Written By Porter
Sept. 2, 2018, 10:54 p.m.(7/6/1009 AR)
Dear journal, how would you feel about a vacation? The islands of the south seas, down the straits of the Saffron chain, call to me. I wonder how it is that the whites would get posted from there? That seems strange, doesn't it?
Perhaps I can just turn them in upon my return.
Perhaps I can just turn them in upon my return.
Written By Porter
Aug. 19, 2018, 10:51 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Dear journal, the Damsel is whole again, or at least as whole as she's ever going to be. The main beam is still held together by bolts and plates, making the whole thing untenable for ramming of any sort. Which means... cargo. Eight feet of tuna when we have a day and a pressing need.
I saw a whale today. I think it's an omen.
What do you mean you have to be at the academy in a few minutes? I'm still... give that_~_~____~_~~~~~
I saw a whale today. I think it's an omen.
What do you mean you have to be at the academy in a few minutes? I'm still... give that_~_~____~_~~~~~
Written By Porter
Aug. 13, 2018, midnight(5/20/1009 AR)
Dear journal, storms rolled through two nights ago and put the wind and lash to my beloved Damsel's Heart. I know that she's no longer war worthy, but she's still got the hold capacity to do a decent trade and keep the crew in relative comfort. That I convinced a blacksmith to run tin ducting through the cabin alone makes her unique of any ship I've been on.
We're working night and day to save her. There may yet be enough pitch.
We're working night and day to save her. There may yet be enough pitch.
Written By Porter
Aug. 2, 2018, 5:44 p.m.(4/23/1009 AR)
Dear journal, it has been a long time. I finally found you again. I forgot I'd taken you with me on that excursion to the Saffron chain. The sailors and seamen have come along. Most have been cured of their fear of hard work! We've even got a couple of reefers that aren't going to get themselves killed with the first squall that blows through while we're on patrol.
I finally got back the rubicund from the smith, and it's amazing. I've never seen pale golden rubicund before, but they assured me that it is a steel alloy, and like bronze the finish and polish count for a lot.
I've had a long conversation with the scribes, and they have explained this journal thing to me.
They are supposed to take copies of the journals lest they piss off the gods.
So, hello Vellichor. You're a wistful god, aren't you?
I finally got back the rubicund from the smith, and it's amazing. I've never seen pale golden rubicund before, but they assured me that it is a steel alloy, and like bronze the finish and polish count for a lot.
I've had a long conversation with the scribes, and they have explained this journal thing to me.
They are supposed to take copies of the journals lest they piss off the gods.
So, hello Vellichor. You're a wistful god, aren't you?
Written By Porter
July 5, 2018, 9:05 a.m.(2/19/1009 AR)
Dear journal, it has been a busy few weeks. House Kennex strives, of course, to increase their numbers and somebody has to stand over them. That is not yours truly, by the way. That's yon admiral in a purple hat with a feather. Someone has to train them though, and that's become my job as of late.
I suppose it counts as time on the sea if I'm throwing would-be sailors and rowers over the gunwale of the Damsel to simulate what it might be like to be knocked overboard while we're plowing through the waves at speed. So far, there have only been two that didn't swim well enough to make it, and I'm sure that Kennex can find use for them somewhere. They were fine in calm water.
it should be noted that we tied pots and pans from the galley to them to simulate arms and armor. Lost a perfectly good bundt pan that way, come to think of it.
I suppose it counts as time on the sea if I'm throwing would-be sailors and rowers over the gunwale of the Damsel to simulate what it might be like to be knocked overboard while we're plowing through the waves at speed. So far, there have only been two that didn't swim well enough to make it, and I'm sure that Kennex can find use for them somewhere. They were fine in calm water.
it should be noted that we tied pots and pans from the galley to them to simulate arms and armor. Lost a perfectly good bundt pan that way, come to think of it.
