Written By Valdemar
March 14, 2019, 1:59 p.m.(9/26/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Archeron
I do not have a problem with violence, nor do I fear it. There are times when it is the best tool for the job at hand. Other times, it is not. What I would like to avoid here is a situation where it is not the best tool, but where we end up having to resort to it anyway. Just because I am a hammer does not make everything I see a nail.
Written By Valdemar
March 14, 2019, 9:38 a.m.(9/25/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Actually, you are wrong. I don't care what your answers to my questions are. I don't care what any individual thinks the answers to my questions are.
I was trying to point out that there is likely to be a cost in blood for this vision, a price that will overwhelmingly be paid by Mourning Islanders who have never broken any other law. By Mourning Islanders who have kept their oaths so far, and who have fought and bled for the Compact the same as people from any other fealty. Not cultists, not servants of some foreign power. Now if you believe that cost to be worth it, that is a different argument that I am not going to have here, as that question has already been decided. Sometimes the cost must be paid.
However, attitudes like yours, if held by too many, will make this harder than it needs to be when those who survive must continue to live in the Compact. Refusing to respect the price that has to be paid will draw out the fighting and make it worse, further damaging the unity that I hear so many touting. So think what you want, but if unity is really that important to you, perhaps consider your words a little more carefully.
I was trying to point out that there is likely to be a cost in blood for this vision, a price that will overwhelmingly be paid by Mourning Islanders who have never broken any other law. By Mourning Islanders who have kept their oaths so far, and who have fought and bled for the Compact the same as people from any other fealty. Not cultists, not servants of some foreign power. Now if you believe that cost to be worth it, that is a different argument that I am not going to have here, as that question has already been decided. Sometimes the cost must be paid.
However, attitudes like yours, if held by too many, will make this harder than it needs to be when those who survive must continue to live in the Compact. Refusing to respect the price that has to be paid will draw out the fighting and make it worse, further damaging the unity that I hear so many touting. So think what you want, but if unity is really that important to you, perhaps consider your words a little more carefully.
Written By Valdemar
March 13, 2019, 6:14 p.m.(9/24/1010 AR)
I have been struggling with what to say about my High Lord's recent decision, as I see everyone celebrating all around me. The first thing that must be made clear, however, is that house Grimhall will comply with his proclamation, will hold to its oaths of fealty. We will do our duty.
However, I do not celebrate with the rest of the Compact. The abolishment of thralldom will anger many, and perhaps push them to rebellion, leaving those of us who rule over domains in the Mourning Isles in the position of considering the use of force against our civilians. So while you cheer, understand exactly what you are cheering for. Not just what you see as the good that will come from it, but all of it. You are cheering the likely slaughter of those who feel cornered, who are seeing their way of life stripped away from them one tradition at a time. If you deem the cost worth it, fine. You are entitled to that opinion. But if you actually believe in the unity of the Compact, how can you cheer for the death of my people? People who have been a part of that Compact for centuries, who have been sacrificed by that Compact for the safety and security of others at least once in the past few years alone?
However, I do not celebrate with the rest of the Compact. The abolishment of thralldom will anger many, and perhaps push them to rebellion, leaving those of us who rule over domains in the Mourning Isles in the position of considering the use of force against our civilians. So while you cheer, understand exactly what you are cheering for. Not just what you see as the good that will come from it, but all of it. You are cheering the likely slaughter of those who feel cornered, who are seeing their way of life stripped away from them one tradition at a time. If you deem the cost worth it, fine. You are entitled to that opinion. But if you actually believe in the unity of the Compact, how can you cheer for the death of my people? People who have been a part of that Compact for centuries, who have been sacrificed by that Compact for the safety and security of others at least once in the past few years alone?
Written By Valdemar
Feb. 21, 2019, 10:56 p.m.(8/13/1010 AR)
Tonight I witnessed a beautiful piece of artwork in the tapestry that was unveiled at Legate Ailith's sermon. And while I understood the point of it, and of her call to renew oaths, I am still waiting to see if the Compact is worthy of the effort and detail that went into its creation.
Written By Valdemar
Feb. 21, 2019, 9:09 a.m.(8/11/1010 AR)
My thanks to everyone who recently went with my wife and I on our recent tour of Grihem's Point, and in particular to my cousin Sanya Grimhall for organizing the trip. It went even better than expected, though the time we spent among them also reaffirmed what I know of my people. There are challenging times ahead, but we will face them head-on, whatever comes, standing firm on the foundation of our traditions.
Fear is the guardian of hate
Fear is the guardian of hate
Written By Valdemar
Feb. 8, 2019, 5:28 p.m.(7/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
The thought is appreciated. Maybe if everyone else living in the Compact, every single adult commoner and noble alike, were willing to give of themselves in the same way, then perhaps the civil war and chaos that accepting Brass' offer will mean in my homeland could be averted. Maybe. Keep in mind that, in spite of the great generosity of the mainland houses of the Compact, Stormward still suffered for a time before matters were settled. And that was only a single march, without any of its vassal houses joining it.
