Written By Duarte
Jan. 12, 2024, 4:24 a.m.(7/16/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
I won't soon or ever forget the night I met the Oathlands scholar - the loveliest of scholars, as I would come to call her (much to her dismay).
It was at the Ambassador. She came into a bar with a stubborn refusal to drink anything but non-alcoholic cider. The selection made me cringe to my core. She was there, bright-eyed and naive, yammering on about some form of lichen she was intent on studying to some pointless end.
Of course, we toyed with her. She was eccentric and prideful, sanctimonious and stubborn. But she was abundantly optimistic with a sense of wonder and almost an endearing hopefulness - traits that would fade from my lovely, dear Rinel in time until she was less than a shell of the person I met that night.
Several at the bar took to merrymaking and in doing so began to chant a Valardin folk tune. Rinel joined in and it wasn't long before they hoisted her upon their shoulders and carried her around the Ambassador as if she were a banner. The bright smile on her face then, I would never see again after that night.
Rinel's time in Arx was fraught with confrontation and haughty insistence. For these, she alone was to blame. I nearly killed her myself, once. And though I tried to speak sense to her, in the end, even I had to turn my back on her.
But lest you think this is written to run her down, I shall dispatch promptly with the notion. For this is a hero's story. While it might take some time to reveal the arc of her redemption and bring an explanation to the enduring gratitude that I will hold for her, everlasting, I may as well just spoil the punchline: Rinel Tern saved me.
Your experiences may vary.
It was at the Ambassador. She came into a bar with a stubborn refusal to drink anything but non-alcoholic cider. The selection made me cringe to my core. She was there, bright-eyed and naive, yammering on about some form of lichen she was intent on studying to some pointless end.
Of course, we toyed with her. She was eccentric and prideful, sanctimonious and stubborn. But she was abundantly optimistic with a sense of wonder and almost an endearing hopefulness - traits that would fade from my lovely, dear Rinel in time until she was less than a shell of the person I met that night.
Several at the bar took to merrymaking and in doing so began to chant a Valardin folk tune. Rinel joined in and it wasn't long before they hoisted her upon their shoulders and carried her around the Ambassador as if she were a banner. The bright smile on her face then, I would never see again after that night.
Rinel's time in Arx was fraught with confrontation and haughty insistence. For these, she alone was to blame. I nearly killed her myself, once. And though I tried to speak sense to her, in the end, even I had to turn my back on her.
But lest you think this is written to run her down, I shall dispatch promptly with the notion. For this is a hero's story. While it might take some time to reveal the arc of her redemption and bring an explanation to the enduring gratitude that I will hold for her, everlasting, I may as well just spoil the punchline: Rinel Tern saved me.
Your experiences may vary.
Written By Zakhar
Aug. 25, 2021, 2:18 p.m.(2/3/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
This will either become a wonderful friendship, or they'll seek out how to attempt to give me a headache.
It is of their own behaviors that has brought this on. I encourage them to seek out what my name means to those in the city and beyond the walls before making their next move.
I have time.
do you?
It is of their own behaviors that has brought this on. I encourage them to seek out what my name means to those in the city and beyond the walls before making their next move.
I have time.
do you?
Written By Rinel
April 29, 2021, 10:40 p.m.(5/19/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
This is my last will and testament, penned by my own hand, and dated on the Nineteenth of May, One Thousand and Fifteen Years After the Reckoning.
In the event of my death, the Marquessa Reigna Keaton is to inherit all my property, save that listed below. I ask that the Marquessa use and dispose of such property in the way that will best aid the Physicians' Guild of Arx.
All unsold crafts and goods that I have produced are assigned to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn, to be disposed of as best befits the Crafters' Guild of Arx. All rights to my smithy and store, Decus Votorum, are assigned to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn, to be disposed of as best befits the Crafters' Guild of Arx.
The cane which Brother Felix Godsworn crafted for me, Reminder, is to revert to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn to be used as he sees fit.
