Written By Marian
Jan. 16, 2019, 5:39 p.m.(5/16/1010 AR)
I stopped by the Knights of Solace to leave a personal donation and donate my time to assist some of the new prodigals. It's funny how just a few hours of training can shed some of the doldrums and lead to a feeling of productivity.
Written By Marian
Dec. 23, 2018, 6:49 a.m.(3/21/1010 AR)
A few weeks out in the field with my warriors, visiting the training camps gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
I am glad to be home to see Nia and twins. It's clear they missed their momma with all the tears. There's a large stack on my desk, waiting for me to attend to it. I don't find myself rushing to read those messages. Instead I spend the evening with my children, holding them close.
I am glad to be home to see Nia and twins. It's clear they missed their momma with all the tears. There's a large stack on my desk, waiting for me to attend to it. I don't find myself rushing to read those messages. Instead I spend the evening with my children, holding them close.
Written By Marian
Nov. 22, 2018, 5:45 p.m.(1/16/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I was born Marian of the Green March, an Abandoned tribe occupying territory in the Oathlands. My Abandoned tribe had broken from the Compact more than 1,000 years before I was born. My life changed when I made the choice to ransom rather than kill Prince Valen Valardin after capturing him and his knights with my war party. During his captivity, he showed me honor and faith. I ended up negotiating my tribe's return to the Compact and my marriage to Prince Valen Valardin rather than his release.
So yes, I have fought against my 'invaders' rather than buckling under their might. It was his diplomatic efforts that convinced my people to end the conflict. When I joined the Compact, Abandoned tribes that did not follow became my enemy. I have joined Valardin in their efforts to protect their lands. Since my people were not defeated in battle, I can not speak to the question of being pushed off my lands.
I honor Gloria in all ways so I have not participated in the slaughter of innocents. I have never accepted bounty for killing warriors of Abandoned tribes. I would bring a commander of mine to my liege and Sentinel's Justice if they did these foul deeds. Because Gloria teaches honor and chivalry, not widescale genocide.
The Abandoned tribes have choices. My story is just one of many. I am proud to have rejoined the Compact. I have embraced a Faith that I was not born into. My people thrive under the mantle of the Compact. For those who do not because they chose another path, that is not my focus. The 'fairness' of their difficulties can be debated. They have my sympathy to a point. It stops when my people are put at risk.
Not all stories follow the same journey. Because we have choices, different personal circumstances. Those choices have consequences, regardless of the events that brought matters to that escalation point. Our enemies leverage ignorance, fear and prejudice to keep the advantage, to foster distrust. Hence why words, diplomacy and compassion are leveraged first. Swords are brought to war if my people's survival is at risk. My people are my priority. Their health and safety are my responsibility.
So yes, I have fought against my 'invaders' rather than buckling under their might. It was his diplomatic efforts that convinced my people to end the conflict. When I joined the Compact, Abandoned tribes that did not follow became my enemy. I have joined Valardin in their efforts to protect their lands. Since my people were not defeated in battle, I can not speak to the question of being pushed off my lands.
I honor Gloria in all ways so I have not participated in the slaughter of innocents. I have never accepted bounty for killing warriors of Abandoned tribes. I would bring a commander of mine to my liege and Sentinel's Justice if they did these foul deeds. Because Gloria teaches honor and chivalry, not widescale genocide.
The Abandoned tribes have choices. My story is just one of many. I am proud to have rejoined the Compact. I have embraced a Faith that I was not born into. My people thrive under the mantle of the Compact. For those who do not because they chose another path, that is not my focus. The 'fairness' of their difficulties can be debated. They have my sympathy to a point. It stops when my people are put at risk.
Not all stories follow the same journey. Because we have choices, different personal circumstances. Those choices have consequences, regardless of the events that brought matters to that escalation point. Our enemies leverage ignorance, fear and prejudice to keep the advantage, to foster distrust. Hence why words, diplomacy and compassion are leveraged first. Swords are brought to war if my people's survival is at risk. My people are my priority. Their health and safety are my responsibility.
Written By Marian
Nov. 21, 2018, 2:01 a.m.(1/12/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I will not suffer an enemy at my doorstep. Nor would I sleep well while they rested on my lands. Because I have been raided in the dead of night by enemies of the Compact. I have woken to the cries of warriors falling at the hands of the enemy. Had to rush to grab my sword and defend children in a nursery from murdering marauders who entered my home. I have known the grief of losing family and friends from such a raid.
