Written By Perronne
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:37 a.m.(5/13/1009 AR)
Another restoration accomplished. I'm rather proud of this one - not because of anything I did, but because of how little damage it has sustained over the century or more before I found it. All I really had to do was replace the strings, which was easily accomplished in a city the size of Arx, and clean off some of the salt damage. I think it will still play quite beautifully, and although I find the ferocious motif somewhat offputting, I think there might be someone who might enjoy it. Maybe. A very hostile bard, perhaps? There must be one! Somewhere. With lots of money.
Anyway, it is another completed project, and another piece of inventory that gets me closer to cleaning out my storage in various places. It displays more nicely in the shop, anyway.
Anyway, it is another completed project, and another piece of inventory that gets me closer to cleaning out my storage in various places. It displays more nicely in the shop, anyway.
Written By Perronne
Aug. 9, 2018, 8:51 a.m.(5/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
I'm told it's sort of the done thing to write about your impressions of specific people in the white journals, here in Arx. For the last decade, or almost, I haven't really stayed in one place long enough form specific impressions about people, outside of "haggles well" or "is a pompous jerk, but pays her bills on time", and those aren't really things you write in journals to leave behind.
But I guess I'm writing an impression of Prince Laric Grayson, Master of Questions, because he stands out, although I've only ever really spoken to him in person once. He's not overly familiar, he doesn't offer handouts for no reason, and he seems aware of his power and why someone might be a bit wary of it without finding offense in that or trying to dismiss it. I don't know if he's a good Master of Questions. I'm not qualified to judge. I don't even really know what he does! But if I had to describe a good noble, someone who I felt comfortable with the power of life and death over me, or people I care about, I think it might look a lot like him.
His lizard is also really interesting. Not a euphemism!
But I guess I'm writing an impression of Prince Laric Grayson, Master of Questions, because he stands out, although I've only ever really spoken to him in person once. He's not overly familiar, he doesn't offer handouts for no reason, and he seems aware of his power and why someone might be a bit wary of it without finding offense in that or trying to dismiss it. I don't know if he's a good Master of Questions. I'm not qualified to judge. I don't even really know what he does! But if I had to describe a good noble, someone who I felt comfortable with the power of life and death over me, or people I care about, I think it might look a lot like him.
His lizard is also really interesting. Not a euphemism!
Written By Perronne
Aug. 8, 2018, 7:26 p.m.(5/11/1009 AR)
Success!
What am I saying? There is always success, isn't there? This is better success, though, than the usual, "Hey, you managed not to die today, good on you!" sort of success. Finally, my aching fingers have finished restoring the wall paneling I found...just above the northern Telmarch, I think it was. Or just below the southern lands of Stonedeep. It gets hard to tell when you're all in the middle of things - which is, of course, one reason why you find so many ruins up there, I suppose. When I get lost, I just end up trying to find a cave that isn't already in use by something crawly. When armies get lost, you kinda end up with a war.
Anyway! Not relevant, except to speak to the general ruin-rich environment of borderlands. But I found a most beautiful piece in a crumbling temple - pure marble, engraved with one of the Canticles of Jayus. Part of one, anyway. The first and very last bits were shattered long before I arrived, but I saved what I could. Couldn't really carry it for long, so I had it shipped with a caravan I trusted, since I knew I was planning to make my way here. And it arrived! Intact! As intact as it left. Which wasn't very.
Not the point. But it is restored now, and properly leaned. It looks lovely, and I've put it up for sale. With as many beautiful temples as the city holds, perhaps someone will want to add a piece of the past to their collection.
What am I saying? There is always success, isn't there? This is better success, though, than the usual, "Hey, you managed not to die today, good on you!" sort of success. Finally, my aching fingers have finished restoring the wall paneling I found...just above the northern Telmarch, I think it was. Or just below the southern lands of Stonedeep. It gets hard to tell when you're all in the middle of things - which is, of course, one reason why you find so many ruins up there, I suppose. When I get lost, I just end up trying to find a cave that isn't already in use by something crawly. When armies get lost, you kinda end up with a war.