If I have not at the time of my death returned to the Count Duarte Amadeo of Bravura the cane that his lordship has lent to me, said cane is to revert to his lordship's possession and ownership.
All of my black journals are to be released to the public, pending review by the Censor Librorum and the Archscholar of Lord Vellichor.
Signed by my own hand,
Rinel Tern
In the event of my death, the Marquessa Reigna Keaton is to inherit all my property, save that listed below. I ask that the Marquessa use and dispose of such property in the way that will best aid the Physicians' Guild of Arx.
All unsold crafts and goods that I have produced are assigned to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn, to be disposed of as best befits the Crafters' Guild of Arx. All rights to my smithy and store, Decus Votorum, are assigned to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn, to be disposed of as best befits the Crafters' Guild of Arx.
The cane which Brother Felix Godsworn crafted for me, Reminder, is to revert to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn to be used as he sees fit.
If I have not at the time of my death returned to the Count Duarte Amadeo of Bravura the cane that his lordship has lent to me, said cane is to revert to his lordship's possession and ownership.
All of my black journals are to be released to the public, pending review by the Censor Librorum and the Archscholar of Lord Vellichor.
Signed by my own hand,
Rinel Tern
Written By Monique
Aug. 10, 2020, 2:10 a.m.(10/23/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
In the Shrine of the Thirteenth this day, House Greenmarch accepted the oath of Rinel Tern. Henceforth, she is under the protection of our House, and we shall regard her counsel, and promote her good works and serve her in any capacity we may.
Written By Dianna
May 4, 2020, 3:37 p.m.(3/24/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
There was a moment - and longer than a moment - when Messere Rinel Tern questioned me, incited me to question myself and my place not only within the community of Arx, but the community of all of Arvum; when I questioned my worth ~as I am~ and including all of my potential and real faults and loves, including, of course, my love of beauty, of wealth, of the rewards I earn on account of an exceptional education made possible by my noble birth within House Mazetti - for which I am endlessly grateful.
I questioned my right to the finery I yet wear, that I have dedicated to the gods - for I am in the process of constructing a wardrobe of spectacular beauty in honor of each of the gods of the Pantheon. It is, perhaps, a vain choice for my funds; but it serves me in a number of ways: The attention it receives from anyone gives me an opportunity to interact with them; it keeps me humble, for I know that, despite spending these funds on something seemingly frivolous, these pieces are only mine momentarily, while in this life and dedicated to the Faith; the creation of them serves to employ artisans and merchants, whom I would wish are supported in their tasks; it may inspire others to create items of beauty; it is, by its very nature, a constant offering and tribute to Gild and to Jayus, most obviously; to Petrichor, to Mangata and Lagoma for the materials, the transportation of materials and for the seasons that give me cause to even have need of clothing; to Limerance for my love of my noble upbringing that inspires such vanity, and for my fidelity to my oaths; to The Sentinel for the justice of being able to use my education in such ways; to Skald for the choice of both what I daily wear and for the choice of spending the silver I earn on what I wish; to the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings for the very body that I have; and to Tehom, for the vanity, itself.
Had this woman not so abrasively disrupted my mind and heart, I may never have had reason to come to understand myself - and my desire to better understand and relate with those common-born who are so very different from me. I may not have found myself so very lacking, despite my upbringing, my education; and I may never have given opportunity to those beautiful souls whom I have met, who offer me what love and acceptance in quick and unrelenting abundance such as the Cullers have. So, I find myself humbled further: That I am not asked to be other than I am; that I am warmly embraced and not abused nor have my generosity taken for granted; that I am given opportunity to learn the truth of those so close in proximity to my present home, yet so distant in their lifestyles that it is as if I am in a foreign land, when I set foot in the Lowers.
Respect is such an honorable thing, a gift surely so pure, it surely makes Gloria's heart sing - whether offered on the battlefield, in Noble Houses, in the Uppers or in the Lowers; and may be given by anyone, of any station. And so, I find my way to Gloria even with this vain opulence, to honor those who have both disturbed my mind and heart as well as those who cherish me - from any social station.
