Written By Corban
Dec. 27, 2018, 2:14 p.m.(4/3/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
I could not be prouder of Princess Sorrel's work on the Metallic Cycle. They are not just brilliant tales of heroes past, but also a promise kept. The Silver Swords will do our part at drill each morning, running in cadence to the beat of her songs.
As Arx endures, we will remember.
As Arx endures, we will remember.
Written By Corban
Dec. 13, 2018, 8:41 a.m.(3/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Solange
I am delighted that the King's Own will be offering its unique brand of sledding training to the public, under the skilled organization and direction of Whisper Solange. We are fortunate to have the Whispers as our aides in these endeavors, for while we are quite good at protecting the King and smashing enemies, we are quite rubbish at planning gatherings.
And that is why Whisper House exists; to bring expertise that many do not have. I cannot recommend them more highly.
I am excited, too, for the event, for I am certain that eager knights seeking our attention will be among the sledders. Our recruitment continues, and we will be paying close attention to those who show particular aptitude.
And that is why Whisper House exists; to bring expertise that many do not have. I cannot recommend them more highly.
I am excited, too, for the event, for I am certain that eager knights seeking our attention will be among the sledders. Our recruitment continues, and we will be paying close attention to those who show particular aptitude.
Written By Corban
Dec. 11, 2018, 3:11 p.m.(2/26/1010 AR)
The Hundred this morning enjoyed drills of sledding, by order of the Lord Commander.
Yes, sledding.
But although some might think it a frivolous diversion, moving up the hill with the sleds in this weather was as hard a workout as any other we do.
Yes, sledding.
But although some might think it a frivolous diversion, moving up the hill with the sleds in this weather was as hard a workout as any other we do.
Written By Corban
Dec. 5, 2018, 8:18 a.m.(2/13/1010 AR)
I commit here for History the official report on the engagements near the Lodge of Petrichor that I delivered at the Assembly of Peers last evening.
* * *
The bottom line is this: The enemy was repulsed at all fronts, and the Lodge of Petrichor remains standing and strong. This report summarizes the engagements and is necessarily limited by the place of its presentation. It is also necessarily an overview, unable to fully encompass the bravery and skill displayed by those involved.
It is worth-while to make clear that we were defending not just the Lodge. We also protected a grove of trees to the northwest, important to the Spirit Walkers; a set of burrows northeast of the Lodge; an old stone watch tower east of the Lodge; a series of caves north-northwest of the Lodge; and a protected pasturage just south of the Lodge.
The engagement began at the Burrows, where the Crimson Blades and and King’s Own both defended the warrens and rode patrols against nearby cultists waiting in ambush. Although the Blades suffered serious casualties, and some among the King’s Own were wounded, the area remained defended. We are thankful, too, for our siblings in arms who call the Burrows home for their assistance and mourn their losses.
The attack then moved to the northern Grove, where the Redrain and Spirit Walkers held the watch. We are told that animals of the forest -- diseased by contacted with the so-called Horned God -- attacked with great ferocity. And there were cultists and other followers of the Traitor who engaged the Redrain and Spirit Walker forces. Although there were losses there, especially among the shamans, the Faith reports that there is Sanctuary at the Grove at last.
There were also attacks near the stone watch tower and the Lodge itself, where the combined might of the Thrax, the Graysons, and the Faith Militant held the line. We remember particularly the loss of six hundred Templars and Knights of Solace in a single engagement. But they did their duty, and they allowed the Lodge to continue to stand.
We remember also the brave Valardian calvary, assisted by the Redrain, that held the pasture, and the Mirrorguard and the Explorers that cleared the caves of the cultist influence.
In the end, the highest leaders of the Horned God’s heretical cult were eliminated and the forces appeared to fracture. Our losses were great. But we have kept the enemy from capturing the Lodge and drawing upon its power and location close to Arx. Once more, the Unity of the Compact has allowed us to remain strong.
* * *
The bottom line is this: The enemy was repulsed at all fronts, and the Lodge of Petrichor remains standing and strong. This report summarizes the engagements and is necessarily limited by the place of its presentation. It is also necessarily an overview, unable to fully encompass the bravery and skill displayed by those involved.
It is worth-while to make clear that we were defending not just the Lodge. We also protected a grove of trees to the northwest, important to the Spirit Walkers; a set of burrows northeast of the Lodge; an old stone watch tower east of the Lodge; a series of caves north-northwest of the Lodge; and a protected pasturage just south of the Lodge.
