Written By Perronne
Jan. 22, 2019, 3:38 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
The spectre of RESPONSIBILITY looms.
It's weird, if you think about it - I've never been responsible for much outside myself. Yes, my clients' money and goods, of course, but taking care of them was part and parcel of taking care of myself. You can't be a careless merchant and still be successful, so I've always tried to be on top of those sorts of things. But other than that, I go where I will, I do what I want, and I don't really have anything tying me down. If I wanted to pick up and leave somewhere, I always could. And really needed to, because eventually you exhaust the local opportunities for profit, and sticking around would just be sad and disappointing. And why live life to be sad and disappointed?
But Arx isn't like that. Everything is here! All the goods come through here, even exotics like steelsilk and pyreweave. People with stories from all over the Compact rest here, and share knowledge - some wonderful and fantastic knowledge. And oh, the money. I have no words for the wealth that accumulates in the capital of the Compact. It is tremendous and remarkable and beautiful. Not just because it's all very shiny (although it is ALL very shiny), but because of what it represents, the lively interactions and bargaining and transfers of things from the known world. It's amazing, and I'm happy to be a part of it. But being a part of it, there's always that urge to do more, to rise and to strive for a place and a position.
And that's just as scary as it is enticing. Because a position means having to answer to other people, having to follow a code that maybe isn't your own. And I'd never agree to serve in a position and then /not/ follow that code, or refuse to answer to those people. That would be dishonest and dishonorable, I think. But sometimes it feels a little like I can feel the weight settling on me, of other people and their needs, and I just want to flee.
I want to go camping. Who can I kidnap to go camping with me?
It's weird, if you think about it - I've never been responsible for much outside myself. Yes, my clients' money and goods, of course, but taking care of them was part and parcel of taking care of myself. You can't be a careless merchant and still be successful, so I've always tried to be on top of those sorts of things. But other than that, I go where I will, I do what I want, and I don't really have anything tying me down. If I wanted to pick up and leave somewhere, I always could. And really needed to, because eventually you exhaust the local opportunities for profit, and sticking around would just be sad and disappointing. And why live life to be sad and disappointed?
But Arx isn't like that. Everything is here! All the goods come through here, even exotics like steelsilk and pyreweave. People with stories from all over the Compact rest here, and share knowledge - some wonderful and fantastic knowledge. And oh, the money. I have no words for the wealth that accumulates in the capital of the Compact. It is tremendous and remarkable and beautiful. Not just because it's all very shiny (although it is ALL very shiny), but because of what it represents, the lively interactions and bargaining and transfers of things from the known world. It's amazing, and I'm happy to be a part of it. But being a part of it, there's always that urge to do more, to rise and to strive for a place and a position.
And that's just as scary as it is enticing. Because a position means having to answer to other people, having to follow a code that maybe isn't your own. And I'd never agree to serve in a position and then /not/ follow that code, or refuse to answer to those people. That would be dishonest and dishonorable, I think. But sometimes it feels a little like I can feel the weight settling on me, of other people and their needs, and I just want to flee.
I want to go camping. Who can I kidnap to go camping with me?
Written By Perronne
Jan. 19, 2019, 8:52 a.m.(5/21/1010 AR)
<OOC: There are many splotches of ink on this entry, as if the pen was left to rest in place for long periods of time.>
Um.
Treaties and hospitality, fine.
Coinage, I think.
Roads, unless we really count that as a subset of hospitality.
Building a public building together.
Taxes, weirdly enough, I think. Fair and equitable.
A sack of flour unweighed.
A statement of obscure fact by a Scholar?
A priest.
Something that represents the command structure of a military unit?
A map (or is that just transmission of knowledge by another name?)
A pie or a potion made by an apothecary, consumed without hesitation.
A letter of credit or some other representation of a bank.
Eleven, yes? But are they all truly distinct, or merely variations on a theme? I must do more thinking on this!
Um.
Treaties and hospitality, fine.
Coinage, I think.
Roads, unless we really count that as a subset of hospitality.
Building a public building together.
Taxes, weirdly enough, I think. Fair and equitable.
A sack of flour unweighed.
A statement of obscure fact by a Scholar?
A priest.
Something that represents the command structure of a military unit?
A map (or is that just transmission of knowledge by another name?)
A pie or a potion made by an apothecary, consumed without hesitation.
A letter of credit or some other representation of a bank.
Eleven, yes? But are they all truly distinct, or merely variations on a theme? I must do more thinking on this!
Written By Perronne
Jan. 18, 2019, 8:53 a.m.(5/19/1010 AR)
Well!
That was several exciting turns of events. I'm sure there will be more complete write ups by scribes and Scholars more competent at their work than I, but I do want to summarize it for my own memory down the road, and of course for the edification of any future scholarly types who read this journal. The Assembly of Peers met to, among other reasons, hear the offers of the Cardian and Imperial delegations. The emissaries were all dressed very fine, and were the very picture of (sometimes grumpy) foreign diplomats, especially at first! Eurus sent an emissary as well - he called himself the Eye of the Prophet, and wore elaborate fireweave robes that concealed everything. But he leaked sand, a lot. So that was new. Eurus didn't have a proposal, or at least not one they were willing to make explicit, so he was just watching. And waiting, and all of that.