I am overwhelmed by the radiance of the gods - and of humanity.
There is truly the most extraordinary beauty in accepting and embracing All of The Great Dream - and this brings me back, fully-circling, to the place where I was first so rattled by Messere Rinel: In the Shrine of the Lost, that we hold, now, as Aion's.
May blessings and peace come to this woman. I need not, nor wish to have her change a thing.
I questioned my right to the finery I yet wear, that I have dedicated to the gods - for I am in the process of constructing a wardrobe of spectacular beauty in honor of each of the gods of the Pantheon. It is, perhaps, a vain choice for my funds; but it serves me in a number of ways: The attention it receives from anyone gives me an opportunity to interact with them; it keeps me humble, for I know that, despite spending these funds on something seemingly frivolous, these pieces are only mine momentarily, while in this life and dedicated to the Faith; the creation of them serves to employ artisans and merchants, whom I would wish are supported in their tasks; it may inspire others to create items of beauty; it is, by its very nature, a constant offering and tribute to Gild and to Jayus, most obviously; to Petrichor, to Mangata and Lagoma for the materials, the transportation of materials and for the seasons that give me cause to even have need of clothing; to Limerance for my love of my noble upbringing that inspires such vanity, and for my fidelity to my oaths; to The Sentinel for the justice of being able to use my education in such ways; to Skald for the choice of both what I daily wear and for the choice of spending the silver I earn on what I wish; to the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings for the very body that I have; and to Tehom, for the vanity, itself.
Had this woman not so abrasively disrupted my mind and heart, I may never have had reason to come to understand myself - and my desire to better understand and relate with those common-born who are so very different from me. I may not have found myself so very lacking, despite my upbringing, my education; and I may never have given opportunity to those beautiful souls whom I have met, who offer me what love and acceptance in quick and unrelenting abundance such as the Cullers have. So, I find myself humbled further: That I am not asked to be other than I am; that I am warmly embraced and not abused nor have my generosity taken for granted; that I am given opportunity to learn the truth of those so close in proximity to my present home, yet so distant in their lifestyles that it is as if I am in a foreign land, when I set foot in the Lowers.
Respect is such an honorable thing, a gift surely so pure, it surely makes Gloria's heart sing - whether offered on the battlefield, in Noble Houses, in the Uppers or in the Lowers; and may be given by anyone, of any station. And so, I find my way to Gloria even with this vain opulence, to honor those who have both disturbed my mind and heart as well as those who cherish me - from any social station.
I am overwhelmed by the radiance of the gods - and of humanity.
There is truly the most extraordinary beauty in accepting and embracing All of The Great Dream - and this brings me back, fully-circling, to the place where I was first so rattled by Messere Rinel: In the Shrine of the Lost, that we hold, now, as Aion's.
May blessings and peace come to this woman. I need not, nor wish to have her change a thing.
Written By Corrigan
March 15, 2020, 5:43 p.m.(12/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
It always tickles me when someone claims to have lost, hurt, bled, cried - whatever - 'more than you could know.'
Maybe ask what someone else /does/ know before passing judgement, Godbotherer.
Maybe ask what someone else /does/ know before passing judgement, Godbotherer.
Written By Korka
Dec. 29, 2019, 9:15 p.m.(6/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Not sure if she's chasing the lemmings or leading them now. She'd do well to remember how many cliffs Arx has.
Written By Preston
Dec. 27, 2019, 7:47 a.m.(6/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Consider Rinel that observing anything in isolation, without context, can make it difficult to understand scale and impact. We must hold to the ideals of the Gods in every case, but we cannot do that by studying each thing in isolation and making some pure decision and moving on to the next.