Anyway! Not relevant, except to speak to the general ruin-rich environment of borderlands. But I found a most beautiful piece in a crumbling temple - pure marble, engraved with one of the Canticles of Jayus. Part of one, anyway. The first and very last bits were shattered long before I arrived, but I saved what I could. Couldn't really carry it for long, so I had it shipped with a caravan I trusted, since I knew I was planning to make my way here. And it arrived! Intact! As intact as it left. Which wasn't very.
Not the point. But it is restored now, and properly leaned. It looks lovely, and I've put it up for sale. With as many beautiful temples as the city holds, perhaps someone will want to add a piece of the past to their collection.
Written By Perronne
Aug. 8, 2018, 8:33 a.m.(5/11/1009 AR)
Ah, at last!
My new sign has been delivered, and the previous sign has been taken away to wherever old signs go to live out their days in peace and quiet dignity. And no more shall I have to deliver the sad news to maids and lads alike that Heavenly Scents has not reopened, and nothing dwells here but the past.
It still does smell nice, though. Perhaps I should see about getting a brazier with some incense, sort of as a tribute to the shop that was here before me? Or just because it smells nice. Maybe something piney.
Calculating out my finances, I have been able to do quite well here in the brief time that I've been in Arx. My savings, although they dipped low at one point, have recovered quite well, like perky little spring flowers, under the bright warm sun of kind clients with large purses. Grow, little accounts, grow, grow! I should see about getting more appropriate wardrobes with some of my profits. It's not VANITY, it's an INVESTMENT. Yes. Absolutely. It has nothing to do with having touched fireweave for the first time ever and being desperately consumed with desire. I just wanted to unroll the bolt and roll around in it.
I didn't! That would be unprofessional. I might have fondled one corner just a bit. Shhh. Not that I can, or could ever, afford fireweave! But some bits and bobs more appropriate to the fashion here in Arx would be a sound investment, and at least one gown appropriate for social events, should I have occasion to attend them.
So many plans to make!
My new sign has been delivered, and the previous sign has been taken away to wherever old signs go to live out their days in peace and quiet dignity. And no more shall I have to deliver the sad news to maids and lads alike that Heavenly Scents has not reopened, and nothing dwells here but the past.
It still does smell nice, though. Perhaps I should see about getting a brazier with some incense, sort of as a tribute to the shop that was here before me? Or just because it smells nice. Maybe something piney.
Calculating out my finances, I have been able to do quite well here in the brief time that I've been in Arx. My savings, although they dipped low at one point, have recovered quite well, like perky little spring flowers, under the bright warm sun of kind clients with large purses. Grow, little accounts, grow, grow! I should see about getting more appropriate wardrobes with some of my profits. It's not VANITY, it's an INVESTMENT. Yes. Absolutely. It has nothing to do with having touched fireweave for the first time ever and being desperately consumed with desire. I just wanted to unroll the bolt and roll around in it.
I didn't! That would be unprofessional. I might have fondled one corner just a bit. Shhh. Not that I can, or could ever, afford fireweave! But some bits and bobs more appropriate to the fashion here in Arx would be a sound investment, and at least one gown appropriate for social events, should I have occasion to attend them.
So many plans to make!
Written By Perronne
Aug. 7, 2018, 10:21 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
I met a Whisper! A real, actual, true to life Whisper. She was everything the stories say a Whisper should be - elegant, gracious, graceful, intelligent, and educated. I've met many courtiers, even played that game briefly a time or two, but Whispers, or at least THIS Whisper, truly are a thing apart.
Also, the public baths are wonderful. Just wonderful! After a very long day, it felt amazing to just soak my bones for a little bit. It must be very expensive to keep them running, but it's worth every silver spent on admission. (And I don't often say that! It's my feeling that it's always worth trying to argue down a fee or price a LITTLE, just to keep people on their toes. And save me money. I like money.)
The nobility is ((blotch of ink, as if the writer paused here for too long)) not of the sort that I am accustomed to in my travels. Perhaps it is the fact that so many of them are outside of the lands that they rule? I think they mean well!