Then! Things happened - the diplomats made their proposals, and this guy near my seats jumped up and started shouting. Turns out he was a fellow named (called? titled? It's somewhat confusing) Brass, who is approximately a million years old and really hates Cardia. He offered to help train us all in...stuff, so long as we kick slavery to the curb. Pretty sure he means thralldom, despite earnest attempts by some to draw a distinction between the two states. Cardia wanted to arrest him, the Empire wanted to take him into "protective custody" (which is pretty much LIKE arresting him, just possibly with less prodding with a stick), and Father Aureth revealed that he was actually a guest under the protection of guest right and the Faith. Oh, and it looks like His Majesty has a son that Cardia currently has as a, um, honored guest? And then it turns out that a commoner is actually a Queen! Of a place pretty much no one has ever heard of, but which must be quite important, because even the Cardian representative was downright polite to her. She didn't seem happy about the sudden elevation, if I'm honest. More like someone hit her with a very soft ton of bricks. Or maybe a large fluffy dog. Good luck, Your Majesty!
Oh! And THEN (yes, this Assembly contained lots of AND THENs), someone called Ashe also stood up, and encouraged Arvum to remain as its own free nation, and that she would help train us against all the badness out there that apparently wants to eat us and threaten the world. I've spoken to her before, and she's pretty nice, all things considered! I'm not sure that she has the steelsilk armies of Cardia and the Empire, and that might be a problem, since the other two are pretty clear that invading us is an option they're willing to consider. Oh, and Cardia hates Brass as much as he hates them, so if we keep him as a guest (and he does seem to be pretty nice, but sort of with a nervous disposition - if you meet him, please don't shout and remember your manners!) it'll probably really, really upset them.
Anyway, those are some of the highlights. It was very exciting. I have my preferences, of course - but as a member of the Commoner's Council, if anyone happens to be reading this who has questions, concerns, or strong opinions on the matter, please let me know! I'll try to get someone to answer the questions or address the concerns, and the opinions are always useful, should the Crown want to know how the people of Arx are feeling about our options. I'm usually around in the evenings at the Traders Tavern, and letters are fun, as well!
That was several exciting turns of events. I'm sure there will be more complete write ups by scribes and Scholars more competent at their work than I, but I do want to summarize it for my own memory down the road, and of course for the edification of any future scholarly types who read this journal. The Assembly of Peers met to, among other reasons, hear the offers of the Cardian and Imperial delegations. The emissaries were all dressed very fine, and were the very picture of (sometimes grumpy) foreign diplomats, especially at first! Eurus sent an emissary as well - he called himself the Eye of the Prophet, and wore elaborate fireweave robes that concealed everything. But he leaked sand, a lot. So that was new. Eurus didn't have a proposal, or at least not one they were willing to make explicit, so he was just watching. And waiting, and all of that.
Then! Things happened - the diplomats made their proposals, and this guy near my seats jumped up and started shouting. Turns out he was a fellow named (called? titled? It's somewhat confusing) Brass, who is approximately a million years old and really hates Cardia. He offered to help train us all in...stuff, so long as we kick slavery to the curb. Pretty sure he means thralldom, despite earnest attempts by some to draw a distinction between the two states. Cardia wanted to arrest him, the Empire wanted to take him into "protective custody" (which is pretty much LIKE arresting him, just possibly with less prodding with a stick), and Father Aureth revealed that he was actually a guest under the protection of guest right and the Faith. Oh, and it looks like His Majesty has a son that Cardia currently has as a, um, honored guest? And then it turns out that a commoner is actually a Queen! Of a place pretty much no one has ever heard of, but which must be quite important, because even the Cardian representative was downright polite to her. She didn't seem happy about the sudden elevation, if I'm honest. More like someone hit her with a very soft ton of bricks. Or maybe a large fluffy dog. Good luck, Your Majesty!
Oh! And THEN (yes, this Assembly contained lots of AND THENs), someone called Ashe also stood up, and encouraged Arvum to remain as its own free nation, and that she would help train us against all the badness out there that apparently wants to eat us and threaten the world. I've spoken to her before, and she's pretty nice, all things considered! I'm not sure that she has the steelsilk armies of Cardia and the Empire, and that might be a problem, since the other two are pretty clear that invading us is an option they're willing to consider. Oh, and Cardia hates Brass as much as he hates them, so if we keep him as a guest (and he does seem to be pretty nice, but sort of with a nervous disposition - if you meet him, please don't shout and remember your manners!) it'll probably really, really upset them.
Anyway, those are some of the highlights. It was very exciting. I have my preferences, of course - but as a member of the Commoner's Council, if anyone happens to be reading this who has questions, concerns, or strong opinions on the matter, please let me know! I'll try to get someone to answer the questions or address the concerns, and the opinions are always useful, should the Crown want to know how the people of Arx are feeling about our options. I'm usually around in the evenings at the Traders Tavern, and letters are fun, as well!
Written By Perronne
Jan. 16, 2019, 10:50 a.m.(5/16/1010 AR)
So much packing - my research has always been "hands on", and I'll be making several trips to various places in the Compact to make sure that everything I put in the Almanac is accurate to my best ability to make it so. And I'll be exploring the trade possibilities of Cascade Springs, in the North, so that'll be another set of trips, and I think it has real potential to become a Northern trading hub of some renown! But it does mean that I'll be out of town for a bit, here and there, and that - to my sorrow - I won't have time to venture out in search of new and exciting antiquities for a while.
