Written By Percephon
Oct. 1, 2017, 4:03 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
In one of my texts, I have stumbled across an intriguing alchemical process -- of producing an oil extraction from such minerals such as quartz -- that has left me wondering over the practical purposes of such a thing. Perhaps in less traditional perfume applications. I'll need to experiment.
Written By Percephon
Sept. 29, 2017, 12:41 p.m.(4/21/1007 AR)
[ A sampling of the following has been added to the Journal: ]
The Alphabet of Lagoma: Apothecary Cures and Curses. A (Very Outdated) Compendium from the Apothecary College of Tor. Chapter Three.
Catnip - Also known as catmint. A perennial herb that is commonly found growing wild. In a warm tea it soothes the mind and promotes sleep. As a tonic it eases hysteria and irritability when combined with valerian and skullcap.
Celery - Celery is a plant which grows in the garden and is known to everyone, and its seed is even better known to be useful for medicine. It is put in purgatives with quite sharp properties and is a reliable diuretic.
Coffee - The 'Mocha' coffee is esteemed the best, and the 'Java' next, but all can agree that the dried and roasted berries of coffee can be ground to create a very agreeable infusion. Used as a beverage, it clears the mind of fog and reduces headaches. Also, it has been known to destroy the pains following inebriation. If taken too freely it will effect the nerves.
Cumin - The cumin with the strongest properties appears to be that procured in the Saffron Isles. Known for the ability to soothe and warm the humors, hence it is good for flatulence and stomach cramps, especially if following a full Oathland meal.
Curare - See Nux Vomica. The bitter seeds, when ground into a fine powder and used in tinctures is known to stimulate the digestion to good effect in small doses. In higher quantities it is known as a toxin that will lead to shock, paralysis, and the unfortunate condition known as death.
Cypress - For one that should find themselves god-touched (or struck by lighting) seek out green cypress. The body should be rubbed with a plaster made of this along with lowland pine resin and a sandalwood. This mixture, when heated, and inhaled through the nostrils will fill one with the odor of good incense and nothing more.
The Alphabet of Lagoma: Apothecary Cures and Curses. A (Very Outdated) Compendium from the Apothecary College of Tor. Chapter Three.
Catnip - Also known as catmint. A perennial herb that is commonly found growing wild. In a warm tea it soothes the mind and promotes sleep. As a tonic it eases hysteria and irritability when combined with valerian and skullcap.
Celery - Celery is a plant which grows in the garden and is known to everyone, and its seed is even better known to be useful for medicine. It is put in purgatives with quite sharp properties and is a reliable diuretic.
Coffee - The 'Mocha' coffee is esteemed the best, and the 'Java' next, but all can agree that the dried and roasted berries of coffee can be ground to create a very agreeable infusion. Used as a beverage, it clears the mind of fog and reduces headaches. Also, it has been known to destroy the pains following inebriation. If taken too freely it will effect the nerves.
Cumin - The cumin with the strongest properties appears to be that procured in the Saffron Isles. Known for the ability to soothe and warm the humors, hence it is good for flatulence and stomach cramps, especially if following a full Oathland meal.
Curare - See Nux Vomica. The bitter seeds, when ground into a fine powder and used in tinctures is known to stimulate the digestion to good effect in small doses. In higher quantities it is known as a toxin that will lead to shock, paralysis, and the unfortunate condition known as death.
Cypress - For one that should find themselves god-touched (or struck by lighting) seek out green cypress. The body should be rubbed with a plaster made of this along with lowland pine resin and a sandalwood. This mixture, when heated, and inhaled through the nostrils will fill one with the odor of good incense and nothing more.
Written By Percephon
Sept. 28, 2017, 3:07 p.m.(4/18/1007 AR)
The South is, as they say, is the very embodiment of style and sophistication. Tor, in particular -- that beautifully vibrant city-state -- fascinates its visitors with a large number of extraordinary sites and breathtaking scenery. Getting lost in those lush gardens, explosions of color and scent, gives a moment of quiet and peace to all who wish to switch off and meditate. Idyllic conditions for the traveler seeking to escape the winters of Arx that seem to have a willful resentment toward me.
Although, if you for one moment thought that I was on holiday (-- this includes you, yes) you would be sorely mistaken. I sat in on lectures at the Apothecary College most days, walking into whatever class appeared to be the most thought-provoking. Blending in with the crowd. Following my curiosity and intention. An independent learner haunting the college halls until I was able to speak with professors, compliment and cajole, and eventually be allowed to take a seat and listen in. Not every attempt was successful. Not every instructor was so lenient in allowing me to audit their course, and so it led to worthy debate (one even crowed and flailed like a chicken after I pointed out the fallacies in his argument) before I was shown the door.