I am starting to get restless, even so soon after the rush of becoming an official shop-owner. The last time I spent this much time in one place, my leg was broken (advice for anyone who ends up reading this for some reason in the next generations: sometimes water is not as deep as it looks from fifteen feet above, and although it probably still makes a better alternative than an angry black bear behind you, prepare to handle unexpected shallowness better than screaming and flailing). I think I'm going to make some scouting trips into the surrounding areas. I'm sure, once you get past the farms, there are some interesting things around here - although this close to Arx, I imagine any real ruins have long been picked over. But it's good to keep the skills sharp! I don't like breaking limbs when my skills AREN'T sharp.
Also, the public baths are wonderful. Just wonderful! After a very long day, it felt amazing to just soak my bones for a little bit. It must be very expensive to keep them running, but it's worth every silver spent on admission. (And I don't often say that! It's my feeling that it's always worth trying to argue down a fee or price a LITTLE, just to keep people on their toes. And save me money. I like money.)
The nobility is ((blotch of ink, as if the writer paused here for too long)) not of the sort that I am accustomed to in my travels. Perhaps it is the fact that so many of them are outside of the lands that they rule? I think they mean well!
I am starting to get restless, even so soon after the rush of becoming an official shop-owner. The last time I spent this much time in one place, my leg was broken (advice for anyone who ends up reading this for some reason in the next generations: sometimes water is not as deep as it looks from fifteen feet above, and although it probably still makes a better alternative than an angry black bear behind you, prepare to handle unexpected shallowness better than screaming and flailing). I think I'm going to make some scouting trips into the surrounding areas. I'm sure, once you get past the farms, there are some interesting things around here - although this close to Arx, I imagine any real ruins have long been picked over. But it's good to keep the skills sharp! I don't like breaking limbs when my skills AREN'T sharp.
Written By Perronne
Aug. 6, 2018, 1:41 p.m.(5/2/1009 AR)
Phew! Or is it whew? I am not entirely certain how to write out the sound of an outgoing breath of satisfied exhaustion, but whatever that sound is, consider it to be here, as faithfully transcribed as I can manage. So: phew!
I had clients! Actual, real clients with actual real money. I am definitely not going to starve to death! At least not today. We'll see about tomorrow. Especially since I have been given leave to set up shop, and have been moving all of the things I bought to outfit the shop to that building. It's in the area of a wonderful theatre, and surprisingly quiet. I hope that this does not adversely affect business, but I've always felt that certain goods require a quieter, more sedate environment to be properly appreciated in. "Storied Treasures". It's a terrible name, but I am terrible at naming things! Awkwardly, the sign painter has not yet had a chance to come by and switch out the signs, so the sign out front still reads "Heavenly Scents." I will be most embarrassed should anyone wander in, believing that their favorite scent shop is once again open for business. It does, however, still smell lovely in here.
The last bits and bobs from my previous inventory have been placed for sale. Nothing extravagant - a silver goblet, a loving cup which I choose to believe is an affectionate joke between lifelong spouses, a lover's token, and about...sixty percent of a very old breastplate. It will be interesting to see if any of them catch the eyes of people in Arx, while I continue to offer my services as a trade agent, and - of course - plan my next expedition!
I had clients! Actual, real clients with actual real money. I am definitely not going to starve to death! At least not today. We'll see about tomorrow. Especially since I have been given leave to set up shop, and have been moving all of the things I bought to outfit the shop to that building. It's in the area of a wonderful theatre, and surprisingly quiet. I hope that this does not adversely affect business, but I've always felt that certain goods require a quieter, more sedate environment to be properly appreciated in. "Storied Treasures". It's a terrible name, but I am terrible at naming things! Awkwardly, the sign painter has not yet had a chance to come by and switch out the signs, so the sign out front still reads "Heavenly Scents." I will be most embarrassed should anyone wander in, believing that their favorite scent shop is once again open for business. It does, however, still smell lovely in here.
The last bits and bobs from my previous inventory have been placed for sale. Nothing extravagant - a silver goblet, a loving cup which I choose to believe is an affectionate joke between lifelong spouses, a lover's token, and about...sixty percent of a very old breastplate. It will be interesting to see if any of them catch the eyes of people in Arx, while I continue to offer my services as a trade agent, and - of course - plan my next expedition!