So for those critics that speak harmony, know that I lean more on the side of supporting Sir Preston's efforts to actively push back Abandoned tribes to the borders. If there is an Abandoned tribe found on Compact lands in the North, they are asked to bend on knee or move on peacefully. For diplomatic reasons, we've offered in the past to assist Abandoned tribes in their relocation off Compact lands, escorting them to the borders and helping them leave so they are out of the path of conflict with the Abyss. While I don't wish harm on these people that chose to live their lives in peace but outside the Compact, they are not my responsibility if they do not bend on knee. I shall not offer them my protection as long as they reject the Crown and Compact.
Violence is never my first option. If they answer in violence, they are killed without remorse because of the threat they pose to our people. Those survivors and non-combatants are given a choice again after the battle to bend on knee or move on. If they move on, then once again, we offer escort to ensure they arrive at the borders without incident. It's brutal but effective in keeping the lands as cleared as they can be.
There are large pockets of the land that are far away from civilized roads that only get scouted periodically because there are not enough warriors in the North to be everywhere. After the Battle of Stormwall, when many warriors fell in battle, those patrols became even less. As we rebuild from these losses, we start picking up these patrols when weather permits. I imagine it will be more difficult in this Spring because we had to take time to recover last season.
Those tainted with the Abyss are dealt with swiftly. There is no reasoning with the corrupted, no parlay to those that would serve the Abyss.
So for those critics that speak harmony, know that I lean more on the side of supporting Sir Preston's efforts to actively push back Abandoned tribes to the borders. If there is an Abandoned tribe found on Compact lands in the North, they are asked to bend on knee or move on peacefully. For diplomatic reasons, we've offered in the past to assist Abandoned tribes in their relocation off Compact lands, escorting them to the borders and helping them leave so they are out of the path of conflict with the Abyss. While I don't wish harm on these people that chose to live their lives in peace but outside the Compact, they are not my responsibility if they do not bend on knee. I shall not offer them my protection as long as they reject the Crown and Compact.
Violence is never my first option. If they answer in violence, they are killed without remorse because of the threat they pose to our people. Those survivors and non-combatants are given a choice again after the battle to bend on knee or move on. If they move on, then once again, we offer escort to ensure they arrive at the borders without incident. It's brutal but effective in keeping the lands as cleared as they can be.
There are large pockets of the land that are far away from civilized roads that only get scouted periodically because there are not enough warriors in the North to be everywhere. After the Battle of Stormwall, when many warriors fell in battle, those patrols became even less. As we rebuild from these losses, we start picking up these patrols when weather permits. I imagine it will be more difficult in this Spring because we had to take time to recover last season.
Those tainted with the Abyss are dealt with swiftly. There is no reasoning with the corrupted, no parlay to those that would serve the Abyss.
Written By Marian
Nov. 17, 2018, 9:11 a.m.(1/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
I've had an opportunity to go to battle with Duke Aiden Rubino in the Battle of Stormwall. He's neither stupid or incompetent in his actions. I was not there. I can not speak to what happened between you and him. However, when darkness is at my doorstep, he's someone I would be grateful to have at my side. I would not place shade on his abilities so lightly.
Nor would I discount a raptor's innate sense to the world around them. That's the interesting thing about animals, they can sense things that humans are often blind to. But then having an innate sense of the world around you is perhaps something that challenges you. I suggest you spend more time in the field, working with these amazing birds of prey. Perhaps they will teach you a new perspective.
Nor would I discount a raptor's innate sense to the world around them. That's the interesting thing about animals, they can sense things that humans are often blind to. But then having an innate sense of the world around you is perhaps something that challenges you. I suggest you spend more time in the field, working with these amazing birds of prey. Perhaps they will teach you a new perspective.
Written By Marian
Nov. 17, 2018, 8:39 a.m.(1/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Cybele
You were a force of nature who served the Faith for many years while keeping true to the Old Ways. I envy your ability to navigate both sides. When I struggle to walk my path, I shall visit your sapling as a reminder that being Faithful doesn't mean giving up your traditions.
Written By Marian
Nov. 17, 2018, 8:35 a.m.(1/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Daemon
You served with honor.
It's been my honor to lead you both as Sword of Sanctum in House Valardin and as Warchief to House Redrain in the Battle of Stormwall. To have you fall to a poison knife strikes me as a great wrong since you were killed by deceit while trying to rescue others. I mourn for you brother of arms. Valardin's light will be a little darker without you.