Books are invaluable, but the spirit of learning is also found in engaging others.
Although, if you for one moment thought that I was on holiday (-- this includes you, yes) you would be sorely mistaken. I sat in on lectures at the Apothecary College most days, walking into whatever class appeared to be the most thought-provoking. Blending in with the crowd. Following my curiosity and intention. An independent learner haunting the college halls until I was able to speak with professors, compliment and cajole, and eventually be allowed to take a seat and listen in. Not every attempt was successful. Not every instructor was so lenient in allowing me to audit their course, and so it led to worthy debate (one even crowed and flailed like a chicken after I pointed out the fallacies in his argument) before I was shown the door.
Books are invaluable, but the spirit of learning is also found in engaging others.
Written By Percephon
May 28, 2017, 1:52 p.m.(7/17/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Alexis
Full of annoying optimism and youthful exuberance, you will no doubt be a shining example of Oathlander chivalry and serve your house well. I also expect you to read each and everyone of those books. There will be a quiz.
Written By Percephon
May 21, 2017, 5:08 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
A while ago, for my birthday, a dear friend gifted me with a book about writing poetry. Secretly, I think she might have given it to me in the hopes I'll give her poems rather than make her look at artwork, and if such cunning was the case? I'd have expected nothing less. Regardless, this book offers suggestions on how to start a poem, and one of the thoughts was to find a random line from a white journal and make a poem from it.
'You mumpsimus' ...
I have, understandably, come to a roadblock in this poem. I believe I'll have to read through other of Miss Harper's journals in the hopes of finding more words to mash together to create this particular poem randomly chosen from the white journals.
PS: I believe your advice to Sparte is spot on.
'You mumpsimus' ...
I have, understandably, come to a roadblock in this poem. I believe I'll have to read through other of Miss Harper's journals in the hopes of finding more words to mash together to create this particular poem randomly chosen from the white journals.
PS: I believe your advice to Sparte is spot on.
Written By Percephon
May 20, 2017, 9:43 a.m.(7/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I still recall quite well the first day I met this woman. She was sitting in one of the aisles of the Academy, right in the middle of it, reading a book. Little did she know just how much work that would lead her to in the subsequent weeks to come. It's been fascinating to watch her journey from that wide eyed girl to the woman that was knighted last night, but it speaks well of the Deepwood that they have recognized the worth in this one. She will undoubtedly go on to do many great things.
(added on as a foot note afterwards)
She also seems to have finally stopped writing messages in all capital letters. Thank the Gods.
(added on as a foot note afterwards)
She also seems to have finally stopped writing messages in all capital letters. Thank the Gods.
Written By Percephon
May 17, 2017, 9:28 a.m.(6/23/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
It was good to see this young prodigal again. If anything, she clearly needed a reminder not to be lax on her homework and learning, though I believe we have rectified that appropriately, and she won't forget again, at least not if she remembers point Three Hundred and Sixty Eight. I look forward to her knighting ceremony, an honor that is well deserved.
Written By Percephon
May 13, 2017, 12:05 p.m.(6/15/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Sasha
It's been enjoyable having Princess Sasha about Arx since her arrival. Helpful, curious minds that want to work for the betterment of Valardin are always in need, but more so in times such as this. I have no doubt that she'll prove her value to her family in the weeks to come, and I look forward to working with her.
Written By Percephon
May 11, 2017, 12:04 p.m.(6/11/1006 AR)
Returning to the Telmarch is always something of a bittersweet experience. Looking out over the mountains and valleys always manages to bring a smile to me, for there is nothing quite like the sights, as inhospitable as they are, that you can find there. So to does it bring reminders of family, both those still with us and those lost. And it brings memories of childhood, which are seldom the most pleasant of things. To watch the knights practice serves as a stark reminder of how different I am from them, yet we all share one thing in common: or undying love and loyalty for these lands and our fealty to Valardin.
Bittersweet, I think, is an appropriate term. It equally fit the conversation I had with my travelling companion.
Bittersweet, I think, is an appropriate term. It equally fit the conversation I had with my travelling companion.
Written By Percephon
April 29, 2017, 11:30 a.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
So amend my will to leave the Lianne Pravus her will. I shall also make certain Fiachra gives her one of the 'good' ones after the services.