Despite all of that, I do want to thank you for your support when many seem to be of the opinion that we deserve whatever befalls us if the Compact gives in to Brass' demands.
Despite all of that, I do want to thank you for your support when many seem to be of the opinion that we deserve whatever befalls us if the Compact gives in to Brass' demands.
Written By Valdemar
Feb. 5, 2019, 7:21 p.m.(7/8/1010 AR)
I begin to wonder if it is possible to choke to death on self-righteousness.
Written By Valdemar
Feb. 4, 2019, 6:29 p.m.(7/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
If you truly believe that thralldom is not slowing down in the face of recent reforms, you are hopelessly disconnected from reality. But then, I understand this is a problem with zealots.
Written By Valdemar
Feb. 3, 2019, 1:59 p.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
When the Gyre's fleet was advancing on Arvum and the Compact's defenses were being planned, the target that was in the Isles, Darkwater, was left out of that planning. It was left defenseless, and as a result, was wiped out. It was sacrificed for the security of the rest of the Compact.
Now again, there are those who would see the Isles sacrificed. All of us, this time, because make no mistake about it: if Brass' demands are met, the Mourning Isles will fall into civil war and chaos. For years. While the rest of you are trying to fight against whichever Herald or other Abyssal threat is attacking you, we will be unable to contribute. Anyone pushing us to "do the hard thing" has no comprehension of just how hard it will be, for us or, in the long-term, for the rest of the Compact.
The argument over whether thralldom is right or wrong aside, the timing of it, of trying to remove it immediately, is just wrong. You don't risk the sort of chaos that such a move will, without question, cause while you are facing growing threats. Trying it during a time of relative peace would be tricky enough.
Now again, there are those who would see the Isles sacrificed. All of us, this time, because make no mistake about it: if Brass' demands are met, the Mourning Isles will fall into civil war and chaos. For years. While the rest of you are trying to fight against whichever Herald or other Abyssal threat is attacking you, we will be unable to contribute. Anyone pushing us to "do the hard thing" has no comprehension of just how hard it will be, for us or, in the long-term, for the rest of the Compact.
The argument over whether thralldom is right or wrong aside, the timing of it, of trying to remove it immediately, is just wrong. You don't risk the sort of chaos that such a move will, without question, cause while you are facing growing threats. Trying it during a time of relative peace would be tricky enough.
Written By Valdemar
Jan. 27, 2019, 9:17 p.m.(6/18/1010 AR)
It is my hope that, as the time for the Crown's decision to be made approaches, that the consequences of Brass' idealism are taken into consideration. Because though the Mourning Isles will pay the price sooner than the rest of the Compact, you can rest assured that the rest of Arvum will feel it as well. While we are dealing with rebellion, with the chaos of criminals suddenly set free, with all the other problems that can so easily be written off by outsiders as "atonement" for our participation in thralldom, the Compact will be at four-fifths of its strength against any threats that rise against them. This is not me making threats, though, make no mistake. These consequences will not be something that I, or any other lord of the Mourning Isles, intends or desires. It will simply be what happens, a case of cause and effect.
Written By Valdemar
Jan. 19, 2019, 1:09 a.m.(5/21/1010 AR)
I believe we should be wary of anyone making demands of us, even if the demands themselves seem benevolent enough. One demand can easily lead to another once you give in.
Written By Valdemar
Jan. 17, 2019, 10:58 a.m.(5/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
On this day, May 18, 1010, I and my wife, Duchess Vanora Grimhall, are pleased to name Baron Edward Stormbreak of Whitefrost as Salt Father to our son, Lord Harald Grimhall II.
Written By Valdemar
Dec. 28, 2018, 7:35 p.m.(4/5/1010 AR)
Boys,
There comes a day when we must all face our end, and different people, different cultures, have different approaches to it. Different ideas on what it means to die without shame. My own are very traditional to the Mourning Isles, where our warriors seek a good death. That is not to say that we want to die needlessly or soon. There will always be enemies to fight, however, and there is no worthier way to meet your end than with a weapon in hand, facing them down as your grandfather did in defense of the Lodge of Petrichor. While I pray that I will get plenty of time to raise you and teach you, when my end does come, I also pray that it will be in defense of our people, our family, our way of life. If it does, rejoice for me as I did for my father when he found his good death.
There comes a day when we must all face our end, and different people, different cultures, have different approaches to it. Different ideas on what it means to die without shame. My own are very traditional to the Mourning Isles, where our warriors seek a good death. That is not to say that we want to die needlessly or soon. There will always be enemies to fight, however, and there is no worthier way to meet your end than with a weapon in hand, facing them down as your grandfather did in defense of the Lodge of Petrichor. While I pray that I will get plenty of time to raise you and teach you, when my end does come, I also pray that it will be in defense of our people, our family, our way of life. If it does, rejoice for me as I did for my father when he found his good death.
Written By Valdemar
Dec. 25, 2018, 8:17 p.m.(3/27/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
Whatever has been in the air recently, our marriage stands strong. Such partnerships are not always easy, but if you have a worthy partner and a marriage rooted in more than just emotion, it will endure.