Elisha was not just a harmless poet whose ravings were fuelled by misuse of dust - but he was a being who impacted on others. And who others than used as a tool or as a guide to further that impact, and its harms. He made choices, as Skald allows each of us to do, to be who he was and do what he do. And yes, the fact that he was elevated to one doing harm is regrettable, and lies at the feet of those with status who sought to elevate him beyond what he was by celebrating his heresies. But in the wider context, he was doing harm - to the Faith, to innocents who might read his words, to himself, to our society. In the end our duty to the Gods, to the Faith, to Society, to the innocents, must outweigh any responsibility we feel to further be merciful to one who does not seek that mercy and whose actions continue to do harm.
Elisha was not just a harmless poet whose ravings were fuelled by misuse of dust - but he was a being who impacted on others. And who others than used as a tool or as a guide to further that impact, and its harms. He made choices, as Skald allows each of us to do, to be who he was and do what he do. And yes, the fact that he was elevated to one doing harm is regrettable, and lies at the feet of those with status who sought to elevate him beyond what he was by celebrating his heresies. But in the wider context, he was doing harm - to the Faith, to innocents who might read his words, to himself, to our society. In the end our duty to the Gods, to the Faith, to Society, to the innocents, must outweigh any responsibility we feel to further be merciful to one who does not seek that mercy and whose actions continue to do harm.
Written By Thomas
Dec. 27, 2019, 5:34 a.m.(6/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Mistress Tern, I mean no disrespect, but I am honestly flabbergasted. If things have progressed to the point where everyone from the bottom rungs of our society to the top are so exhausted trying to reason with you that our /actual Gods themselves/ have to take the time to perform a small miracle in visiting you and even THEY can't convince you that you are wrong, I think it's clear that you have dedicated yourself to being in the wrong deliberately, entirely, and blindly. You should not be known as a legendary theologian anymore but instead as legendarily obstinate.
Written By Preston
Nov. 12, 2019, 4:18 p.m.(3/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
In our time knowing one another, I have offered twice to help you if you wished to pursue the Faith as a calling. And in between those two offers I told you that I believe you should have been executed, but that I would have taken no joy in it nor did I think it would have been totally fair given specific circumstances.
I think the fact I have made that offer before and after should tell you that I do think you have something to offer. It should tell you that you have people who wish to offer you a hand. Yet you seem to choose conflict, you would rather beat on the Rectory doors than step inside and converse and debate with what would be your brothers and sisters. You have ideas what the Faith should do, you want to help people - I know that, I respect that. But, the Faith is a chorus, not one voice alone. Even in the Templars, my Brothers and Sisters in each Chapter come together with their master and discuss what is to be done. Each voice is equal. Yes, the local master shall decide in the end, but he will do so with the voices of his siblings in his ears, and all will bear that decision and leave discord within the confines of the chapter house.
I do not understand why you seem determined to stand in your own path. It saddens me, but you remain welcome at the Compound if you wish what small bit of help I can offer.
I think the fact I have made that offer before and after should tell you that I do think you have something to offer. It should tell you that you have people who wish to offer you a hand. Yet you seem to choose conflict, you would rather beat on the Rectory doors than step inside and converse and debate with what would be your brothers and sisters. You have ideas what the Faith should do, you want to help people - I know that, I respect that. But, the Faith is a chorus, not one voice alone. Even in the Templars, my Brothers and Sisters in each Chapter come together with their master and discuss what is to be done. Each voice is equal. Yes, the local master shall decide in the end, but he will do so with the voices of his siblings in his ears, and all will bear that decision and leave discord within the confines of the chapter house.
I do not understand why you seem determined to stand in your own path. It saddens me, but you remain welcome at the Compound if you wish what small bit of help I can offer.
Written By Sparte
Nov. 12, 2019, 11:05 a.m.(3/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
I have no idea what trouble you've brought on your head this time, as I've seen your temper put you in trouble many times now. Some very deservingly.
Yet, the way you write about what you've done gives me reassurance. It doesn't sound like anger on your own behalf. It sounds like you're fighting for someone else.
May they recognize what you're doing for them and have the good sense to not let your effort be wasted.