Written By Porter
May 27, 2018, 8:22 p.m.(11/11/1008 AR)
Dear journal, I may have talked someone out of their tremendous work ethic and I'm torn about it. On the one hand, it's nice to spend time not working. There's enough disaster in the world that some time off is warranted. Even the most stout adventurers take a little time for themselves at the end of the day. Unfortunately, it might also have messed with her income. That's obviously worse.
I'm willing to risk it. It's not my fortunes and I've already given nods where I can to assisting with hers.
Gods above, she ran roughshod up and down my spine. Next we play darts, I'll make sure to be on Gianna's side.
I wonder if she can throw dice with such uncanny skill.
I'm willing to risk it. It's not my fortunes and I've already given nods where I can to assisting with hers.
Gods above, she ran roughshod up and down my spine. Next we play darts, I'll make sure to be on Gianna's side.
I wonder if she can throw dice with such uncanny skill.
Written By Porter
May 25, 2018, 11:58 a.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
Dear journal, I took the new men out rowing this morning at daybreak. Good lord, but they are flabby, bad, and uncoordinated. They do have heart, and that's the most important thing. If I take them rowing every morning and we do shore sprints and balance beams after they get their wind back, I'll have them in fair shape before long.
I also need to look to my own training. Just because I can lift a brine barrel over my head doesn't mean that I can dodge Ian's stupid fast sword. So, there's that. Also, when I was young, we didn't care about armor. We were too fast and young and brave to worry about that. Now that we're getting--no not older--more established, we have a responsibility to not die on everyone. We're not dumb kids anymore.
So, armor it is.
Fine, yes, you can take this now. Hey, do you like the sea?
I also need to look to my own training. Just because I can lift a brine barrel over my head doesn't mean that I can dodge Ian's stupid fast sword. So, there's that. Also, when I was young, we didn't care about armor. We were too fast and young and brave to worry about that. Now that we're getting--no not older--more established, we have a responsibility to not die on everyone. We're not dumb kids anymore.
So, armor it is.
Fine, yes, you can take this now. Hey, do you like the sea?
Written By Porter
May 19, 2018, 10:31 p.m.(10/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Felicia
Dear journal, yesterday I got my hind end smote by a knight. I went to the Sailor's Ball thinking, you know, I'm up for some music and some dancing and maybe a little social drinking. I like having the occasional beverage when I'm out with friends, and it was at the Golden Hart. You know I can't resist going to the Hart.
No dancing.
No.
Dancing.
I am not sure what kind of "ball" it was supposed to be... just kidding, I had a good time, but maybe if they had called it a party I wouldn't have worn those fine leather dancing shoes that I picked up last time I was down to the Lyceum. Mock combat atop barrels, climbing the rigging, and firewalking? Dame Harrow did it all. I wonder if she'd consider taking up sailing.
No dancing.
No.
Dancing.
I am not sure what kind of "ball" it was supposed to be... just kidding, I had a good time, but maybe if they had called it a party I wouldn't have worn those fine leather dancing shoes that I picked up last time I was down to the Lyceum. Mock combat atop barrels, climbing the rigging, and firewalking? Dame Harrow did it all. I wonder if she'd consider taking up sailing.
Written By Porter
May 16, 2018, 9:08 a.m.(10/3/1008 AR)
Dear journal, it feels good to be out on the waves again.
The clean salt spray is better than the dirty city in almost every way that I can count. Arx is a nice city, so far as it goes, but it's still a city. It's stone and dead trees heaped upon wood. It has amazing parties, though! That's the only thing that I miss when I'm out on the sea.
I was at the chandlers earlier, out of my uniform of course, and the goodwoman behind the counter addressed me as captain. I've never seen her in my life, and while they only sell some things to captains of ships, there are sailors in and out of there at all hours of the day. So I asked her about it, thinking perhaps I'd left on my epaulets or had forgotten myself and was wearing my bridge coat.
"You can always tell a ship captain," she says. "Even without their uniform."
