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Written By Duarte

Jan. 2, 2024, 6:57 a.m.(6/24/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

Journal

Today I break the sequence of my narrative lest I forget and am remiss to immortalize to the white journals the deep appreciation I have for his talents and spirit.

Some months after the grand opening of Casino Crossroads, I commissioned Oliver Arterius, husband of Guildmaster Joscelin Arterius, to create two fine sculptures for the property.

Each was to stand as a shining symbol to the Gods they represented.

The first, a sculpture of wood, vellum, glass, ribbon and silk - 10 feet tall - depicting the sigil of Vellichor, our God of history and wisdom.

The second was of limestone, gold flaked, diamond dust and glitter - standing an impressive seven feet in height - the symbol of our Goddess of charity and civilization, Gild.

Both works stood upon the casino grounds for some years before I donated each to the Faith of the Pantheon, to stand in the shrines of the Gods they meant to honor. Indeed, the shrines are a more fitting home for these masterworks.

Oliver Arterius was a good man. He was a genius. Charitable and gregarious. His history and story of exiting thralldom to become a master in his chosen field and crafting a life that was truly his is one to be read and studied for inspiration. An unbroken spirit was he. To this day, I assert - most likely - remains unbroken.

And so, lest these are lost to time, I record them here in some detail.

*** Detailed sketches of Oliver Arterius's sculptures follow ***

a brilliantly shining sculpture of the sigil of Gild

,~xxXxx~,~xxxXxx~,~xxXXxx~,~xxOxAxx~,~xxXXxx~,~xxXxxx~,~xxXxx~,

Made from a base of hard and durable limestone, this
sculpture stands an impressive seven feet in height, a
reverent representation of the sigil of the Goddess Gild. The
sculpture is of two coins formed independently of one another.
The first coin is short and stout, the limestone painted a
stunning gold, the paints soaking through the textured stone
so that the colour is bright and full of depth. All around
the round edge of the coin is a trail of crushed gold-tinted
gemstones, giving the coin a natural glitter with or
without a source of light. The golden coin leans against a
taller, wider coin painted with several thick coats of silver.
Much like the gold coin, the rounded edges are rolled in
glistening diamond dust that casts a glistening luster across
the coin, bringing out the metallic colour of the paint.
Darker gray paint is used to create huge block lettering
along the backside of the silver coin:

IN CELEBRATION OF
PROSPERITY & CHARITY

,~xxXxx~,~xxxXxx~,~xxXXxx~,~xxOxAxx~,~xxXXxx~,~xxXxxx~,~xxXxx~,

an impressively large sculpture of the sigil of Vellichor

,~xxXxx~,~xxxXxx~,~xxXXxx~,~xxOxAxx~,~xxXXxx~,~xxXxxx~,~xxXxx~,

Made from strong and sturdy oak, this sculpture is impressive
in both width and height; at its tallest point, the sigil
rises to nearly ten feet. Masterfully carved into the shape
of a large tome, the wood has been weathered to give the book
an ancient, rippling sort of appearance. The tome lies open,
with actual thickly layered vellum spread upon the wood and
then overlayed with thin, clear glass for protection. Across
the vellum is inked writing in bold, blocky letters:

MAY WISDOM NOT GIVE WAY TO GREED

Laying above the words is an intricately carved feather
quill with a sharp point, delicately painted a rich and
vibrant crimson. Great time and attention to detail has been
taken to bring realism to the quill, the feathers subtly worn
to suggest use. Just beyond the tome are two raised
scrolls which bring true height to the sculpture, the wood
painted a yellowish cream to suggest age. The scrolls are
crossed and wrapped in thick ribbons sewn from navy blue
silk, the ribbon ends worn and frayed.

,~xxXxx~,~xxxXxx~,~xxXXxx~,~xxOxAxx~,~xxXXxx~,~xxXxxx~,~xxXxx~,

Written By Duarte

Nov. 3, 2018, 2:36 p.m.(12/5/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

It is said in Bravura - or at least I believe it must've been said at a time - that art's substance is survival itself in its truest form.

That craftsmanship and realized visions can leave an indelible mark on a human's soul and the culture itself is an undeniable aspect of our nature.

It is why we celebrate and revere the artist.

Does the accomplished artisan ever truly die? Perhaps in form, but in form alone.

We are less without you, but still more than were you never with us at all.

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.

Written By Arik

Oct. 24, 2018, 12:03 a.m.(11/12/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

Master Oliver and I were not particularly close. He had an impressive sense of humor and if you've ever been to a beards and brew night at the Spirits you have seen his impressive tanned codpiece trousers to know what I am talking about. I have friends whom are very upset that he is dead. I see people making generous donations to a cause that by all accounts he believed in wholeheartedly. I've seen his good works in the rebuilding of Darkwater's domain.

The only difference between Master Oliver Arterius and any other citizen that has died in some grime crime is that this man reached out to people. If ever you question whether you will be remembered, look to Lord Valerio Mazetti and Master Oliver Arterius. Both left achievements fondly remembered, may such memories not be lost to sorrow. Seek to emulate their efforts and you will be remembered.

Written By Ida

Oct. 23, 2018, 7:27 p.m.(11/11/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

I took the chair that I had made for you and put it in the Crafters Hall. It was where we spoke when you returned to the city and probably my fondest memory of you. That you extended an olive branch knowing I might very well beat the ever-living crap out of you sure wasn't something I expected. And so the chair now sits where we had our last really meaningful conversation, as a reminder. That's all I really feel ready to write about right now.

Written By Fecundo

Oct. 23, 2018, 7:12 p.m.(11/11/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

Often, we never think about the people who have a place in our lives.