The engagement began at the Burrows, where the Crimson Blades and and King’s Own both defended the warrens and rode patrols against nearby cultists waiting in ambush. Although the Blades suffered serious casualties, and some among the King’s Own were wounded, the area remained defended. We are thankful, too, for our siblings in arms who call the Burrows home for their assistance and mourn their losses.
The attack then moved to the northern Grove, where the Redrain and Spirit Walkers held the watch. We are told that animals of the forest -- diseased by contacted with the so-called Horned God -- attacked with great ferocity. And there were cultists and other followers of the Traitor who engaged the Redrain and Spirit Walker forces. Although there were losses there, especially among the shamans, the Faith reports that there is Sanctuary at the Grove at last.
There were also attacks near the stone watch tower and the Lodge itself, where the combined might of the Thrax, the Graysons, and the Faith Militant held the line. We remember particularly the loss of six hundred Templars and Knights of Solace in a single engagement. But they did their duty, and they allowed the Lodge to continue to stand.
We remember also the brave Valardian calvary, assisted by the Redrain, that held the pasture, and the Mirrorguard and the Explorers that cleared the caves of the cultist influence.
In the end, the highest leaders of the Horned God’s heretical cult were eliminated and the forces appeared to fracture. Our losses were great. But we have kept the enemy from capturing the Lodge and drawing upon its power and location close to Arx. Once more, the Unity of the Compact has allowed us to remain strong.
Written By Corban
Dec. 4, 2018, 3:48 p.m.(2/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Simone
I could not be prouder of my cousin, Marquessa Simone, whom the Faith holds in such high regard. Many believed she sacrificed much to join the Greenmarchers and to bring peace between the Telmarch and the Greenhaven. But the truth is that she has worked since that day in the way I have long known her to: To bring peace, build bridges, and further the gods' virtues on Aion. Time and again, she has given of her personal time and resources to further good works on behalf of the Faith.
Marquessa Simone is thus proof that one need not be a disciple or godsworn to do right by the gods. Each of us can venerate them in our works and ways in our lives. The favor she has received is well-earned and well-deserved. But most of all, I know she did it and would do it again, even if no rise in her esteem was her reward.
Marquessa Simone is thus proof that one need not be a disciple or godsworn to do right by the gods. Each of us can venerate them in our works and ways in our lives. The favor she has received is well-earned and well-deserved. But most of all, I know she did it and would do it again, even if no rise in her esteem was her reward.
Written By Corban
Dec. 3, 2018, 8:43 p.m.(2/10/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleanor
With the Hundred now temporarily down to Ninety-Nine, the search for the next Silver Sword begins. Already, I have received letters from this commander or that, saying that I "might want to take a look at" some knight or soldier. Tales of heroism from Setarco, Stormwall, and the Lodge are mentioned. Some, no doubt, are exaggerated. Others are truthful. But the King's Own is not just about deeds, but also character and determination.
We face much. Those who stand with us must be ready for any danger.
The Lord Commander and I have our work cut out for us.
We face much. Those who stand with us must be ready for any danger.
The Lord Commander and I have our work cut out for us.
Written By Corban
Nov. 30, 2018, 8:54 a.m.(2/3/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I am thankful for Grandmaster Thena for her willingness to take in the two hundred knights from the Tribe of the Old Ways that the pilgrimage I led back to the City. Like all knights of the Compact, they converted to the Faith of the Pantheon and took the traditional oaths handed down from one generation to another since the first knights in the ancient City of Caer'alfar. Those oaths include the pledge to defend the gods and their church, protecting the Faith of the Pantheon. I am confident that, with training and mentorship, they will make fine additions to the Knights of Solace, either as godsworn or disciples.
This significant addition to the ranks of the Knights of Solace was -- as many great endeavors -- a group effort. I am grateful to Korka Glynn, who led the initial scouting mission that located the Tribe of the Old Ways. I am grateful to my cousin, Marquessa Simone Greenmarch, who assisted with both the scouting party and the diplomatic mission afterwards. Also helping with the pilgrimage were Legate Aureth Grayhope, who brought the Faith to the Tribe, Princess Sorrel Thrax, who helped me model the knightly virtues, and Amanda Whisper, who modeled the courtly grace of the Compact.
I am grateful, too, for all of the organizations and Houses that have pledged their support for these knights' integration. I have given what I can and will continue in their training and mentorship. I hope others will do the same.