So, that's something to think about. What is it that gave it away?
And no, dear journal, I wasn't buying an anchor or some other piece of hardware. It was actually a new canvas satchel because the leather handle on the old one finally rotted through.
The clean salt spray is better than the dirty city in almost every way that I can count. Arx is a nice city, so far as it goes, but it's still a city. It's stone and dead trees heaped upon wood. It has amazing parties, though! That's the only thing that I miss when I'm out on the sea.
I was at the chandlers earlier, out of my uniform of course, and the goodwoman behind the counter addressed me as captain. I've never seen her in my life, and while they only sell some things to captains of ships, there are sailors in and out of there at all hours of the day. So I asked her about it, thinking perhaps I'd left on my epaulets or had forgotten myself and was wearing my bridge coat.
"You can always tell a ship captain," she says. "Even without their uniform."
So, that's something to think about. What is it that gave it away?
And no, dear journal, I wasn't buying an anchor or some other piece of hardware. It was actually a new canvas satchel because the leather handle on the old one finally rotted through.
Written By Porter
May 15, 2018, 5 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Dear journal,
Tonight there was a fight. A duel. I didn't go to that. I mention it only because it kept the bars clear and I was in need of company. Not "company", though that wouldn't have hurt either I suppose. I found myself at the Murder of Crows of all places, shoulder to shoulder with a seaman that used to sail for me. Hard times, there. Jorgi's signed on with a merchant freighter that plies the Gray River. So good on him for that. He always got seasick. Terrible thing for a sailor.
Ran into a raven-haired girl, and I do mean girl. Early twenties, maybe. Firm of limb and, how do I put this gently? No, journal, I won't lie to you. Somewhat abrasive in personality. She had all the right smiles and manners, which is strange enough for the Murder, but to see her go from enjoyment to instant suspicion when Petal offered her a gift was kind of a start. Then she sang and played Whiskey Johnny with me and we got the whole Murder going like a rookery at dusk.
Fine, no, you can take this now. I don't need you to proofread this. You're not going to give it back to me anyway.
Tonight there was a fight. A duel. I didn't go to that. I mention it only because it kept the bars clear and I was in need of company. Not "company", though that wouldn't have hurt either I suppose. I found myself at the Murder of Crows of all places, shoulder to shoulder with a seaman that used to sail for me. Hard times, there. Jorgi's signed on with a merchant freighter that plies the Gray River. So good on him for that. He always got seasick. Terrible thing for a sailor.
Ran into a raven-haired girl, and I do mean girl. Early twenties, maybe. Firm of limb and, how do I put this gently? No, journal, I won't lie to you. Somewhat abrasive in personality. She had all the right smiles and manners, which is strange enough for the Murder, but to see her go from enjoyment to instant suspicion when Petal offered her a gift was kind of a start. Then she sang and played Whiskey Johnny with me and we got the whole Murder going like a rookery at dusk.
Fine, no, you can take this now. I don't need you to proofread this. You're not going to give it back to me anyway.
Written By Porter
May 7, 2018, 8:01 a.m.(9/12/1008 AR)
Dear journal, I seem to have reached a detente with the messengers. They will wait for me to hand them the journal pages, and then they will take them. That way there are no unfinished missaves. Missives? Maybe one of them can help me proofread this.
Written By Porter
May 1, 2018, 9:37 a.m.(8/27/1008 AR)
Dear journal, what it is about war that makes people have the need to get pregnant?
On the one hand, it's fun. After fighting and nearly dying for so long, it's worth it to have fun again.
It's also being close to the one you love in, I suspect, the most direct way possible. Perhaps if it were like those tales where people swap bodies due to a trick, then there could be a closer way, but those are just tales.
I wonder if it's not also some urge to replace the ones who are lost. Is that an individual thing? A societal thing? I wonder.
It does make my love life more difficult. There's nothing more radiant, and far less likely to indulge in a side affair, than an expectant mother.
