2017, 6:43 p.m.(3/10/1007 AR)
Battles across the seas to bring civilization to dark corners of the world, wars against the Abandoned to lift their yoke of savagery and bring them within the Compact (not to mention their resources and human resources under one of the great houses), visions and dreams and all manner of things. Remember there will be a final reaping by the Thirteenth and all will be destroyed. Your writings, your buildings, your battles to move and adjust imaginary lines across manmade illustrations that represent a very temporary hold on a living world; all these things will be gone when the Reflection reaches out from beyond and harvests. But take heart, your soul will endure as Aion will breath new life from the ashes and the wheel turns once more.
The reaping seems cruel, but through destruction we will be able to usher in a new age, a new world. Through the ashes we will be reborn.
Unlike, say, what the goals of the infernal Abyss are which is to simply corrupt and twits the world into a nightmare of suffering. Speaking of the Abyss, I've found that baking whipped egg whites produces something rather heavenly. Extremely light, crunchy and a tad bit delicious when crushed and mixed with whipped fresh cream. I think I need Halsim to investigate this recipe and see if it corrupts the soul, because it's delicious.
The reaping seems cruel, but through destruction we will be able to usher in a new age, a new world. Through the ashes we will be reborn.
Unlike, say, what the goals of the infernal Abyss are which is to simply corrupt and twits the world into a nightmare of suffering. Speaking of the Abyss, I've found that baking whipped egg whites produces something rather heavenly. Extremely light, crunchy and a tad bit delicious when crushed and mixed with whipped fresh cream. I think I need Halsim to investigate this recipe and see if it corrupts the soul, because it's delicious.
Written By Driskell
Aug. 30, 2017, 7:43 p.m.(2/13/1007 AR)
The ant thinks it is covering new territory never explored as it winds through the mountains and valleys it runs across. Little does it realize that it is simply crossing a field that was plowed by man, a creature the ant can't even fathom much less actually sense or see.
Man thinks they are able to cross horizons and that they are agents of change, but they don't realize that they can't understand which can't be seen by them. And could we even possibly begin to try and contemplate what exists beyond what that which can't be seen?
The wheel turns again. It always turns and continues to grind.
Man thinks they are able to cross horizons and that they are agents of change, but they don't realize that they can't understand which can't be seen by them. And could we even possibly begin to try and contemplate what exists beyond what that which can't be seen?
The wheel turns again. It always turns and continues to grind.
Written By Driskell
Aug. 29, 2017, 5:11 p.m.(2/11/1007 AR)
My lord Kennex wrote an inspirational journal regarding a sea-tale that has a very good bit of advice that is quite relevant today and I agree with his father's viewpoint to force fate to your favor. There is another sea-tale, very similar, that I'll share.
There were two twins, Adrian and Erasmus, who were famed in the southern Isles for their exploits as Thraxan reavers. The brothers competed against each other since they fought their way out of their mother's womb, and each of them tried to out do one another whenever they went a'reaving across the deeps. The spoils of course from this competition greatly enriched their people, but the competition between each brother was proving to be bittersweet.
One day, there was a great feast held by their liege, the scent of good food and the tropical floral perfume that only those who have been to the isles can speak about wafting in the air as the surf gently crashed on the beach. The gold brought back from the recent raids was being weighed, and Adrian's haul was greater than his brother's.
Adrian said to his brother, "All can see, I am the best sailor and captain, there is no crew better than mine! I bet my ship against my brother's in a race to see who can take the next ship!" This was met with a raucous cheer by the crew and people behind Adrian, while Erasmus was brooding in silence, the firelight flickering across his dark eyes as he stood up. "I accept my brother's wager. The first to take the next ship will be declared the best." With hardly a further word uttered, he gestured to his crew to leave and prepare for the next set of raids in the morning.
The next morning came, the two ships with their crews and captains were at the pier. Adrian's ship took off, his thralls whipped hard as they bent their backs to slice the ship across the water, leaving Erasmus in his wake still at the pier while his brother's ship hauled their sails up. There was no wind, and soon the brothers were separated. Adrian's watch on the crows nest peered across the horizon, but no ships yet were nearby to raid so Adrian continued to push his men to oar instead of having their sails up which would let others know he was soon to be on them. Hours stretched on, and nothing yet was seen until just after the sun was at high noon when a trading fleet was seen with one ship lagging behind its fellows. Adrian, upset and worried that his brother might find better fortune, beat and whipped his thralls to oar harder but the men were nearly dead from half a day's work already. The lookout on the crows nest called attention that his brother's sails were nearby, and Adrian took the whip in his own hand, beating not just his thralls but also his freemen to push them all to the oars to beat his brother to the catch. The wind pushed the ship of Erasmus' onwards and soon the ship was coming up alongside Adrian's. Adrian looked on in confusion which then turned to horror, as he saw his brother's crew were fresh and armed. Erasmus called the order to attack, and soon the ship of Adrian's was boarded. The freemen were spent, the thralls were dead-tired and none could put up a fight against the crew of Erasmus. Chaining his brother to the crew that he had just beaten, Erasmus said "As per the terms of our wager, you've lost your ship. A reaver takes what opportunity gives, he doesn't force to take what he doesn't have."