This significant addition to the ranks of the Knights of Solace was -- as many great endeavors -- a group effort. I am grateful to Korka Glynn, who led the initial scouting mission that located the Tribe of the Old Ways. I am grateful to my cousin, Marquessa Simone Greenmarch, who assisted with both the scouting party and the diplomatic mission afterwards. Also helping with the pilgrimage were Legate Aureth Grayhope, who brought the Faith to the Tribe, Princess Sorrel Thrax, who helped me model the knightly virtues, and Amanda Whisper, who modeled the courtly grace of the Compact.
I am grateful, too, for all of the organizations and Houses that have pledged their support for these knights' integration. I have given what I can and will continue in their training and mentorship. I hope others will do the same.
Written By Corban
Nov. 26, 2018, 8:33 a.m.(1/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Paloma
One pleasure in being the First Captain is that sometimes the Lord Commander assigns you the duty of being the bearer of good news.
I had that joy recently in extending to Dame Paloma her promotion to Knight-Sergeant. She fought bravely and well near the Burrows and has made significant contributions to the Order's special projects.
May she serve well in her new role.
I had that joy recently in extending to Dame Paloma her promotion to Knight-Sergeant. She fought bravely and well near the Burrows and has made significant contributions to the Order's special projects.
May she serve well in her new role.
Written By Corban
Nov. 19, 2018, 8:32 a.m.(1/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Lilia
How glad I am that my cousin, Lady Lilia, has rejoined us in the Capital. Although she may not formally be family any longer and though I may no longer live at the Telmar Tower, her presence in the City makes my life brighter. I am glad that my cousins and brothers alike are here, so that we might enjoy each other's support and company and fellowship.
Welcome, Lilia. You will soon be consumed with duties and other matters. But for now, I am glad I was one of the first to welcome you and take tea and cookies together.
Welcome, Lilia. You will soon be consumed with duties and other matters. But for now, I am glad I was one of the first to welcome you and take tea and cookies together.
Written By Corban
Nov. 19, 2018, 8:25 a.m.(1/9/1010 AR)
"She thanked Death for granting her the time that had been given to her, and hoped that her offerings had pleased Her. She thanked Death for what was to come, and said whether it was her enemies on her blade, or her own soul returning to the wheel, that she hoped it was a gift worthy of the Queen of Endings. She said though her own name may be lost forever, and her deeds go unrecorded, and she might die unknown, unmourned, and unremembered, that she still thanked the gods for the chance to live as a knight and to die as one, and she asked for nothing to be changed in that regard."
* * *
I have been thinking about this passage (which I have slightly edited for this forum) these past days. Many have written moving remembrances of individual soldiers and others who fell in the defense of the Lodge. But my thoughts lie with the six hundred Templars and Knights of Solace -- godsworn and disciples alike -- who fell. Their names may be quickly forgotten, recorded in the journals of their Orders and in condolence letters to families, but little mentioned after. They may have few journals recording their deeds and lives, because many that serve the Faith come from the ranks of orphans and others whose only families may have been the sisters and brothers that fell alongside them.
I will not call them heroes. Instead I will pay them a higher compliment: They did their duty. They faced unspeakable horrors and though they were but Children of Skald, they did not break. They did not run. They stood. They fought. And they died.
I thank the Queen for the privilege of letting them live and die as knights and in service of the gods. I hope their sacrifices pleased Her and their courage pleased Gloria. And I pray for their everlasting repose until the Queen decides it is time for their return.
* * *
I have been thinking about this passage (which I have slightly edited for this forum) these past days. Many have written moving remembrances of individual soldiers and others who fell in the defense of the Lodge. But my thoughts lie with the six hundred Templars and Knights of Solace -- godsworn and disciples alike -- who fell. Their names may be quickly forgotten, recorded in the journals of their Orders and in condolence letters to families, but little mentioned after. They may have few journals recording their deeds and lives, because many that serve the Faith come from the ranks of orphans and others whose only families may have been the sisters and brothers that fell alongside them.
I will not call them heroes. Instead I will pay them a higher compliment: They did their duty. They faced unspeakable horrors and though they were but Children of Skald, they did not break. They did not run. They stood. They fought. And they died.
I thank the Queen for the privilege of letting them live and die as knights and in service of the gods. I hope their sacrifices pleased Her and their courage pleased Gloria. And I pray for their everlasting repose until the Queen decides it is time for their return.