It's been my honor to lead you both as Sword of Sanctum in House Valardin and as Warchief to House Redrain in the Battle of Stormwall. To have you fall to a poison knife strikes me as a great wrong since you were killed by deceit while trying to rescue others. I mourn for you brother of arms. Valardin's light will be a little darker without you.
Written By Marian
Nov. 17, 2018, 8:25 a.m.(1/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
You were my student, but you taught me many things. You were there for me during some of my darkness days to offer comfort. To know that you made the ultimate sacrifice for your liege makes me so incredibly proud. You know what it meant to serve as Sword, and you carried the honor of your house up until the very end. To know I had a hand in that humbles me greatly. Even after you eclipsed my teachings, you continued to send the next generation of fighters to learn from me. That is a true compliment.
Written By Marian
Nov. 17, 2018, 8:19 a.m.(1/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
The first time we spoke was at a funeral pyre. The bodies of the fallen were burning and the Grim Duke gave them a sendoff worthy of Thrax. After my battle cry to honor the dead, he told me that for an Oathlander, I would make a worthy Thrax.
You were a traditionalist, a hard man who lived life with a grim frown. But you watched over your people with such fierceness, I had to admire your perspective, even if I didn't always agree. We never let our differences get between our respect for each other.
The world will be a grimmer place without you in it. I shall miss you my friend.
You were a traditionalist, a hard man who lived life with a grim frown. But you watched over your people with such fierceness, I had to admire your perspective, even if I didn't always agree. We never let our differences get between our respect for each other.
The world will be a grimmer place without you in it. I shall miss you my friend.
Written By Marian
Nov. 11, 2018, 8:28 a.m.(12/21/1009 AR)
Prayer to Petrichor
Protector of the Forests,
God of Land, Soil and Trees,
Petrichor I thank thee.
When our enemies came,
You protected the Grove
Stopped the shed of blood
From soaking your soil.
Pushing back the corrupt
And fouled beasts of wrong.
Bringing your light to me
And brave warriors, chasing
Darkness from the clearing,
Cleansing the horror with life,
A fresh sapling that heralds
A new tomorrow, hope for us all.
Protector of the Forests,
God of Land, Soil and Trees,
Petrichor I thank thee.
When our enemies came,
You protected the Grove
Stopped the shed of blood
From soaking your soil.
Pushing back the corrupt
And fouled beasts of wrong.
Bringing your light to me
And brave warriors, chasing
Darkness from the clearing,
Cleansing the horror with life,
A fresh sapling that heralds
A new tomorrow, hope for us all.
Written By Marian
Nov. 10, 2018, 1:28 a.m.(12/18/1009 AR)
I am still here.
Written By Marian
Nov. 3, 2018, 6:45 a.m.(12/4/1009 AR)
Nia told me today that little brothers are horrible things. When I pointed out that her uncle was my little brother, she looked at me with those serious eyes as if she had disbelief that I could ever relate to her big sister troubles.
She is growing up so fast. She's chasing me to start her training. I told her only if she promised not to hit her brothers with that sword. That earned me another look.
She is growing up so fast. She's chasing me to start her training. I told her only if she promised not to hit her brothers with that sword. That earned me another look.
Written By Marian
Nov. 2, 2018, 1:17 a.m.(12/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
I spent the Eclipse of Mirrors with my guards, Keeping an eye on the Redrain ward. Nothing was amiss except that odd feeling of something being off when standing under the red moonlight.
Written By Marian
Oct. 25, 2018, 2:07 a.m.(11/14/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Grief. Despair. Loss.
I felt all those emotions and more after my Fergus was murdered. I gave myself a few days to mourn and rage at his loss. Princess Alis was kind enough to take my older daughter, Nia, so I could release that awful weight inside of me. Purge those horrible emotions. I set aside any thoughts of revenge, allowing Sentinel to take the burden of bringing those responsible to justice. I put my focus into more important things...
Hope. Love. Gratitude.
With each kick of the twins, I felt blessed once my grief passed and I was able to see that my husband left two precious gifts inside my belly. Three precious gifts who look at me with their father's eyes. They are my sun, moon and stars. Fergus' legacy continues on.