I suppose that means I should appreciate that Countess all the more, I'm quite sure she's past the point where she wants another.
I wonder if her husband is?
On the one hand, it's fun. After fighting and nearly dying for so long, it's worth it to have fun again.
It's also being close to the one you love in, I suspect, the most direct way possible. Perhaps if it were like those tales where people swap bodies due to a trick, then there could be a closer way, but those are just tales.
I wonder if it's not also some urge to replace the ones who are lost. Is that an individual thing? A societal thing? I wonder.
It does make my love life more difficult. There's nothing more radiant, and far less likely to indulge in a side affair, than an expectant mother.
I suppose that means I should appreciate that Countess all the more, I'm quite sure she's past the point where she wants another.
I wonder if her husband is?
Written By Porter
April 27, 2018, 2:27 p.m.(8/18/1008 AR)
Dear journal, let me start over.
Messengers keep stealing pages of my journal! I've tried to keep my door locked, passing it only when I need to take a trip to the head. In all other instances I leave via the window when I can. Since I've had a lot of practice at this (you know what I mean) and the ledge is broader than many aboard the ship, this hasn't been a problem.
I suspect they might have a key, but that would be madness!
I've written a number of pages over the past few days with my private thoughts, and they're gone. Gone!
I'm going to go get a new quill because this one is wearing down, and dear journal, you better still be here when I get back.
Messengers keep stealing pages of my journal! I've tried to keep my door locked, passing it only when I need to take a trip to the head. In all other instances I leave via the window when I can. Since I've had a lot of practice at this (you know what I mean) and the ledge is broader than many aboard the ship, this hasn't been a problem.
I suspect they might have a key, but that would be madness!
I've written a number of pages over the past few days with my private thoughts, and they're gone. Gone!
I'm going to go get a new quill because this one is wearing down, and dear journal, you better still be here when I get back.
Written By Porter
April 27, 2018, 2:23 p.m.(8/18/1008 AR)
Dear journal, you would not believe what Lady Pickering is going on about now.
She sent me a handful of pearls, which I dro
She sent me a handful of pearls, which I dro
Written By Porter
April 24, 2018, 11:20 a.m.(8/11/1008 AR)
Dear journal, what do I have to say to you today?
I can hear the messengers outside my quarters clawing quietly at the door, waiting to be let in. It's getting harder and harder to go places without being followed. If it isn't messengers for me it's messengers for someone else. If it isn't a messenger, it's an entourage of soldiers, hangers on, half-trained hounds, and... birds?
Look, a pelican is standing outside of my room just now with something in its floppy gullet. I have to tell you, journal, that this is very strange behavior. We've seen monkeys do this kind of thing, but how do you even train a pelican?
What else is new? Oh! Ian and Zoey gifted me with a lovely blue suede coat, a bit long in the rear, double breasted, broadly cut with a bit of gold flash in the liner and on the buttons. It's very nice. You'll like it. Jan gave me a small, sturdy blade. There's a tradition that says if you give someone a blade, you want to sever the relationship. That makes no sense to me. Jan is a soldier, so I am sure it's just a knife.
Also, let's see. Magic might be real, there are vomit monsters, and you can't always trust Harold or his knights.
What a world. I miss the sea.
I can hear the messengers outside my quarters clawing quietly at the door, waiting to be let in. It's getting harder and harder to go places without being followed. If it isn't messengers for me it's messengers for someone else. If it isn't a messenger, it's an entourage of soldiers, hangers on, half-trained hounds, and... birds?
Look, a pelican is standing outside of my room just now with something in its floppy gullet. I have to tell you, journal, that this is very strange behavior. We've seen monkeys do this kind of thing, but how do you even train a pelican?