Written By Corban
Nov. 17, 2018, 9:15 a.m.(1/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Solange
Whisper Solange is to be commended for her first event at the Whisper House. I at first felt awkward for I did not consider myself a lonely heart, but she immediately put me (and us all) at ease. The game was fun and the conversation free-flowing.
Whisper Solange is an asset to her House.
Whisper Solange is an asset to her House.
Written By Corban
Nov. 12, 2018, 11:08 a.m.(12/23/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleanor
It is an unspeakable honor to take up the mantle of First Captain of the King's Own.
I hope only to live up to the trust that the Lord Commander has placed in me and to lead the Hundred with honor. They do their duties without complaint or dereliction every day. My only choice is to do the same.
I hope only to live up to the trust that the Lord Commander has placed in me and to lead the Hundred with honor. They do their duties without complaint or dereliction every day. My only choice is to do the same.
Written By Corban
Nov. 9, 2018, 9:12 a.m.(12/17/1009 AR)
I have submitted my after-action report to the appropriate authorities, and I will leave a copy of it in my private reflections. But I wish to publicly recognize the courage and strength of those that I took patrol with.
The Lord Commander, Dame Paloma, and Goodwoman Mae all fought with bravery, skill, and wisdom, each sacrificing themselves to protect others at varying points in the pitched fray. We were outnumbered over four-to-one and it was only through our teamwork, strength, and force of will that we defeated the enemy. I wish to recognize as well Princess Ophelia Velenosa. Her precise shots with her bow disrupted the ambush set to attack us and likely saved many lives.
Our work gave strength our allies. I thank Gloria for allowing us to do our duty and Petrichor for protecting our friends. I simply hope it -- in combination with all the other brave fighters near the Lodge -- is enough.
The Lord Commander, Dame Paloma, and Goodwoman Mae all fought with bravery, skill, and wisdom, each sacrificing themselves to protect others at varying points in the pitched fray. We were outnumbered over four-to-one and it was only through our teamwork, strength, and force of will that we defeated the enemy. I wish to recognize as well Princess Ophelia Velenosa. Her precise shots with her bow disrupted the ambush set to attack us and likely saved many lives.
Our work gave strength our allies. I thank Gloria for allowing us to do our duty and Petrichor for protecting our friends. I simply hope it -- in combination with all the other brave fighters near the Lodge -- is enough.
Written By Corban
Nov. 6, 2018, 9:23 a.m.(12/11/1009 AR)
I am not a priest, nor am I a scholar.
But I have been meditating on the nature of knowledge and the past lately. There are those who search for knowledge to simply know things, because they are curious about what has come before. And perhaps, for some Scholars, knowledge for its own sake is worthwhile.
I have come to a different view. In searching the past, I prepare for the future. Even when Vellichor gave his great injunction -- that the most-studious among us should take a sacred vow to forever guard the knowledge of the world -- he did so in revealing secrets that allowed humanity to prevail in the Reckoning.
I hope to follow that pragmatic path in the future.
But I have been meditating on the nature of knowledge and the past lately. There are those who search for knowledge to simply know things, because they are curious about what has come before. And perhaps, for some Scholars, knowledge for its own sake is worthwhile.
I have come to a different view. In searching the past, I prepare for the future. Even when Vellichor gave his great injunction -- that the most-studious among us should take a sacred vow to forever guard the knowledge of the world -- he did so in revealing secrets that allowed humanity to prevail in the Reckoning.
I hope to follow that pragmatic path in the future.
Written By Corban
Oct. 22, 2018, 10:16 p.m.(11/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Tovell
I am pleased that I have found the most-perfect use for the voucher for a diamondplate weapon that I won at Ansel and Isabeau's wedding reception.
I have given it to my brother, Tovell. I have a diamondplate weapon. And so I pray he will have made a creation that is personally meaningful to him and that will serve him well in battle. Coming from Dame Ida, I know it will be both.
I have given it to my brother, Tovell. I have a diamondplate weapon. And so I pray he will have made a creation that is personally meaningful to him and that will serve him well in battle. Coming from Dame Ida, I know it will be both.
Written By Corban
Oct. 15, 2018, 9:08 a.m.(10/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Isabeau
It was a joy to welcome (now) Lady Isabeau to my former family, and fitting to participate in a run of The Gauntlet to mark the occasion. As it turns out, I turned in the top score and was richly rewarded with a voucher for a diamondplate weapon crafted by the incomparable Dame Ida Ferron.
I am pleased to say that I believe I have an excellent use for the voucher and that I look forward to seeing what she creates.