On further consideration, she's to get my scalpel. She knows the one. I'll even be nice and make certain she gets it before said service, just in case the pain is so bad she needs to dig her eyes out. (If you do, tuck them in with me? You know I've always wanted to use them. Maybe I'd get them in my next life.)
On further consideration, she's to get my scalpel. She knows the one. I'll even be nice and make certain she gets it before said service, just in case the pain is so bad she needs to dig her eyes out. (If you do, tuck them in with me? You know I've always wanted to use them. Maybe I'd get them in my next life.)
Written By Percephon
April 29, 2017, 1:21 a.m.(5/12/1006 AR)
Given the situation, I suppose it is important to update ones will. Really, for me, there is only one thing I care about, should I die:
Alis -- you have been given your instructions as to what to do at the ceremony for me.
Fiachra -- you have your orders for after the ceremony. Give them to people who share the most interesting bit of knowledge about me.
Ansel -- you can distribute my other things as you see fit.
Percephon Troll (this bit is scratched out) Telmar
Alis -- you have been given your instructions as to what to do at the ceremony for me.
Fiachra -- you have your orders for after the ceremony. Give them to people who share the most interesting bit of knowledge about me.
Ansel -- you can distribute my other things as you see fit.
Percephon Troll (this bit is scratched out) Telmar
Written By Percephon
April 26, 2017, 11:10 a.m.(5/6/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
I had the opportunity to watch this woman of Fidante fidelity spar in the Gauntlet the other eve. It was a grueling fight with the Princess Alis, and while Joslyn won, it was a hard earned victory. The conversation afterwards was pleasant, but the memory I am so vividly left with is that she knew how to handle a sword. I'll just have to hope I'm never on the wrong end of it, with her.
Written By Percephon
April 23, 2017, 11:05 a.m.(4/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
While I've been part of The Salon for nearly a year now, it's only been recently that I've truly had much time to spend with the Lady Fidante. I see clearly why the intellectual and social side of her was driven to create the organization, and she is unafraid to engage in debates that might draw the ire of certain people. Still, while our paths thread so closely in some ways, in others... let us hope you do not stray too far, Lady Fidante.
Written By Percephon
April 16, 2017, 8:51 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Leola
A woman whom I'm glad is as sharp with a bow as I anticipated, given the fact it saved me from being disemboweled once during our adventure in the Lowers. Down to earth, practical, and with a bit of knowledge about many things, she's certainly a stalwart companion to have in such times. Everything went according to plan. And once I'm done mending, I'll be certain to seek her out and give her my thanks.
Written By Percephon
April 11, 2017, 7:12 p.m.(4/4/1006 AR)
While I've kept it mostly to myself, there have still be a few that have discovered the secret to my birthday, and I have gotten the most wonderful presents and well wishes from them over the past few days. Yet it is one package left upon our doorstep, adressed anonymously to me, that I look at right now. What intrigues, and concerns me, is the nature for whomever it is from to remain unknown. What I do know is this:
- Clearly they have not met my cousin Dulcinea, or didn't know she was now present in the Tower, because otherwise they would never have left it where she could get it before me. That was a process in and of itself.
- It is a gift few would think to give me, and most would think is not fitting. Either they don't know me at all, or are one of the very few that know me all too well.
- If it is the former, wouldn't the point of a gift to be noticed? If it is the latter, why would someone who knows me so well wish to keep hidden.
It might well go down as one of the great mysteries in my life. Or perhaps after the siege, I'll get bored and spend my energies tracking down the culprit. Should one keep anonymous gifts, when the intention isn't known? I don't know. I'll have to ponder.
PS: I'm just glad it wasn't a cloth wrapped pile of poo... although that would have been rather amusing to see Dulcinea squeeze to try and figure out what it was.
- Clearly they have not met my cousin Dulcinea, or didn't know she was now present in the Tower, because otherwise they would never have left it where she could get it before me. That was a process in and of itself.
- It is a gift few would think to give me, and most would think is not fitting. Either they don't know me at all, or are one of the very few that know me all too well.
- If it is the former, wouldn't the point of a gift to be noticed? If it is the latter, why would someone who knows me so well wish to keep hidden.
It might well go down as one of the great mysteries in my life. Or perhaps after the siege, I'll get bored and spend my energies tracking down the culprit. Should one keep anonymous gifts, when the intention isn't known? I don't know. I'll have to ponder.
PS: I'm just glad it wasn't a cloth wrapped pile of poo... although that would have been rather amusing to see Dulcinea squeeze to try and figure out what it was.