So many messages to answer, and lovely thick letters from people talking about their experiences on the roads throughout the Compact. Markets to visit (and a trade fair to organize!), and writing has already begun for the next edition of the Almanac. I would never have guessed, ten years ago, that I'd enjoy sitting at a desk for hours, just looking through notes (both my own, and those of other experts), and turning those notes into helpful advice, commentary, and the like for merchants from those on their first caravan, to the larger merchant houses of the great cities. But I do! It is a little like putting the world into order - not a stern, rigid order that has no flexibility and doesn't let people be people - but order nonetheless.
If anyone passing through Arx happens to read this journal, and wishes to share their own road experiences, never hesitate to send me a letter! It may not be included in the Almanac, but I love to hear about people's merchant adventures, either in writing, or over drinks - my treat, of course. What good's a story if you can't even get a free ale out of it, after all?
So many messages to answer, and lovely thick letters from people talking about their experiences on the roads throughout the Compact. Markets to visit (and a trade fair to organize!), and writing has already begun for the next edition of the Almanac. I would never have guessed, ten years ago, that I'd enjoy sitting at a desk for hours, just looking through notes (both my own, and those of other experts), and turning those notes into helpful advice, commentary, and the like for merchants from those on their first caravan, to the larger merchant houses of the great cities. But I do! It is a little like putting the world into order - not a stern, rigid order that has no flexibility and doesn't let people be people - but order nonetheless.
If anyone passing through Arx happens to read this journal, and wishes to share their own road experiences, never hesitate to send me a letter! It may not be included in the Almanac, but I love to hear about people's merchant adventures, either in writing, or over drinks - my treat, of course. What good's a story if you can't even get a free ale out of it, after all?
Written By Perronne
Jan. 14, 2019, 2:15 p.m.(5/11/1010 AR)
So much excitement!
On a personal level, things are going quite well. I was elected to the Commoners' Council - and then we got some very exciting visitors from afar, which necessitated the first meeting of the Council, to develop a list of concerns and considerations for Crown review. (By the way, should anyone reading this have any concerns or considerations you wish to share, on this or any other commoner-related subject, please don't hesitate to send me a letter. We can have a drink and talk about them, or just correspond - I'm happy with either!)
I was also hired as an economist for the first time! It's VERY exciting, and I'm so pleased to have a chance to help lands prosper with a little bit of advice and investment here and there. Hopefully, this project will go well, and more demesnes will consider the benefits of hiring someone with expertise in both economics and the nitty-gritty of trading! And then I shall have enough silver to roll around in the bank vault. Roll, roll, roll, with the jingle jangle of coins all around me.
I'm also collecting data for the next and even more accurate and useful edition of the Merchant's Almanac, so ready your maps and coin pouches for the new, the improved, the best (and only) comprehensive guide to the continent of Arvum from the merchant's perspective, chock full of tips, tricks, and strategies to make your journeys successful and your purse expand to a satisfying weight and fullness. Markets, roads (yes, even that Great one), hospitality, emergent trends, the Almanac will have it all, without having to haul around a mini Archive!
On a wider note, of course, the news is a lot more sobering, although just as 'exciting'. Foreign visitors from Cardia and the Undying Empire, who come with desires to add Arvum to their own domains. Strife and border wars among the provinces - which, let's be honest, isn't really uncommon. The Great Road just made it sort of easier for people who didn't like each other very much to get together and beat each other up more. Or gave some people an excuse to kill others they already didn't like, which happens...well, it happens a lot in the Compact. I've seen a lot of burned out villages in my time, and it wasn't all shavs. Mercenaries always find work, and there are a lot of borders out there that are, um, let's say 'in contention', between lands of the Compact as much as between the Compact and shavarvani. Rebellion is a bit new, but not terribly unexpected, I suppose, considering all the instability and, um, innovation of late. And the murder of a lot of Scholars - even noble Scholars! Although I guess technically it wasn't murder, but rather execution? I suppose? But they didn't get trials, even the peers, which is usually something that only happens with people who don't really matter.
I think later generations reading back on the journals of this era are going to see a lot of interesting things, but they're never going to understand how it feels to live them, especially when you're not at the center of events, but sort of on the outside of many of them, not understanding why, or how, or more importantly - what comes next?
I'm hoping for a giant party and trade agreements with EVERYONE. But I guess I need a back up plan, just in case that completely plausible outcome somehow fails to happen!
On a personal level, things are going quite well. I was elected to the Commoners' Council - and then we got some very exciting visitors from afar, which necessitated the first meeting of the Council, to develop a list of concerns and considerations for Crown review. (By the way, should anyone reading this have any concerns or considerations you wish to share, on this or any other commoner-related subject, please don't hesitate to send me a letter. We can have a drink and talk about them, or just correspond - I'm happy with either!)
I was also hired as an economist for the first time! It's VERY exciting, and I'm so pleased to have a chance to help lands prosper with a little bit of advice and investment here and there. Hopefully, this project will go well, and more demesnes will consider the benefits of hiring someone with expertise in both economics and the nitty-gritty of trading! And then I shall have enough silver to roll around in the bank vault. Roll, roll, roll, with the jingle jangle of coins all around me.