What else is new? Oh! Ian and Zoey gifted me with a lovely blue suede coat, a bit long in the rear, double breasted, broadly cut with a bit of gold flash in the liner and on the buttons. It's very nice. You'll like it. Jan gave me a small, sturdy blade. There's a tradition that says if you give someone a blade, you want to sever the relationship. That makes no sense to me. Jan is a soldier, so I am sure it's just a knife.
Also, let's see. Magic might be real, there are vomit monsters, and you can't always trust Harold or his knights.
What a world. I miss the sea.
Written By Porter
April 24, 2018, 11 a.m.(8/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
Younger brother
Written By Porter
April 18, 2018, 9:25 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aethan
Maybe there's hope for Aethan, yet. We needed him, you see. The scourge of a pirate lord requires someone who is fast, sharp, and cunning. That's Aethan, all right. Most people would think those are the important virtues, but I know the one that really matters. He was there when we needed him.
It doesn't make up for what he's done, but it shows that maybe he wants to be a better man.
Then I saw him sitting alone and drinking at the pool party. Great.
I slowed him up with some lemonade, so that's something right?
It doesn't make up for what he's done, but it shows that maybe he wants to be a better man.
Then I saw him sitting alone and drinking at the pool party. Great.
I slowed him up with some lemonade, so that's something right?
Written By Porter
April 18, 2018, 9:20 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
It's been strange to return to Arx. Everything changed after the Gyre, and I'm not talking about whatever is happening with Arx itself. Nor am I talking about the creepy army or rumors of blood sacrifice.
It's strange because everything is going on as normal.
Near as I can tell, the Darkwatch has been wiped out.
Most of our fleet was damaged or destroyed and we're rebuilding.
And then we had a pool party. You couldn't argue that we didn't deserve a moment to relax and unwind, and I'll never turn down a party. Especially not when my brothers are there. But like I said, it's strange.
It's strange because everything is going on as normal.
Near as I can tell, the Darkwatch has been wiped out.
Most of our fleet was damaged or destroyed and we're rebuilding.
And then we had a pool party. You couldn't argue that we didn't deserve a moment to relax and unwind, and I'll never turn down a party. Especially not when my brothers are there. But like I said, it's strange.
Written By Porter
Sept. 29, 2017, 6:27 p.m.(4/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
If there's anyone out there with more spirit than my little brother, I'll eat my hat. He had everything taken away from him -- everything -- and yet he's come back from it, somehow. It's still like a knife between the ribs to see him the way he is now, especially knowing the way he used to be, but I'm damned proud of him, all the same. Right after I got my commission for the Damsel's Heart, he managed to drink ME under the table, if if that's not something to be proud of, I don't know what is.
Written By Porter
Sept. 29, 2017, 6:26 p.m.(4/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
I've never known before or since anyone half as bullheadedly devoted to the blade as my little brother. I haven't known many people more bullheaded in general. Aethan met his match in that kid, trying to teach him to sail. Knots were the worst. Imagine a ten year old kid, stubborn as the day is long, his head full of swordplay and derring do, and then try to imagine getting that kid to sit down and learn how to tie string into fancy knots. Aethan couldn't get him to attend to the lessons, and eventually he told me (because I was laughing about it) to do better, if I could. Well, I could.
If there's one thing a ten year old, even a ten year old as weird as Ian, relishes more than swordplay and derring do, it's filthy drinking songs. And I happen to have a knack for filthy drinking songs. I made up knot-inspired verses to 'What do you do with a drunken sailor?'. I'd teach him one verse and if he wanted to learn another, he'd have to master the knot that went with it.
Ian STILL ties some of the best sailor's knots I've seen.
If there's one thing a ten year old, even a ten year old as weird as Ian, relishes more than swordplay and derring do, it's filthy drinking songs. And I happen to have a knack for filthy drinking songs. I made up knot-inspired verses to 'What do you do with a drunken sailor?'. I'd teach him one verse and if he wanted to learn another, he'd have to master the knot that went with it.
Ian STILL ties some of the best sailor's knots I've seen.
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