Written By Percephon
April 9, 2017, 1:27 p.m.(3/28/1006 AR)
One lesson I have all my would be students -- even if they wouldn't call themselves that -- go through is a lesson on the nature of truth. While it's always been an element I've greatly enjoyed the debate on, recent events have cast it yet again in a new light for me. The deceptions of Bringers in our midst, the divine concealed only to be revealed once more, and the nature of relationships and how the same common thread between two people can be seen by them in such different ways.
The truth never changes, and we seldom ever see it whole and naked. Our bias, our perceptions, our knowledge means what we think we know as the truth isn't accurate. As we grow and peel back the layers of reality to get closer and closer still to truth, it doesn't change... but our views do. And then? We have a choice to make. To continue to live as we had, which would now be a lie, or to embrace it and live with the consequences. The latter is never an easy road, and we might think we continue to live with the lie to make it easier on others. But that's not living, not truly, and what we do? We deny those around us the chance to make their own choices by continuing that lie.
To us, the world is changing, but I wonder if it is... or are we just getting closer to the truth of what has always been out there.
The truth never changes, and we seldom ever see it whole and naked. Our bias, our perceptions, our knowledge means what we think we know as the truth isn't accurate. As we grow and peel back the layers of reality to get closer and closer still to truth, it doesn't change... but our views do. And then? We have a choice to make. To continue to live as we had, which would now be a lie, or to embrace it and live with the consequences. The latter is never an easy road, and we might think we continue to live with the lie to make it easier on others. But that's not living, not truly, and what we do? We deny those around us the chance to make their own choices by continuing that lie.
To us, the world is changing, but I wonder if it is... or are we just getting closer to the truth of what has always been out there.
Written By Percephon
April 4, 2017, 11:52 p.m.(3/19/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
I would be remiss if I did not update my thoughts upon the Lady Pravus in my reflections of this past year. She was one of the first souls in this city I connected with after the debacle of my initial arrival. We may not meet as much as we'd prefer with our different paths keeping us busy. Yet, I believe that it only goes to show how much of kindred souls we really are, for when we do get a chance? We pick up as if it were but yesterday we had last talked, and her wit and intellect always sate my thirst for knowledge. Far too often I keep in the safety of the Valardin ward, but she is proof that the bond of friendship can extend between the great houses.
Written By Percephon
April 4, 2017, 11:43 p.m.(3/19/1006 AR)
It's a time of reflection. The siege makes us face the realities of our future. For me, it has now been just over a year since I arrived in Arx, and in but a few days, I'll be another year older. There have been such peaks and valleys during my time here, with scars that will never be seen that I shall keep with me always. Experiences I never thought I'd have. But the one universal truth that has emerged is the loyalty of friendship, as true as any hardened steel the best blacksmith might make. I will forever be thankful for the tried and true friends such as Alis, Fiachra, Eirlys and Ansel, and I look forward to the experiments in relationships with new people to see if they shall emerge from the flames into friendship.
And it is in this that I am resolute we have not seen the last of our days with the enemies at our gates. They might be things out of nightmares we thought never existed, wield magic we thought was nothing but imagination... but we posses an inner strength that will have our own heroes rise as if they were from the pages of our storybooks. Without doubt, we will lose those close to us, and it will be as somber victory, but from this we will emerge stronger for it.
And it is in this that I am resolute we have not seen the last of our days with the enemies at our gates. They might be things out of nightmares we thought never existed, wield magic we thought was nothing but imagination... but we posses an inner strength that will have our own heroes rise as if they were from the pages of our storybooks. Without doubt, we will lose those close to us, and it will be as somber victory, but from this we will emerge stronger for it.
Written By Percephon
April 3, 2017, 9:23 a.m.(3/15/1006 AR)
For a couple of reasons, my time here in Arx has left me soured on the thought of marriage. Despite this jaded bias, there was one that I have been looking forward to: the union of Fiachra and Alis, two who are as much like family to me as Ansel is. A small part of me is quite thankful that there will be two services, even if the one in Sanctum will be overly long on ceremony. Yet, the words of the shaman ritual I witnessed last week left me much to dwell on. Things that should be important to us all, and a reminder of why we will overcome these obstacles before us: a solid foundation of trust, a bright future, the blessings of friends and family. For these two? It is simply right, and I wish them many happy years to come.
Written By Percephon
April 1, 2017, 9:57 a.m.(3/11/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Korka
It's good to have Korka in the city. Her creativity in methods will certainly be useful during these times, and having another trustworthy member of the house such as her to help with research is a reassurance. Even she won't get too bored, what with the siege, bringers, and everything else going on at the moment.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.