I'm also collecting data for the next and even more accurate and useful edition of the Merchant's Almanac, so ready your maps and coin pouches for the new, the improved, the best (and only) comprehensive guide to the continent of Arvum from the merchant's perspective, chock full of tips, tricks, and strategies to make your journeys successful and your purse expand to a satisfying weight and fullness. Markets, roads (yes, even that Great one), hospitality, emergent trends, the Almanac will have it all, without having to haul around a mini Archive!
On a wider note, of course, the news is a lot more sobering, although just as 'exciting'. Foreign visitors from Cardia and the Undying Empire, who come with desires to add Arvum to their own domains. Strife and border wars among the provinces - which, let's be honest, isn't really uncommon. The Great Road just made it sort of easier for people who didn't like each other very much to get together and beat each other up more. Or gave some people an excuse to kill others they already didn't like, which happens...well, it happens a lot in the Compact. I've seen a lot of burned out villages in my time, and it wasn't all shavs. Mercenaries always find work, and there are a lot of borders out there that are, um, let's say 'in contention', between lands of the Compact as much as between the Compact and shavarvani. Rebellion is a bit new, but not terribly unexpected, I suppose, considering all the instability and, um, innovation of late. And the murder of a lot of Scholars - even noble Scholars! Although I guess technically it wasn't murder, but rather execution? I suppose? But they didn't get trials, even the peers, which is usually something that only happens with people who don't really matter.
I think later generations reading back on the journals of this era are going to see a lot of interesting things, but they're never going to understand how it feels to live them, especially when you're not at the center of events, but sort of on the outside of many of them, not understanding why, or how, or more importantly - what comes next?
I'm hoping for a giant party and trade agreements with EVERYONE. But I guess I need a back up plan, just in case that completely plausible outcome somehow fails to happen!
Written By Perronne
Jan. 11, 2019, 6:51 p.m.(5/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
No one ever really understands. I did not expect him to understand, but he does! It is a tremendous discovery, like if you spent your life chasing a pink duck - not because it was a magic duck, or proof of your rightful rule of the Kingdom of Duck, or anything like that, but like if it was just a duck that was pink and that was /fascinating/, but whenever you tried to explain to people why the duck was fascinating, you'd just get a lot of weird looks, and a suggestion that you'd be better off looking for fire-breathing horses instead, because at least fire-breathing horses are useful.
But Prince Laric understands the inherent fascinating qualities of pink ducks!
It's really pretty amazing.
But Prince Laric understands the inherent fascinating qualities of pink ducks!
It's really pretty amazing.
Written By Perronne
Jan. 9, 2019, 4:02 p.m.(5/1/1010 AR)
As an aside, for anyone who might consider reading this in the future:
After a war, or a series of wars, or other unpleasantness that kills a lot of people and turns some good farmland into churned up battlefields, and perfectly decent villages into ashy heaps, consider hiring someone with economic expertise to help you get back on your feet! Why, certainly, it is an investment, but an investment in your lands pays back dividends a hundred fold in security, tax revenue, and merchants not being afraid to come by and see what you might have to buy and sell!
If you are reading this while I am still alive, consider hiring me! If I am dead, do not hire me. I fear that I would not do a very good job under those circumstances.
After a war, or a series of wars, or other unpleasantness that kills a lot of people and turns some good farmland into churned up battlefields, and perfectly decent villages into ashy heaps, consider hiring someone with economic expertise to help you get back on your feet! Why, certainly, it is an investment, but an investment in your lands pays back dividends a hundred fold in security, tax revenue, and merchants not being afraid to come by and see what you might have to buy and sell!
If you are reading this while I am still alive, consider hiring me! If I am dead, do not hire me. I fear that I would not do a very good job under those circumstances.
Written By Perronne
Jan. 9, 2019, 3:30 p.m.(5/1/1010 AR)
Border wars are always exciting - where 'exciting' can usually be translated into both sides thinking that you are shifty and filled with spying (even though I like to think that I do not have the face of a spy! Or the skills of a spy. Or the training of a spy. Or the inclination to BE A SPY, but did anyone listen? Nooooo...worst trip ever.), but also both (or all) sides being willing to buy necessities from you at fabulous profits. The trick with a border war is, first, to be aware of three things for each power involved: the size of their army, how many of those were recently raised, and the time of year.
Early spring wars like these are very good for selling food products. Supplies and winter stockholds are strained, and grain stores SHOULD be being used for spring planting, when people aren't trampling your fields, trying to stab all your farmers. So, many commanders and nobility are looking for a fast source of food that won't turn your troops against you - and because it's a /border/ war, you can guarantee trade is cut off from at least one direction! So, you make an end run around the contested area, and ply your wares on the other side. Iron, leather, steel, and other war-adjacent goods move well...but be careful, because sometimes you'll just have your goods confiscated, instead. Raw material is often better than actual weapons and armor - a patrol is less likely to make use of that stuff, and doesn't have quite the same incentive to decide you are an enemy agent or spy! On the other hand, food that requires minimal cookery and stores well will sell fastest. Keep something preserved but fancy for the officers and nobles (I favor fruits preserved in a spice and honey syrup, but chocolate is also quite popular), but the bulk should be things that any quartermaster craves: rendered and concentrated fat, dried or otherwise reserved meat, pickles, bulk grains (better than flour, because it's more versatile in the cook pots), olive oil if you've been in the Lyceum recently, coffee. Of these, the fat and the oil have the best weight to profit ratio, but require some planning in advance, while arrangements can be made for most of the other goods while on your way to the warring lands. Size of the army both helps you plan how much you're likely to be able to move, AND how likely the army is to seize your goods without paying. Armies that are bigger than their lands can support are going to be hungry and angry, which is not a good combination for a merchant!