Yet, the way you write about what you've done gives me reassurance. It doesn't sound like anger on your own behalf. It sounds like you're fighting for someone else.
May they recognize what you're doing for them and have the good sense to not let your effort be wasted.
Written By Korka
Nov. 12, 2019, 9:11 a.m.(3/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Lost sheep, sure.
But you're chasing lemmings.
But you're chasing lemmings.
Written By Preston
Oct. 24, 2019, 7:11 p.m.(1/27/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
It is easy to know whether a book collection is complete, the holes on the shelves, the numbering on them. They all help tell you. It is more difficult when the items were torn apart and scattered. I have no doubt some fragments of Marach's work survived - I have read such myself. I am less confident that whole bodies of his work survived in more than one or two cases, copies hidden by misguided devotees. The Orthodox, and the Faith, has never changed its teachings on Marach - his work was beyond acceptable, it represents the wasteland beyond acceptable dissent and questioning into heresy. If people truly were trying to reintroduce those teachings, it would need to be dealt with.
We should be wary in trying to take lessons from the past -and in confusing knowledge with wisdom. To know is important, but to understand is far more critical.
We should be wary in trying to take lessons from the past -and in confusing knowledge with wisdom. To know is important, but to understand is far more critical.
Written By Preston
Oct. 23, 2019, 6:36 a.m.(1/24/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Your knowledge of our past and history is always most impressive, Rinel.
Though let me point out two things - some of Marach's teachings survive, but not all. It was never the case that /all/ Marach ever uttered was heresy, but that his teachings crossed a line and he refused to heed to the calls of the Faith. I am sure some have tried - and dedicated researchers such as yourself might be tempted to try - to attempt to recreate Marach's teachings, though I would caution this on two fronts. The first is that the danger in his words has not changed in all these years and it is a path that is almost certain to end with suffering. The second is that the view of the Orthodoxy has not changed since its founding on these matters. I realise it is fashionable for some to play chicken with the patience of the Faith, and I know you yourself are smart enough not to try nor would you encourage recklessness, but I will say bluntly that any who try will suffer the same fate. Perhaps a better lesson from Marach is this - no one is beyond the will of the Faith.
The second is that you take a lesson from those who stood in the Archive against Carnifex Alor Valardin, blessed be his memory. That not even a Carnifex of the Faith could make knowledge step aside - I might quibble perhaps if what Marach offered was knowledge, or simply temptation to evil wrapped in undeniably clever words. I point out the outcome for those men and women, in sorrow for such events should be remembered with sadness. They died, Rinel. Those who did not die had their arm forced onto a block, their writing hand cleaved from their body, and their tongue pulled and cut out from a hot dagger. Carnifex Alor Valardin took the Archive, as was his holy duty. The teachings were removed. And the great work of the Censor Librorum continues to this day.
But we are likely confusing poor scholars and any readers with odd archaic terms and history long since consigned to books and dust. So what I will say to you, and to others who read this, is what I am sure we both agree on. Just as the Faith is a beautiful choir of voices and views, within the limits so set, so it is with the Gods. That they are a choir, an ensemble. You can take one God on their own, their voice will be strong, powerful, their song line one of beauty, but only when listening to them all do you get the full effect of their melodies. Just as it is with their commands and their demands. Each moderated by one another, altering and changing when considered as part of the whole.
Though let me point out two things - some of Marach's teachings survive, but not all. It was never the case that /all/ Marach ever uttered was heresy, but that his teachings crossed a line and he refused to heed to the calls of the Faith. I am sure some have tried - and dedicated researchers such as yourself might be tempted to try - to attempt to recreate Marach's teachings, though I would caution this on two fronts. The first is that the danger in his words has not changed in all these years and it is a path that is almost certain to end with suffering. The second is that the view of the Orthodoxy has not changed since its founding on these matters. I realise it is fashionable for some to play chicken with the patience of the Faith, and I know you yourself are smart enough not to try nor would you encourage recklessness, but I will say bluntly that any who try will suffer the same fate. Perhaps a better lesson from Marach is this - no one is beyond the will of the Faith.