I have lost two husbands to the hands of others. One left me children, the other did not. It may seem overwhelming at times, considering the circumstances. This is a blessing, a gift to have a piece of Olivier inside of you. Once you shed your mantle of grief, I hope you see just how lucky you are to be able to look into that child's eyes and see the kind man that helped bring this soul into this world.
That loss never goes completely away. Once the children go to bed, there are nights the loss still plagues me. I take those moments to send a prayer in his name. Find comfort in the words left by our ancestors to celebrate the acts of those that came before us. Your gift, your craft, embrace those on the nights that weighs deeply. Let it out, find a way to express it. Don't bottle it in. Don't let it sour your tomorrow. Each day we are here is a gift. That's what these events have taught me. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference.
I felt all those emotions and more after my Fergus was murdered. I gave myself a few days to mourn and rage at his loss. Princess Alis was kind enough to take my older daughter, Nia, so I could release that awful weight inside of me. Purge those horrible emotions. I set aside any thoughts of revenge, allowing Sentinel to take the burden of bringing those responsible to justice. I put my focus into more important things...
Hope. Love. Gratitude.
With each kick of the twins, I felt blessed once my grief passed and I was able to see that my husband left two precious gifts inside my belly. Three precious gifts who look at me with their father's eyes. They are my sun, moon and stars. Fergus' legacy continues on.
I have lost two husbands to the hands of others. One left me children, the other did not. It may seem overwhelming at times, considering the circumstances. This is a blessing, a gift to have a piece of Olivier inside of you. Once you shed your mantle of grief, I hope you see just how lucky you are to be able to look into that child's eyes and see the kind man that helped bring this soul into this world.
That loss never goes completely away. Once the children go to bed, there are nights the loss still plagues me. I take those moments to send a prayer in his name. Find comfort in the words left by our ancestors to celebrate the acts of those that came before us. Your gift, your craft, embrace those on the nights that weighs deeply. Let it out, find a way to express it. Don't bottle it in. Don't let it sour your tomorrow. Each day we are here is a gift. That's what these events have taught me. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference.
Written By Marian
Oct. 24, 2018, 3:01 p.m.(11/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Oliver
After the Battle of Stormwall, Guildmaster Joscelin Arterius and her husband assisted House Redrain by providing skilled tradesmen to outfit our new recruits in the Spring after. It was partially due to their contribution that encourage many to join. As Warchief to House Redrain, I owe a personal debt of gratitude to both of them.
May I suggest those responsible submit themselves to Sentinel's justice. This kind man was beloved by man of this city because of his skill as a crafter, and the humanitarian efforts to assist others. As liaison from House Redrain to the Iron Guard, I offer full cooperation with the Inquisition and Iron Guard in their search to find the murderer(s) of Master Olivier Arterius. As I am sure other wards will ensure those who committed these foul deeds have no place to hide within Arx.
May I suggest those responsible submit themselves to Sentinel's justice. This kind man was beloved by man of this city because of his skill as a crafter, and the humanitarian efforts to assist others. As liaison from House Redrain to the Iron Guard, I offer full cooperation with the Inquisition and Iron Guard in their search to find the murderer(s) of Master Olivier Arterius. As I am sure other wards will ensure those who committed these foul deeds have no place to hide within Arx.
Written By Marian
Oct. 20, 2018, 4:42 a.m.(11/1/1009 AR)
Nia, my daughter, sent her nanny screaming from the room, refusing to go near my daughter. When I arrived to find out what happened, I found my daughter with spiders in her hair. They were so tiny, just barely visible and there were too many to count. There she was happily playing with her dolls as if nothing was amiss.
When I asked why there were spiders in her hair, Nia told me that one of the servants was cleaning her room and almost /murdered/ these baby spiders that had just left their web sack where their momma lost them. Now she was their new momma till their real momma could find them.
I had this horrible dilemma because this particular species of spider dies after laying their eggs. I didn't want my daughter raising baby spiders in her hair. I thought for a moment and then inspiration struck. I took my daughter and her baby spiders to the Shrine of the Queen of Beginnings and Endings. And I showed her all the different spiders that had homes there. Then I explained to my daughter how these babies mother ended her life so her babies could have a new beginning.
I pointed out that the community helps each other when they lose another. How all the children grow up with many uncles and aunts when a momma or daddy spider can't be there. Nia related to the story because of the many uncles and aunts that she has in her own life. Luckily she let these spiders leave her hair to join the others. No baby spiders were injured in the process.