Another piece of advice - don't linger, don't pick a side. Sell what you need to sell, and then move on out of the territory. If you're not a local, the longer you stay, the more likely that you'll eventually get on someone's bad side - it might not even be about the war itself, but when your friends and family are fighting and dying, people get nervous and upset more easily! Also, when I say don't pick a side, I do mean don't pick a side. Don't smile and nod in a way that makes people THINK you're picking a side! That's one of the mistakes a new merchant often makes - they start being agreeable, which makes them partisan, and then they get sucked into the whole mess, and before they know it, they've become a quartermaster for a ragtag group of desperate soldiers in a skirmish against an overwhelming force. Then they either die or have songs written about them. Neither path is profitable! Simply express a wish for a swift and just end to the conflict, then change the subject - preferably to something that will make you actual money.
Merchanting in a war can get you a tidy windfall - or it can ruin you completely. Play at your own risk!
Early spring wars like these are very good for selling food products. Supplies and winter stockholds are strained, and grain stores SHOULD be being used for spring planting, when people aren't trampling your fields, trying to stab all your farmers. So, many commanders and nobility are looking for a fast source of food that won't turn your troops against you - and because it's a /border/ war, you can guarantee trade is cut off from at least one direction! So, you make an end run around the contested area, and ply your wares on the other side. Iron, leather, steel, and other war-adjacent goods move well...but be careful, because sometimes you'll just have your goods confiscated, instead. Raw material is often better than actual weapons and armor - a patrol is less likely to make use of that stuff, and doesn't have quite the same incentive to decide you are an enemy agent or spy! On the other hand, food that requires minimal cookery and stores well will sell fastest. Keep something preserved but fancy for the officers and nobles (I favor fruits preserved in a spice and honey syrup, but chocolate is also quite popular), but the bulk should be things that any quartermaster craves: rendered and concentrated fat, dried or otherwise reserved meat, pickles, bulk grains (better than flour, because it's more versatile in the cook pots), olive oil if you've been in the Lyceum recently, coffee. Of these, the fat and the oil have the best weight to profit ratio, but require some planning in advance, while arrangements can be made for most of the other goods while on your way to the warring lands. Size of the army both helps you plan how much you're likely to be able to move, AND how likely the army is to seize your goods without paying. Armies that are bigger than their lands can support are going to be hungry and angry, which is not a good combination for a merchant!
Another piece of advice - don't linger, don't pick a side. Sell what you need to sell, and then move on out of the territory. If you're not a local, the longer you stay, the more likely that you'll eventually get on someone's bad side - it might not even be about the war itself, but when your friends and family are fighting and dying, people get nervous and upset more easily! Also, when I say don't pick a side, I do mean don't pick a side. Don't smile and nod in a way that makes people THINK you're picking a side! That's one of the mistakes a new merchant often makes - they start being agreeable, which makes them partisan, and then they get sucked into the whole mess, and before they know it, they've become a quartermaster for a ragtag group of desperate soldiers in a skirmish against an overwhelming force. Then they either die or have songs written about them. Neither path is profitable! Simply express a wish for a swift and just end to the conflict, then change the subject - preferably to something that will make you actual money.
Merchanting in a war can get you a tidy windfall - or it can ruin you completely. Play at your own risk!
Written By Perronne
Dec. 30, 2018, 11:49 a.m.(4/8/1010 AR)
Oh, this is so exciting!
I mean, sure, potential invasion, ultimatums, and all of that. But just think - for the first time in, goodness, maybe forever! Foreign nations have contacted us in ways that aren't just 'sail mysteriously into port, off load goods, leave without saying goodbye'. That's progress!
Well. They're still doing the 'sail mysteriously into port' thing. But I hope that we could come to an accord with both of them - think of the business opportunities and the new markets for all three nations if regular trade could be established! Think of the new places to explore! It would be very exciting.
I am hoping for a moderate level of excitement, really. More excitement than 'they get bored and sail away', but less excitement than 'when we say no, they raze the Compact'. Somewhere in between would be nice, and helpful.
I mean, sure, potential invasion, ultimatums, and all of that. But just think - for the first time in, goodness, maybe forever! Foreign nations have contacted us in ways that aren't just 'sail mysteriously into port, off load goods, leave without saying goodbye'. That's progress!
Well. They're still doing the 'sail mysteriously into port' thing. But I hope that we could come to an accord with both of them - think of the business opportunities and the new markets for all three nations if regular trade could be established! Think of the new places to explore! It would be very exciting.
I am hoping for a moderate level of excitement, really. More excitement than 'they get bored and sail away', but less excitement than 'when we say no, they raze the Compact'. Somewhere in between would be nice, and helpful.
Written By Perronne
Dec. 18, 2018, 9:16 a.m.(3/12/1010 AR)
I don't understand.