My first social event upon my arrival to Arx, indeed my first few hours, was the wedding of Joscelin and Oliver. I had no idea who either of them were, just that I was a guest of another member of my extended family and felt horrid that, unprepared as I was, all I could offer to the couple were my well wishes.

My second true meeting with the man was enlisting him for my outfit for the Gala around the historical figures of the land. The outfit he made for me was incredible, still the best I own, and I had even inquired at the time if he would be interested myself as a patron.

It had fully been my plan to reach out to him, if I could, to dress me when eventually I was wed....

I had very little exposure to the man, and yet he was key in my mind as someone I could rely on and believe in. Think about this with the people you deal with on a daily basis, even those you may only cross paths with once or twice a year. No one is insignificant...

My heart goes out to his wife and those who had deeper ties to him than my own minor ones....

Gods help those responsible if they cross my path, however briefly...

Written By Morrighan

Oct. 3, 2018, 11:27 p.m.(9/19/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

As Agatha would say...HA! Will get a bag of feathers and a barrel of tar, both will have your name on it.

Written By Gerard

Sept. 2, 2018, 4:41 p.m.(7/6/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

I am beyond pleased that you enjoyed the gift, Oliver, and overjoyed that soon you will be able to use it! Although I'm told there might be need for two of them, so still a chance to make your own!

You heard it here, dear Ida, you made an excellent choice! Going to save a copy of that one for future use, scholar, if you don't mind?

Written By Duarte

Sept. 1, 2018, 4:48 p.m.(7/4/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

My thanks to Oliver Arterius who recently completed two sculptures.

One of Gild's sigil to stand outside the entrance of Crossroads as a reminder to be ever prosperous and ever charitable.

And for within, one of Vellichor's to serve as a reminder that wisdom shall not give way to greed.

These are magnificent works of art. Master Oliver is a true talent.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 31, 2018, 9:10 p.m.(7/2/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

My husband is a sculptor, at the heart of him. He wouldn't believe me if I told him that, but it's true. When he courted me, he gave me these little figurines, uncanny replicas of myself in the beginning, doing this or that thing that he found infuriating or intriguing, and eventually they included himself as well. Now and then, he makes another and he puts it somewhere I'll find it, or adds it to the collection I have on the birchwood shelf in our home.

This last one is especially adorable, and incredibly accurate. I also love how he makes my hips enormous and carefully curls my hair in the palm-sized creations. I don't think I deserve such a clever partner.

Written By Gerard

Aug. 25, 2018, 4:26 p.m.(6/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

And for that? We deserve all we get.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 25, 2018, 4:19 p.m.(6/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

I was warned you'd be one of -those- husbands.

I'm pregnant, not invalid, and I'm not even showing yet. So far it's all nausea and craving foods with fruit fillings, and I put all those things that high up before you ever came along.

Ridiculous.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 18, 2018, 11:24 p.m.(6/4/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

You liar. You said you were leaving to pick up an order from the market. SUPER URGENT, you said. You couldn't send a missive to the archives like everyone else??

Silly man.

You'll be an amazing father.

Written By Fecundo

Aug. 15, 2018, 11:22 p.m.(5/26/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

Unlike the family Masquerade, I took some initiative in looking for something to wear to the Gala early this time. My first event attended upon arriving to Arx was the wedding of Guildmaster Joscelin and Oliver Arterius. With that in mind, and knowing Oliver was one of those who handled dressing the men of Arx, I went to him with material and color ideas and asked him to surprise me. All I can say is that the only thing I am missing now is one of those legendary cloaks being raffled at the event. I think I may have found my tailor. My cousin, the Duchess Rubino, will be happy that I am finally dressing in something other than armor and rags...

...but I'm still not a peacock.....

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 9, 2018, 7:26 p.m.(5/13/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

I wear no creams or cosmetics as they are all flammable and I'm either around people who -love- fire (see Morrighan or even Ida) or I'm working the forges and torches myself.

The most I use is scented oils but that's under all my clothes.

For parties, I'd ask a Whisper to bespeckle my skin with something beautiful and artificial; have you seen Saedrus? That glow is probably natural for the man, but for the rest of us, some need help.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 9, 2018, 1:07 p.m.(5/13/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

Oliver has worked very hard to help Darkshore rebuild, putting every bit of Sameera's hard earned resources into it without batting an eye, offering all of it up without question to the cause. He makes me very proud. It's hard to say what others would do when left with an inheritance of that size, but my husband? I knew exactly what he meant to do with it. No question. None at all.

Written By Joscelin

July 27, 2018, 1:49 a.m.(4/9/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

One of the best things about having a shop adjoining my husband's:

I slipped and hit my index finger with one of my bigger hammers. The ensuing (loud) swearing summoned my husband like a creature from Elysium, just to kiss it better.

This is going to make me rotten.

Written By Cristoph

July 18, 2018, 6:25 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

I recently commissioned an outfit from Master Oliver Arterius. His work was phenomenal and I'm extremely pleased with what I received. He was also professional and much speedier than I anticipated. As promised, there was no overt bedazzling to my pants! I would surely recommend his work to anyone.

Written By Joscelin

July 13, 2018, 2:18 a.m.(3/8/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

We're married now, you don't have to keep saying such things about me. It's alright, really.

Written By Joscelin

July 12, 2018, 4:25 p.m.(3/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

When he isn't trying to fulfill his fantasies as a father of six children in one single go, he's working his hands to death on a beautiful completed ensemble for the fashion show. I don't know how he finds the time, I think it's when I'm exhausted sleeping or running around the city with Crafters' business. I've stolen a few peeks. I'm not saying he's my favorite, but he is my husband and showing off his work is probably one of my favorite things.

Did you see the pants he made Lord Arik Halfshav? Goodness.

Or the cloak he made Alayne? Beautiful.

This show is going to be amazing.

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