The second is that you take a lesson from those who stood in the Archive against Carnifex Alor Valardin, blessed be his memory. That not even a Carnifex of the Faith could make knowledge step aside - I might quibble perhaps if what Marach offered was knowledge, or simply temptation to evil wrapped in undeniably clever words. I point out the outcome for those men and women, in sorrow for such events should be remembered with sadness. They died, Rinel. Those who did not die had their arm forced onto a block, their writing hand cleaved from their body, and their tongue pulled and cut out from a hot dagger. Carnifex Alor Valardin took the Archive, as was his holy duty. The teachings were removed. And the great work of the Censor Librorum continues to this day.
But we are likely confusing poor scholars and any readers with odd archaic terms and history long since consigned to books and dust. So what I will say to you, and to others who read this, is what I am sure we both agree on. Just as the Faith is a beautiful choir of voices and views, within the limits so set, so it is with the Gods. That they are a choir, an ensemble. You can take one God on their own, their voice will be strong, powerful, their song line one of beauty, but only when listening to them all do you get the full effect of their melodies. Just as it is with their commands and their demands. Each moderated by one another, altering and changing when considered as part of the whole.
Written By Preston
Sept. 7, 2019, 6:24 a.m.(10/15/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
I think scholar, you rather prove my point - there are parts of the Faith and the knowledge of our ways that only come with the sacrifice of Godsworn, and you are not privvy to. And in that there is risk in you engaging and believing you can offer a route back to the Faithful for the excommunicated. But you will notice I did not say you could not, I said it was headstrong and foolish of you to do so. It seems there are plenty of others who wish to provide succour who do not have the delicate past you have - but if you feel it is a duty on you, then you should do what you feel is right. But, that will not stop me worrying none the less. Nor will your ill-considered words.
Written By Willow
Aug. 2, 2019, 11:30 p.m.(8/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
How have we never talked before? I am so glad we have now. And I really look forward to more of them. It feels like you are a kindred spirit and I am very, very glad that I chanced upon you waiting outside the Shrine so we had the opportunity to talk directly rather than just being in the same room and involved in different mutual things as we have been prior.
Written By Margret
Aug. 1, 2019, 10:32 p.m.(7/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
It is concerning to me that Goodwoman Rinel questions Lord Alessandro Greenmarch's qualifications as a magistrate over something so very pedantic in such a public manner. It is not a stretch to associate the Sentinel with a trial of any sort and it distresses me to see such a contrived attempt to sully the reputation of a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice. Shame on you, Goodwoman.
Written By Athaur
July 25, 2019, 3:18 a.m.(7/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
We did bend the knee to the Compact. I did what I thought was best for my people. But I still have some feelings for my fellows who have not done so yet. Receiving a choice of 'Submit or Die' is never an enjoyable choice to receive. The fact that so many seem perfectly accepting of that fact is something that concerns me.
Written By Athaur
July 23, 2019, 6:33 a.m.(7/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Well this is just marvelous. A perusal of the whites shows that my People are backwards and the only way that we can be 'saved' is subjugation or death. Wonderful. Fabulous. It is to be expected of course. I am aware that the Abandonded, The Shav'avarni, and Prodigals are looked down upon. I am not wholly ignorant on this fact.
But it is somewhat disappointing to hear the words of supposed learned individuals say that the only way to deal with a people and culture different from their own is enslavement, conquest, or bloodshed
But it is somewhat disappointing to hear the words of supposed learned individuals say that the only way to deal with a people and culture different from their own is enslavement, conquest, or bloodshed
Written By Victus
July 20, 2019, 2:34 p.m.(7/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Some weeks ago I ran into Rinel on the Sovereign Bridge. I believe she needs to feed her cat less. Unless she's attempting to build the strongest neck in Arvum.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.