The whole world is mourning. In places I've never seen, never knew existed, there is sadness and fear and loss and regret. I don't understand. This is too big for me to understand. But I feel your sorrow, and I weep for it. May the gods keep us all, in every far-flung corner of the world, and even into darkness.
I just wish I knew what I was crying for.
The whole world is mourning. In places I've never seen, never knew existed, there is sadness and fear and loss and regret. I don't understand. This is too big for me to understand. But I feel your sorrow, and I weep for it. May the gods keep us all, in every far-flung corner of the world, and even into darkness.
I just wish I knew what I was crying for.
Written By Perronne
Dec. 14, 2018, 4:54 p.m.(3/4/1010 AR)
It is good to be out and about again!
The cold has been such that I've mostly stayed in my cozy little flat except to take care of business. I'm kinda used to that, because it was what I did when I was traveling and could afford to - rent a place, do research, hole up. And before I could afford to do that, I'd usually find myself in some small village or town, hunting, ice fishing, or gathering what herbs were left in order to sell to get me through the winter. So it sort of comes naturally.
But I had to realize that, in Arx, I don't have to! I've got enough of a cushion that I don't have to spend all day working, and there are plenty of people around and things to do, and interact with. And the chances of getting run out of town for being an annoying outsider are considerably lower! We're all sort of outsiders here, if you look at it in a certain way.
So, I'm going to try and be better about the social thing, for sure. And I've got some new projects to work on! I'm very excited.
The cold has been such that I've mostly stayed in my cozy little flat except to take care of business. I'm kinda used to that, because it was what I did when I was traveling and could afford to - rent a place, do research, hole up. And before I could afford to do that, I'd usually find myself in some small village or town, hunting, ice fishing, or gathering what herbs were left in order to sell to get me through the winter. So it sort of comes naturally.
But I had to realize that, in Arx, I don't have to! I've got enough of a cushion that I don't have to spend all day working, and there are plenty of people around and things to do, and interact with. And the chances of getting run out of town for being an annoying outsider are considerably lower! We're all sort of outsiders here, if you look at it in a certain way.
So, I'm going to try and be better about the social thing, for sure. And I've got some new projects to work on! I'm very excited.
Written By Perronne
Dec. 13, 2018, 9:47 p.m.(3/3/1010 AR)
I had an interesting and pleasant conversation at the Traders' Tavern this evening. I met a mercenary named Ajax, and saw a very nice person named Acacia again. The conversation turned to various places, as it tends to, but I was reminded of an event that happened several months ago. I think I wrote about it at the time - there was a weird mass almost-kidnapping. It was interesting!
I wonder if anyone ever found out who those people were or where they came from? Or where they got their buckets and buckets of money. I think that would be an interesting question to ask! Maybe I should. Or answer it myself, I guess.
I wonder if anyone ever found out who those people were or where they came from? Or where they got their buckets and buckets of money. I think that would be an interesting question to ask! Maybe I should. Or answer it myself, I guess.
Written By Perronne
Dec. 8, 2018, 5:33 p.m.(2/20/1010 AR)
I seem to be running for a commoner's council! Huzzah! I am not certain how much actual running is involved - possibly quite a bit, since the upper and lower parts of the city have a lot of road between them, and it's all either uphill or downhill. But apparently people are going to have to vote for me. Not...not that they are required to vote for me, but that them voting for me is the only way for me to get this position. Which is a bit odd, but interesting! And fun! It's like a contest!
But I imagine people will want something more than 'vote for me, it's fun' as a platform or...explanation for why I'm running and what I can do. So. I run a successful business, and I've been over most of Arvum. I know how Arx depends on trade, on the safety of the roads, on both new visitors and longtime residents. I'm a dab hand with numbers, and hard to fool when it comes to getting my money's worth, and I think that's something that's pretty important when it comes to evaluating new initiatives and whether what people claim is going to help is likely to actually help. Nobody hates me, that I know of, and that's probably important when dealing with nobles. I've never been arrested for anything! Also important. And if the apocalypse happens, I can probably keep a good number of people alive in the war-torn wilderness!
So, if you're reading this, I guess vote for me!
But I imagine people will want something more than 'vote for me, it's fun' as a platform or...explanation for why I'm running and what I can do. So. I run a successful business, and I've been over most of Arvum. I know how Arx depends on trade, on the safety of the roads, on both new visitors and longtime residents. I'm a dab hand with numbers, and hard to fool when it comes to getting my money's worth, and I think that's something that's pretty important when it comes to evaluating new initiatives and whether what people claim is going to help is likely to actually help. Nobody hates me, that I know of, and that's probably important when dealing with nobles. I've never been arrested for anything! Also important. And if the apocalypse happens, I can probably keep a good number of people alive in the war-torn wilderness!
So, if you're reading this, I guess vote for me!
Written By Perronne
Dec. 8, 2018, 4:30 p.m.(2/20/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
I've never been a fan of quiet, myself. I had to be quiet a lot growing up, which was instructive but boring. Hmm. Actually, writing that reminds me of the exception. I love the quiet of the wilderness. It isn't silent, unless something bad is about to happen. But it's quiet in a warm, alive sort of way that makes you feel like all is right in the world. And then, sometimes it gets too much and you just have to whoop at the sky.
Also, there's nothing wrong with horny shapes!
Also, there's nothing wrong with horny shapes!