I am pleased to say that I believe I have an excellent use for the voucher and that I look forward to seeing what she creates.
Written By Corban
Oct. 6, 2018, 12:41 p.m.(9/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Macda
I had the great pleasure of swapping stories with Princess Macda Grayson. The history of Arx and those that sacrificed to keep it a refuge for humanity is something we have vowed to remember.
Person by person, the work is carried out.
Person by person, the work is carried out.
Written By Corban
Sept. 27, 2018, 8:18 a.m.(9/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Simone
Time spent with my cousin Simone is always time well spent. With Simone as Marquessa and Voice of Greenmarch and me as an officer in the Silver Swords, our duties often keep us from seeing each other as much as we would like. But we are a good team together, and I owe her much for her support of my ongoing projects.
Greenmarch is fortunate to have a lady like Simone to lead them. And I am lucky to call her my family.
Greenmarch is fortunate to have a lady like Simone to lead them. And I am lucky to call her my family.
Written By Corban
Sept. 25, 2018, 12:51 p.m.(9/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I cannot speak to the doctrine of Tehom and the Mirrormasks' proper remit. But I am an officer of the Silver Swords, and I have written at length on the knightly virtues. I therefore believe myself qualified to at least offer a few words on chivalry.
I see no conflict between chivalry and questioning. The chivalrous are guided not solely by obedience, but by righteousness. To pursue the right requires questioning, for it requires the knight to judge her actions against the good, not just one's orders. Nor is chivalry an obstacle to considering a matter from each angle. I am a Knight Lieutenant. But each one of the hundred Silver Swords has not just the right, but the duty, to carefully examine my plans and to raise a question or concern if a material flaw is identified.
Of course, the chivalrous must keep their oaths and it is generally right to obey one's superiors. Thus, when a decision is taken, the chivalrous must carry the order out to the best of their ability, even if they were previously opposed. The role of Tehom's advocate is ill taken when it extends beyond planning and infects the time for action.
But even then.
Our history is dotted with instances where those who I believe were true to chivalry defied orders in pursuit of the right and protection of innocent. The paladins at Eastguard, who refused to withdraw to Arx so that they might protect the refugees fleeing from the coast. The Paladins of the Wood and the knights that rode with them -- and became oathbreakers -- to to fight alongside the Sylv'alfar.
I leave to others Tehom's nature and His proper role in the Pantheon. But -- at least when it comes to critical inquiry -- I should rather like to leave chivalry out of it.
I see no conflict between chivalry and questioning. The chivalrous are guided not solely by obedience, but by righteousness. To pursue the right requires questioning, for it requires the knight to judge her actions against the good, not just one's orders. Nor is chivalry an obstacle to considering a matter from each angle. I am a Knight Lieutenant. But each one of the hundred Silver Swords has not just the right, but the duty, to carefully examine my plans and to raise a question or concern if a material flaw is identified.
Of course, the chivalrous must keep their oaths and it is generally right to obey one's superiors. Thus, when a decision is taken, the chivalrous must carry the order out to the best of their ability, even if they were previously opposed. The role of Tehom's advocate is ill taken when it extends beyond planning and infects the time for action.
But even then.
Our history is dotted with instances where those who I believe were true to chivalry defied orders in pursuit of the right and protection of innocent. The paladins at Eastguard, who refused to withdraw to Arx so that they might protect the refugees fleeing from the coast. The Paladins of the Wood and the knights that rode with them -- and became oathbreakers -- to to fight alongside the Sylv'alfar.
I leave to others Tehom's nature and His proper role in the Pantheon. But -- at least when it comes to critical inquiry -- I should rather like to leave chivalry out of it.
Written By Corban
Sept. 21, 2018, 8:44 a.m.(8/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Delilah
I am overjoyed that Delilah Whitehawk has taken up the mantle of a voice for the Scholars.
Vellichor's commandment -- for the most studious amongst us to take sacred vow to forever guard the knowledge of the world, and allow all among us from the greatest to the least to chronicle their lives in journals so their knowledge may never be lost -- is among the most important in our world.
A great trust is placed in you, my friend. I know you are worthy of it.
Vellichor's commandment -- for the most studious amongst us to take sacred vow to forever guard the knowledge of the world, and allow all among us from the greatest to the least to chronicle their lives in journals so their knowledge may never be lost -- is among the most important in our world.
A great trust is placed in you, my friend. I know you are worthy of it.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.