Written By Perronne
Aug. 3, 2018, 8:44 a.m.(4/24/1009 AR)
Things that are interesting about Arx!
There's a huge clock! I've never even really seen a clock before - I've seen a couple of things that maybe used to be clocks once upon a time, long long ago, but not one that's intact. And it works! And it's really tall. I assume that it tells the right time - it SEEMS right, and I guess it would know? Although how would we know that it knows, really? I figure, with a clock like that, it could be off by an hour or two and it wouldn't even matter, because after a while everyone just looks to the clock and the clock comes to define what time IS. The chimes are pretty.
The Sovereign Bridge! It's huge! And so very far up. I stood at the edge and leaned to look down at the Gray River, and I couldn't even really see it. Just a smudge in the dark somewhere down there that might have been the mist, or might have been my imagination. The wind whistles, and I do think I can hear the sound of the river down there somewhere. And then I got dizzy and needed to get back on real land! Besides, the guards were giving me that do-you-have-business-here look, and I really didn't.
The altar of Gild! Seriously, wow. I've already written about this - it's still shiny, it's still incredibly expensive. "Avarice Builds Cities" is a bit odd, but I kinda get it. We want things, so we reach out to other people to trade things we have for things we want. And we need places to do that, so we build them, and then we live there, and eventually someone starts going, hey, I'm pretty sure all this was built on my land, so I should probably be in charge of it, and then people either go along with it, or they don't, and when the dust settles, there's a city and a graveyard and a lord or lady!
Reflection Square in the Lyceum Ward. It's. Um. Well. Very pretty? Gives me the shivers, though, walking among all those pools and seeing myself looking back. It really is almost like glass, and I know it's a bit silly and Oathlands of me, but I've never really held with much in the way of mirrors, except what you absolutely need to look presentable. Having them all out in the open like that...I guess it's very Lycene.
A rain of rats! This isn't really a thing I saw. Or want to see. But apparently it's a thing that happens here. Arx is a really interesting place! But I think I'm going to look into buying something for the rain which is also verminproof. Also, I should check the prices of rat poison - maybe there's an opportunity there to get in on the ground floor?
There's a huge clock! I've never even really seen a clock before - I've seen a couple of things that maybe used to be clocks once upon a time, long long ago, but not one that's intact. And it works! And it's really tall. I assume that it tells the right time - it SEEMS right, and I guess it would know? Although how would we know that it knows, really? I figure, with a clock like that, it could be off by an hour or two and it wouldn't even matter, because after a while everyone just looks to the clock and the clock comes to define what time IS. The chimes are pretty.
The Sovereign Bridge! It's huge! And so very far up. I stood at the edge and leaned to look down at the Gray River, and I couldn't even really see it. Just a smudge in the dark somewhere down there that might have been the mist, or might have been my imagination. The wind whistles, and I do think I can hear the sound of the river down there somewhere. And then I got dizzy and needed to get back on real land! Besides, the guards were giving me that do-you-have-business-here look, and I really didn't.
The altar of Gild! Seriously, wow. I've already written about this - it's still shiny, it's still incredibly expensive. "Avarice Builds Cities" is a bit odd, but I kinda get it. We want things, so we reach out to other people to trade things we have for things we want. And we need places to do that, so we build them, and then we live there, and eventually someone starts going, hey, I'm pretty sure all this was built on my land, so I should probably be in charge of it, and then people either go along with it, or they don't, and when the dust settles, there's a city and a graveyard and a lord or lady!
Reflection Square in the Lyceum Ward. It's. Um. Well. Very pretty? Gives me the shivers, though, walking among all those pools and seeing myself looking back. It really is almost like glass, and I know it's a bit silly and Oathlands of me, but I've never really held with much in the way of mirrors, except what you absolutely need to look presentable. Having them all out in the open like that...I guess it's very Lycene.