Written By Perronne
Dec. 7, 2018, 10:43 a.m.(2/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I hate to disagree with the clergy on anything, and especially with a Legate! But since this isn't really a matter of THEOLOGY, I think it's okay. I'm pretty sure you're allowed to disagree with priests on whether, say, apples are best when baked and rolled in spices (true!) or whether one should use a carrot for the horn of a snow unicorn (of course not - it's just too heavy! You should roll up and glue parchment into an appropriately horny shape). So I'm going to have to stand firm!
Always expect the impossible of yourself! Go not just for the gold, but for the platinum! But recognize that it won't happen all at once, so value each step closer, and when you fail, pick yourself up and hurl yourself back into the world, preferably while singing some sort of happy little tune. Even if you can't sing!
A creature's reach should exceed its grasp, or what is there left to strive for?
Always expect the impossible of yourself! Go not just for the gold, but for the platinum! But recognize that it won't happen all at once, so value each step closer, and when you fail, pick yourself up and hurl yourself back into the world, preferably while singing some sort of happy little tune. Even if you can't sing!
A creature's reach should exceed its grasp, or what is there left to strive for?
Written By Perronne
Nov. 23, 2018, 11:58 a.m.(1/17/1010 AR)
A lot of journals about the Shav'arvani, of late. I suppose that makes sense - I mean, a whole lot of people in the Compact have been killed by Abandoned in the last few years: the siege on Arx, the attack on Malestrom, the attacks on the South and the North, the pirates of Seraceni, the scouring of the County of Darkwater, the burning and poisoning of the land in the Crownlands...oh, and of course, the spies! A Prince of Valardin murdered and replaced with a traitorous shav, for years upon years. Not to mention the murder of most of the leadership of Valardin House! Which both those things together seem a bit like overkill on one House, to me, but I'm not a shav! I don't know how they think. Maybe they were really angry that Valardin generally does such a good job on keeping them out of our lands. I don't know.
I'm not a noble, or a priest, so I don't feel right talking on grand visions of right or wrong, or the way that the Compact should be governed. And I'm not really a warrior, either, although I'm grateful every day for the soldiers and knights that keep us safe. I'm a merchant! Which, in laymen's terms, means I'm a giant loot-and-blood filled sack for any bandit that comes along. I don't really care if the bandit is a good person when she's not cutting my throat, or taking everything I own, or taking everything I own and THEN cutting my throat. Maybe she loves her children, or has a tiny Abandoned kitten rescue back home. But it doesn't really matter when she's right here, cutting my throat. And I've been all over the Compact, wandered (carefully! quietly!) through many Abandoned lands, and I can say: they kill each other a lot. A whole, whole lot. I don't know if it's more than die in conflict with the Compact or not (conflict which, lately, has mostly been them invading us and killing a lot of farmers, soldiers, and common people!) because I don't have access to those numbers, and probably wouldn't want to count that many dead even if I did. And we of the Compact kill each other a whole lot, too, so I'm not saying we're better, or anything. Just not worse.
As a merchant, I would like peace, too! War may make for good business, but battlefields are very sad and gross, and dead people don't buy a lot. So I do genuinely pray to the Pantheon that, by the grace of the Gods and the strength and honor of our lords, one day the Compact will reclaim all its lost lands, and bring all the Shav'Arvani back into civilization! No more heresies, or small, angry tribes killing each other and cutting merchants' throats. That would be the best solution. And think of the open markets! I support every effort of the Houses and the Faith to restore and hold our lands from encroaching enemies, just as they have done for a thousand years.
I'm not a noble, or a priest, so I don't feel right talking on grand visions of right or wrong, or the way that the Compact should be governed. And I'm not really a warrior, either, although I'm grateful every day for the soldiers and knights that keep us safe. I'm a merchant! Which, in laymen's terms, means I'm a giant loot-and-blood filled sack for any bandit that comes along. I don't really care if the bandit is a good person when she's not cutting my throat, or taking everything I own, or taking everything I own and THEN cutting my throat. Maybe she loves her children, or has a tiny Abandoned kitten rescue back home. But it doesn't really matter when she's right here, cutting my throat. And I've been all over the Compact, wandered (carefully! quietly!) through many Abandoned lands, and I can say: they kill each other a lot. A whole, whole lot. I don't know if it's more than die in conflict with the Compact or not (conflict which, lately, has mostly been them invading us and killing a lot of farmers, soldiers, and common people!) because I don't have access to those numbers, and probably wouldn't want to count that many dead even if I did. And we of the Compact kill each other a whole lot, too, so I'm not saying we're better, or anything. Just not worse.
As a merchant, I would like peace, too! War may make for good business, but battlefields are very sad and gross, and dead people don't buy a lot. So I do genuinely pray to the Pantheon that, by the grace of the Gods and the strength and honor of our lords, one day the Compact will reclaim all its lost lands, and bring all the Shav'Arvani back into civilization! No more heresies, or small, angry tribes killing each other and cutting merchants' throats. That would be the best solution. And think of the open markets! I support every effort of the Houses and the Faith to restore and hold our lands from encroaching enemies, just as they have done for a thousand years.
Written By Perronne
Nov. 17, 2018, 8:40 a.m.(1/5/1010 AR)
I have a patron: the esteemed Grandmaster of the Knights of Solace, Dame Thena.