Written By Valdemar
Dec. 4, 2018, 1:53 p.m.(2/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
I am blessed that my father had the foresight to suggest the match with my wife, and the tenacity to see the arrangement through. Without Vanora at my side, the recent loss and turmoil would have been much more difficult to bear. I'd have found a way to press on, but she has been just what house Grimhall, and I, needed in troubled times, easing our way forward. I have no regrets my dear, and I know that you will continue to support me and our family, as we will you.
Written By Valdemar
Nov. 16, 2018, 9:12 a.m.(1/3/1010 AR)
Rather than speaking ill of the recently departed and hiding it behind long-winded "honesty", people might consider examining their own ships for leaks. Perhaps it will not net you the same amount of attention, but in the long run, you will be better for it.
Written By Valdemar
Nov. 14, 2018, 1:02 p.m.(12/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
My father is dead. I've said those words many times since it happened, and now even writing them down, it doesn't quite seem real in spite of the fact that I was there when he fell. I was always fairly sure that he would outlast me. He was like a mountain, not only in that he was a tall man, but that there was a sense of permanence to him. No matter what else was changing around him, there he was, staring those changes down, challenging their worthiness. Every time I step into the Great Grim Hall of our longhouse, I still expect to see him in his place at the head of that table. When I don't, the shock of his loss comes flooding back, and I cannot help but wonder how long it will take before this new reality sets in and feels as solid as he was.
Written By Valdemar
Oct. 17, 2018, 6:22 p.m.(10/18/1009 AR)
Once more, there have been changes that make an update of my will a good idea, so this one will take precedence of those that have come before:
All of my writs, as well as the cobalt axe in my possession, should go to house Grimhall, to be used as the head of that house sees fit.
My silver and all possessions not otherwise mentioned elsewhere in this journal entry should go to Lady Vanora Grimhall, whom I love with all of my heart.
Blood Reaver, my rubicund axe, should be set aside in the care of Lady Vanora Grimhall, to be given to my heir Arken Grimhall when he is of an appropriate age to begin weapon training.
My rubicund armor should be set aside in the care of Lady Vanora Grimhall, to be given to our child Antony Grimhall when he is of an appropriate age to begin weapon training.
The bronze dagger I keep in my belt should go to my brother Ingvar.
The pendant I wear should go to my sister Ingrid.
Care of my children, including my heir Arkyn Grimhall, is entrusted to their regent Lady Vanora Grimhall.
Finally, my black journal entries should be released only to my children, when each turns fourteen years of age so that they can better know the sort of man their father was. Otherwise, my black journal entries should remain sealed.
All of my writs, as well as the cobalt axe in my possession, should go to house Grimhall, to be used as the head of that house sees fit.
My silver and all possessions not otherwise mentioned elsewhere in this journal entry should go to Lady Vanora Grimhall, whom I love with all of my heart.
Blood Reaver, my rubicund axe, should be set aside in the care of Lady Vanora Grimhall, to be given to my heir Arken Grimhall when he is of an appropriate age to begin weapon training.
My rubicund armor should be set aside in the care of Lady Vanora Grimhall, to be given to our child Antony Grimhall when he is of an appropriate age to begin weapon training.
The bronze dagger I keep in my belt should go to my brother Ingvar.
The pendant I wear should go to my sister Ingrid.
Care of my children, including my heir Arkyn Grimhall, is entrusted to their regent Lady Vanora Grimhall.
Finally, my black journal entries should be released only to my children, when each turns fourteen years of age so that they can better know the sort of man their father was. Otherwise, my black journal entries should remain sealed.
Written By Valdemar
Oct. 14, 2018, 3 p.m.(10/12/1009 AR)
If someone makes a bet with money they don't have, is it the responsibility of those who do have money to pay on their behalf?
Written By Valdemar
Sept. 15, 2018, 1:21 a.m.(8/9/1009 AR)
Sons,
When you get older, you will hear people speaking of respect. Of how they respect someone in particular, or deserve respect themselves. It is an important concept, and I want to be sure you understand what it means. At its core, the word means to hold someone in esteem, to honor them. You will decide for yourself, when you are old enough, why yours should be deserved and why it should be lost. However, you will find that this does not mean as much to some as it sounds. You see, respect should be abiding, able to last through differences in opinion. It shouldn't be dependent on that person acting in the way you want, because eventually, everyone you know will do something you do not agree with. If your esteem wavers just because they do, you will find yourself with a distinct lack of friends and allies.
When you get older, you will hear people speaking of respect. Of how they respect someone in particular, or deserve respect themselves. It is an important concept, and I want to be sure you understand what it means. At its core, the word means to hold someone in esteem, to honor them. You will decide for yourself, when you are old enough, why yours should be deserved and why it should be lost. However, you will find that this does not mean as much to some as it sounds. You see, respect should be abiding, able to last through differences in opinion. It shouldn't be dependent on that person acting in the way you want, because eventually, everyone you know will do something you do not agree with. If your esteem wavers just because they do, you will find yourself with a distinct lack of friends and allies.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.