A rain of rats! This isn't really a thing I saw. Or want to see. But apparently it's a thing that happens here. Arx is a really interesting place! But I think I'm going to look into buying something for the rain which is also verminproof. Also, I should check the prices of rat poison - maybe there's an opportunity there to get in on the ground floor?
Written By Perronne
Aug. 2, 2018, 10:49 a.m.(4/22/1009 AR)
By Gild's bounteous bouncing buttocks!
I visited the Shrine of Gild early this morning to pay my respects and thanks to the goddess for her protection and patronage. First, the shrine is /gold/. The walls are gold! And the altar...
I've never even SEEN dragonweep before today. And when a priest saw me gawking, she helpfully explained some of the other metals - alaricite! Platinum! Things I half thought were just rumors and wishful thinking on the part of ambitious merchants like myself.
That people would give so much to build something that honors the goddess as she deserves is incredibly humbling. Also, I might have drooled. Just a little! I cleaned it up. Promise, my word to the gods!
I also met a noblewoman in the market who was aggressively trying to give away clothing. I assume that it is the aura of that shrine having an effect on the whole city.
I visited the Shrine of Gild early this morning to pay my respects and thanks to the goddess for her protection and patronage. First, the shrine is /gold/. The walls are gold! And the altar...
I've never even SEEN dragonweep before today. And when a priest saw me gawking, she helpfully explained some of the other metals - alaricite! Platinum! Things I half thought were just rumors and wishful thinking on the part of ambitious merchants like myself.
That people would give so much to build something that honors the goddess as she deserves is incredibly humbling. Also, I might have drooled. Just a little! I cleaned it up. Promise, my word to the gods!
I also met a noblewoman in the market who was aggressively trying to give away clothing. I assume that it is the aura of that shrine having an effect on the whole city.
Written By Perronne
Aug. 1, 2018, 6:41 p.m.(4/21/1009 AR)
Ways in which the city is better than the wilderness:
1. Actual beds. This is a big one. I have rented a perfectly respectable set of rooms in the Upper Boroughs, and they contain a bed! You may not feel that warrants the exclamation mark, but I assure you it does. When you sleep outdoors, not a night goes by that you do not have The Intruder. Sometimes it's a stick. Sometimes it's a rock. It doesn't matter how carefully you choose or sweep the ground, nor how thick your bedroll is, there is ALWAYS The Intruder. Sometimes it is alive, and I've got a couple of adorable scars from before I learned not to scream and flail upon waking, no matter what is slithering around your legs.
2. Fresh food. I woke up this morning, and instead of having to try and make travel food palatable, I just walked out of the building and down the street a little, to find one person selling hot, roasted nuts, and another freshly caught fish cooked on skewers, with a blend of spices that nearly had me drooling down the front of my shirt. And just past that? A bakery! With hot, yeasty bread in a loaf half the size of my head. I ate it all. All of it. Every drop, every crumb, every sniff. And then I went home and groaned on the bed and regretted my life choices.
3. Baths! No, sorry. BATHS! There we go. Proper emphasis. Just hot water in general. You get used to cold camps when you're off the roads - anyone out there with you is not someone you want to meet without a good squad of fighters with you, and sometimes even WITH a good squad. Rivers and soap meant to get two week old grime from travel clothes are the best you can do. And it is terrible. First night in any town or city large enough to have an inn, I order a bath. Drawn for me if I can at all afford it, but even if I have to fill the tub myself, it's still worth it.
4. People! People who will buy my things and give me copper and silver and other delightful coins that I can then trade for wonderful things. And invest. Of course. I don't waste my money. Most of my money.
1. Actual beds. This is a big one. I have rented a perfectly respectable set of rooms in the Upper Boroughs, and they contain a bed! You may not feel that warrants the exclamation mark, but I assure you it does. When you sleep outdoors, not a night goes by that you do not have The Intruder. Sometimes it's a stick. Sometimes it's a rock. It doesn't matter how carefully you choose or sweep the ground, nor how thick your bedroll is, there is ALWAYS The Intruder. Sometimes it is alive, and I've got a couple of adorable scars from before I learned not to scream and flail upon waking, no matter what is slithering around your legs.