It is something of a peculiar sensation, for I have spent years working to prove that I could establish myself without needing the support of a social superior (no offense to said superiors). And I've done that, I think. I'm not the most important merchant in Arx, or the Compact, but I've become more than comfortable, and the Almanac was a great success. Dame Thena has also worked her way up from the bottom, and I can respect that, especially as she's chosen to do it in service to the gods, and risks her life regularly so that other people may survive and thrive. I like that! We're not very similar, in outlook or personality, but I think we shall do well together.
And we will do many exciting things! Which I'm very much looking forward to.
It is something of a peculiar sensation, for I have spent years working to prove that I could establish myself without needing the support of a social superior (no offense to said superiors). And I've done that, I think. I'm not the most important merchant in Arx, or the Compact, but I've become more than comfortable, and the Almanac was a great success. Dame Thena has also worked her way up from the bottom, and I can respect that, especially as she's chosen to do it in service to the gods, and risks her life regularly so that other people may survive and thrive. I like that! We're not very similar, in outlook or personality, but I think we shall do well together.
And we will do many exciting things! Which I'm very much looking forward to.
Written By Perronne
Nov. 16, 2018, 3:13 p.m.(1/3/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
Oh dear. I have heard that Sir Jordan died in the recent difficulties in the forest. I met him, and spoke to him several times when I first came to Arx. I can't say we were friends; he didn't have much of a sense of boundaries, and he put me in a position I really didn't want to be in. But I do believe his intentions were sincere, and that he wanted to help everyone he met. I hope he finds peace with the gods.
In my travels through the city for work, I've run across far too many casualty trains and funeral marches. May the end of the year bring with it the end of this conflict, and peace well earned!
In my travels through the city for work, I've run across far too many casualty trains and funeral marches. May the end of the year bring with it the end of this conflict, and peace well earned!
Written By Perronne
Nov. 15, 2018, 1:12 p.m.(1/1/1010 AR)
I have been taking a series of mini-trips, to gather new data for the next edition of the Merchant's Almanac. It's strange how much a road can change in just a few months or a couple of seasons. Floods, fires, landslides, or just the presence of bandits that makes one road fall fallow while another flourishes; there are a thousand reasons, and a thousand ways the roads can change.
It's very easy to get lost! Not that I did. I really like to think of it as having taken an unexpected scenic detour! I did not have a chance to visit home, but I've been thinking about that more often, these days, especially as the news comes back from whatever was going on in the Lodge. I'm rather glad that my traps didn't seem to have hurt anyone...and that I got paid in advance. Getting paid based on effectiveness would have put me in the hole. Just goes to show me that the battlefield is not my preferred area of expertise!
But now the snow has come, and it is piling up outside my window and in the alleyways, and although I always miss being on the roads, there's a certain appeal to being in front of a crackling fire, behind tightly drawn shutters, with hot soup in a trencher loaf, and not freezing my endbits off as I dug out or built a shelter against the cold.
It's very easy to get lost! Not that I did. I really like to think of it as having taken an unexpected scenic detour! I did not have a chance to visit home, but I've been thinking about that more often, these days, especially as the news comes back from whatever was going on in the Lodge. I'm rather glad that my traps didn't seem to have hurt anyone...and that I got paid in advance. Getting paid based on effectiveness would have put me in the hole. Just goes to show me that the battlefield is not my preferred area of expertise!
But now the snow has come, and it is piling up outside my window and in the alleyways, and although I always miss being on the roads, there's a certain appeal to being in front of a crackling fire, behind tightly drawn shutters, with hot soup in a trencher loaf, and not freezing my endbits off as I dug out or built a shelter against the cold.
Written By Perronne
Oct. 27, 2018, 3:19 p.m.(11/19/1009 AR)
Days like these, I miss my father, and hope that he's doing well back home. I get letters on occasion, and send them as well. And I send birthday gifts and the like. But I haven't been home in a decade, and it's kinda weird how I can only sort of remember his face. His eyes are brown, like mine, eyebrows much bushier, like great blond caterpillars stuck to his face. (Please, gods, let him never get to Arx and read this journal!) But other than that, the details are a little fuzzy. I remember his voice better, the strength of his hugs, the heavy weight of his stare when I messed up. I won't say I messed up a LOT, but there's a reason I remember it really well.
My mother is both easier and harder to remember. My half-siblings I barely know at all. Only the oldest, and we weren't encouraged to spend much time together. But I do still remember events with the family, especially in the fall. Harvest feasts, and local festivals put on jointly by the Church and my mother's family. I remember laughter, and getting a BIT tipsy on fermented cider. (It was very good cider! I don't think it's fair for it also to be that potent. Unfair!)
I don't even know why I'm writing this, really. I am just sitting in front of my hearth while the winds howl outside, and thinking about things! Many things!
My mother is both easier and harder to remember. My half-siblings I barely know at all. Only the oldest, and we weren't encouraged to spend much time together. But I do still remember events with the family, especially in the fall. Harvest feasts, and local festivals put on jointly by the Church and my mother's family. I remember laughter, and getting a BIT tipsy on fermented cider. (It was very good cider! I don't think it's fair for it also to be that potent. Unfair!)
I don't even know why I'm writing this, really. I am just sitting in front of my hearth while the winds howl outside, and thinking about things! Many things!
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