Adrian was a thrall after that and his debt sold to a northern Thraxan lord, and all his crew and thralls were taken by Erasmus which doubled the size of his holdings and began his fleet, of which tales exist of his further exploits.
Take what opportunity gives you, for fate cannot be forced into delivering you what you seek. Hubris in the eyes of gods and man will only bring you folly.
There were two twins, Adrian and Erasmus, who were famed in the southern Isles for their exploits as Thraxan reavers. The brothers competed against each other since they fought their way out of their mother's womb, and each of them tried to out do one another whenever they went a'reaving across the deeps. The spoils of course from this competition greatly enriched their people, but the competition between each brother was proving to be bittersweet.
One day, there was a great feast held by their liege, the scent of good food and the tropical floral perfume that only those who have been to the isles can speak about wafting in the air as the surf gently crashed on the beach. The gold brought back from the recent raids was being weighed, and Adrian's haul was greater than his brother's.
Adrian said to his brother, "All can see, I am the best sailor and captain, there is no crew better than mine! I bet my ship against my brother's in a race to see who can take the next ship!" This was met with a raucous cheer by the crew and people behind Adrian, while Erasmus was brooding in silence, the firelight flickering across his dark eyes as he stood up. "I accept my brother's wager. The first to take the next ship will be declared the best." With hardly a further word uttered, he gestured to his crew to leave and prepare for the next set of raids in the morning.
The next morning came, the two ships with their crews and captains were at the pier. Adrian's ship took off, his thralls whipped hard as they bent their backs to slice the ship across the water, leaving Erasmus in his wake still at the pier while his brother's ship hauled their sails up. There was no wind, and soon the brothers were separated. Adrian's watch on the crows nest peered across the horizon, but no ships yet were nearby to raid so Adrian continued to push his men to oar instead of having their sails up which would let others know he was soon to be on them. Hours stretched on, and nothing yet was seen until just after the sun was at high noon when a trading fleet was seen with one ship lagging behind its fellows. Adrian, upset and worried that his brother might find better fortune, beat and whipped his thralls to oar harder but the men were nearly dead from half a day's work already. The lookout on the crows nest called attention that his brother's sails were nearby, and Adrian took the whip in his own hand, beating not just his thralls but also his freemen to push them all to the oars to beat his brother to the catch. The wind pushed the ship of Erasmus' onwards and soon the ship was coming up alongside Adrian's. Adrian looked on in confusion which then turned to horror, as he saw his brother's crew were fresh and armed. Erasmus called the order to attack, and soon the ship of Adrian's was boarded. The freemen were spent, the thralls were dead-tired and none could put up a fight against the crew of Erasmus. Chaining his brother to the crew that he had just beaten, Erasmus said "As per the terms of our wager, you've lost your ship. A reaver takes what opportunity gives, he doesn't force to take what he doesn't have."
Adrian was a thrall after that and his debt sold to a northern Thraxan lord, and all his crew and thralls were taken by Erasmus which doubled the size of his holdings and began his fleet, of which tales exist of his further exploits.
Take what opportunity gives you, for fate cannot be forced into delivering you what you seek. Hubris in the eyes of gods and man will only bring you folly.
Written By Driskell
Aug. 22, 2017, 6:13 p.m.(1/25/1007 AR)
It's been some time since I've written, the trip south took far longer than expected as well as the issues which struck house Darkwater and it simply is impossible to write when one is floating from a wrecked ship for days. Transferring from ship to ship at the various isles until I reached Arx and then I went up the streets to enter the halls of Darkwater Reach.
The tides rise and fall and while the ships dip down the horizon into the deep, new lands and adventures await. I wonder where my ship will land, now that I'm in new waters. Do I seek out my High Lord? The new Countess of Darkwater? Become Godsworn? Heat up my skillet and make a really good roasted pulled chicken meal with rice?
...I wonder.
The tides rise and fall and while the ships dip down the horizon into the deep, new lands and adventures await. I wonder where my ship will land, now that I'm in new waters. Do I seek out my High Lord? The new Countess of Darkwater? Become Godsworn? Heat up my skillet and make a really good roasted pulled chicken meal with rice?
...I wonder.
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