2. Fresh food. I woke up this morning, and instead of having to try and make travel food palatable, I just walked out of the building and down the street a little, to find one person selling hot, roasted nuts, and another freshly caught fish cooked on skewers, with a blend of spices that nearly had me drooling down the front of my shirt. And just past that? A bakery! With hot, yeasty bread in a loaf half the size of my head. I ate it all. All of it. Every drop, every crumb, every sniff. And then I went home and groaned on the bed and regretted my life choices.
3. Baths! No, sorry. BATHS! There we go. Proper emphasis. Just hot water in general. You get used to cold camps when you're off the roads - anyone out there with you is not someone you want to meet without a good squad of fighters with you, and sometimes even WITH a good squad. Rivers and soap meant to get two week old grime from travel clothes are the best you can do. And it is terrible. First night in any town or city large enough to have an inn, I order a bath. Drawn for me if I can at all afford it, but even if I have to fill the tub myself, it's still worth it.
4. People! People who will buy my things and give me copper and silver and other delightful coins that I can then trade for wonderful things. And invest. Of course. I don't waste my money. Most of my money.
Written By Perronne
Aug. 1, 2018, 4:18 p.m.(4/21/1009 AR)
Oh my goodness.
Arx is so very...tall. It's just tall! You see it from the road, and these huge mesas loom from the land, like the King himself could be peeking down from atop whatever one of those tiny buildings he resides in and staring right at you! I'm sure he doesn't - even a King's eyesight isn't likely to be that good, and surely he has better things to do with his time. People who need to bow at him, babies to be kissed, laws to stare at in what I am sure is a very serious and studious manner before waving his hand and saying, "Let it be so," in a very kingly fashion. There are probably trumpets whenever he does. But the point is, the POINT is that is feels like he could, if he wanted to.
Because Arx is very tall. It is also, I don't mind saying, a bit of a workout to navigate on foot. I've got my latest goods stored, at least, and I went by to take my most recent journals to the Archives. The GRAND Archives! Which they are. Very grand! I'm usually dropping a stack of journals off in a building that's clearly built to withstand shavs with torches first and foremost. I will have to visit the shrine of Gild soon; I understand that it is also very GRAND and I wish to give thanks to Her for having - once again - survived the resource acquisition phase without ending up dead or missing anything I can't buy back. I must also donate to the Silver Order for (twice again? Thrice? At /least/ thrice again) saving my hide out there.
Then? I shall have to see if I can't cash in some old favors to acquire a storefront, and work on reaching out to people for the next glorious step in the master plan. It is a glorious plan. And a glorious step. There is glory all over this plan, is what I am saying.
I should also probably stop by the shrine of Gloria.
Arx is so very...tall. It's just tall! You see it from the road, and these huge mesas loom from the land, like the King himself could be peeking down from atop whatever one of those tiny buildings he resides in and staring right at you! I'm sure he doesn't - even a King's eyesight isn't likely to be that good, and surely he has better things to do with his time. People who need to bow at him, babies to be kissed, laws to stare at in what I am sure is a very serious and studious manner before waving his hand and saying, "Let it be so," in a very kingly fashion. There are probably trumpets whenever he does. But the point is, the POINT is that is feels like he could, if he wanted to.
Because Arx is very tall. It is also, I don't mind saying, a bit of a workout to navigate on foot. I've got my latest goods stored, at least, and I went by to take my most recent journals to the Archives. The GRAND Archives! Which they are. Very grand! I'm usually dropping a stack of journals off in a building that's clearly built to withstand shavs with torches first and foremost. I will have to visit the shrine of Gild soon; I understand that it is also very GRAND and I wish to give thanks to Her for having - once again - survived the resource acquisition phase without ending up dead or missing anything I can't buy back. I must also donate to the Silver Order for (twice again? Thrice? At /least/ thrice again) saving my hide out there.
Then? I shall have to see if I can't cash in some old favors to acquire a storefront, and work on reaching out to people for the next glorious step in the master plan. It is a glorious plan. And a glorious step. There is glory all over this plan, is what I am saying.
I should also probably stop by the shrine of Gloria.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.