Of course I did not bring up that this breed of spider consumes their mate after the mating happens. I think my storytelling skills were stretched enough today.
When I asked why there were spiders in her hair, Nia told me that one of the servants was cleaning her room and almost /murdered/ these baby spiders that had just left their web sack where their momma lost them. Now she was their new momma till their real momma could find them.
I had this horrible dilemma because this particular species of spider dies after laying their eggs. I didn't want my daughter raising baby spiders in her hair. I thought for a moment and then inspiration struck. I took my daughter and her baby spiders to the Shrine of the Queen of Beginnings and Endings. And I showed her all the different spiders that had homes there. Then I explained to my daughter how these babies mother ended her life so her babies could have a new beginning.
I pointed out that the community helps each other when they lose another. How all the children grow up with many uncles and aunts when a momma or daddy spider can't be there. Nia related to the story because of the many uncles and aunts that she has in her own life. Luckily she let these spiders leave her hair to join the others. No baby spiders were injured in the process.
Of course I did not bring up that this breed of spider consumes their mate after the mating happens. I think my storytelling skills were stretched enough today.
Written By Marian
Oct. 16, 2018, 2:58 a.m.(10/15/1009 AR)
Honor. It's at the foundation of our society. It is a mantle to be worn proudly when it safeguards our people. When it pushes us to be better. To pay homage to the gods with our deeds.
I don't believe that it should be used as a weapon. Nor should one's hubris be able to use it as a shield against wrongdoing. You do yourself a great disservice and rightfully deserve any mockery that follows. These actions do not pay proper observance to our gods.
Sometimes admitting ones faults can defuse a volatile situation. It's sometimes better to admit rather than bury a past wrong. The gods give us opportunities to seek redemption when we falter. Whenever possible we should seek restitution when in the wrong.
Honor is difficult to defend under the court of public opinion, who seeks to name a villain and a victim. Life I'm afraid is rarely that simple. Rarely do our tales unfold in such black and white terms. It is far too easy to slip between the lines in our quest for justice.
There are cases where keeping ones counsel might be the best course of action. Especially when it's not your own in crisis. When your words might stir the flames.
War may be coming to our people again. Some of us may pass in the coming days. May I suggest whatever burdens that weigh on your soul be purged. Get your affairs in order. Leave gentle words to those you love.
I don't believe that it should be used as a weapon. Nor should one's hubris be able to use it as a shield against wrongdoing. You do yourself a great disservice and rightfully deserve any mockery that follows. These actions do not pay proper observance to our gods.
Sometimes admitting ones faults can defuse a volatile situation. It's sometimes better to admit rather than bury a past wrong. The gods give us opportunities to seek redemption when we falter. Whenever possible we should seek restitution when in the wrong.
Honor is difficult to defend under the court of public opinion, who seeks to name a villain and a victim. Life I'm afraid is rarely that simple. Rarely do our tales unfold in such black and white terms. It is far too easy to slip between the lines in our quest for justice.
There are cases where keeping ones counsel might be the best course of action. Especially when it's not your own in crisis. When your words might stir the flames.
War may be coming to our people again. Some of us may pass in the coming days. May I suggest whatever burdens that weigh on your soul be purged. Get your affairs in order. Leave gentle words to those you love.
Written By Marian
Oct. 10, 2018, 11:16 p.m.(10/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Nuala
I don't wager more than I'm willing to lose.
Written By Marian
Oct. 9, 2018, 2:38 a.m.(10/1/1009 AR)
Humor, like food, comes in many flavors. Sometimes it takes an unusual palette to enjoy a particular joke.
My recommendation is to gauge your audience. Create art that entertains and inspires. For a joke is better received when others can appreciate the sentiment.
There are those that engage in humor to entertain themselves. I find this type of humor repellent for it is often at the expense of another.
I would rather laugh in the company of friends and family.
My recommendation is to gauge your audience. Create art that entertains and inspires. For a joke is better received when others can appreciate the sentiment.
There are those that engage in humor to entertain themselves. I find this type of humor repellent for it is often at the expense of another.
I would rather laugh in the company of friends and family.
Written By Marian
Oct. 8, 2018, 1:54 p.m.(9/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Perhaps you should clarify the certainty of death. There's a big difference between 20%, 50% and 90% chance of death.
Incidentally have you updated your will?
Incidentally have you updated your will?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.