Written By Aedric
July 10, 2022, 10:27 p.m.(12/25/1017 AR)
Word of victory at Whitefrost reached my desk this morning. It is most welcome news. Without a port to stage against the Tydelands, I suspect the enemy will struggle to maintain any naval primacy north of Maelstrom. As predicted by so many at the war table, Grimkin's troops are now effectively isolated.
Will they survive the winter?
Will they survive the winter?
Written By Aedric
July 1, 2022, 5:23 p.m.(12/6/1017 AR)
There was a time when I struggled to comprehend what triggered Oswald's slow descent into madness.
And then, after terrible news was recently delivered to me, I finally glimpsed it -- a realization as unexpected as it was profound.
I posit that there was no event which directly precipitated his deterioration. Instead, it had been there with him, with us, all along. This incessant noise, like a voice, droning and unintelligible. Waiting, biding its time. No different than the sound of a beating heart, or the tide crashing against the shoreline, or the wind whipping the fabrics of a tattered sail. At times, it is no louder than a whisper. But during moments of great duress, it screams.
When I was younger, much younger, I found relief in my dreams. No longer. It follows me there, now, and shows me things that I do not wish to see.
I fear these troubles in the Isles will soon give it a mouth from which to speak.
And then, after terrible news was recently delivered to me, I finally glimpsed it -- a realization as unexpected as it was profound.
I posit that there was no event which directly precipitated his deterioration. Instead, it had been there with him, with us, all along. This incessant noise, like a voice, droning and unintelligible. Waiting, biding its time. No different than the sound of a beating heart, or the tide crashing against the shoreline, or the wind whipping the fabrics of a tattered sail. At times, it is no louder than a whisper. But during moments of great duress, it screams.
When I was younger, much younger, I found relief in my dreams. No longer. It follows me there, now, and shows me things that I do not wish to see.
I fear these troubles in the Isles will soon give it a mouth from which to speak.
Written By Aedric
Feb. 8, 2022, 10:44 p.m.(2/1/1017 AR)
It is no secret that governance requires grit. Decisions made by officials in positions of power should be dispassionate in nature and often come at the expense of another. This is, of course, why neutral political language is used by magistrates and military commanders when they prepare their orders and decrees.
Commonly seen are "pacification" or "render inoperative" in place of "to annihilate, kill, or destroy".
More frequent still: "administration" in place of "to reign, oversee, or adjudicate".
Justification for these actions, even if cruel or inhumane, is always written in a manner to excuse the behavior while at the same time indicating far-reaching implications of inaction.
Here it is not uncommon to read: "for the sake of the common good", "in order to preserve the status quo", or even "in the interests of".
All of this to say that "order" is perfectly synonymous with organized violence. Things begin to fall apart when you read too deeply into the meanings behind words scribbled on an official document.
Commonly seen are "pacification" or "render inoperative" in place of "to annihilate, kill, or destroy".
More frequent still: "administration" in place of "to reign, oversee, or adjudicate".
Justification for these actions, even if cruel or inhumane, is always written in a manner to excuse the behavior while at the same time indicating far-reaching implications of inaction.
Here it is not uncommon to read: "for the sake of the common good", "in order to preserve the status quo", or even "in the interests of".
All of this to say that "order" is perfectly synonymous with organized violence. Things begin to fall apart when you read too deeply into the meanings behind words scribbled on an official document.
Written By Aedric
Feb. 6, 2022, 10:23 p.m.(1/25/1017 AR)
I was eighteen when I received my first injury at sea. We were boarded in the dead of night by Shav'arvani south of Highhill. These pirates, inexperienced combatants, were pitted against a crew of men and women who had previously served my father as sailors and marines. Veterans as skilled with shortblades and axes as they were with tying ropes and rowing. The melee concluded quickly. I saw the blood before I could identify the source of the bleeding. A laceration several inches long but only centimeters deep.
Reflecting on this memory, I realize now that I was aware of the wound before I even recognized the pain. The pool of scarlet, inky beneath the night sky, had shown me.
The blood knew. The blood knows.
Reflecting on this memory, I realize now that I was aware of the wound before I even recognized the pain. The pool of scarlet, inky beneath the night sky, had shown me.
The blood knew. The blood knows.
Written By Aedric
June 13, 2021, 7:34 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
The sound is the same both at home and sea.
Scratching. Nails on rotten wood. Loud enough to rouse one from slumber.
Sit and listen to the rats in the walls.
Scratching. Nails on rotten wood. Loud enough to rouse one from slumber.
Sit and listen to the rats in the walls.
Written By Aedric
March 22, 2021, 12:15 a.m.(2/26/1015 AR)
We are visitors, all of us, and were never intended to stay long. The ocean knows this. She calls out to her children in mysterious ways, but most frequently is it felt in the impulse one discovers when standing ashore and staring out upon the horizon. A desire to wade into the shallows and never return; a hunger to learn what other primordial secrets she may know.
Written By Aedric
March 7, 2021, 11:43 p.m.(1/26/1015 AR)
We baited a particularly aggressive striped shark into the shallows and quickly saw it dispatched. Heavy scarring near the eyes and gills. I observed the habormaster slice open its belly and witnessed a dagger slide from the beast's stomach. A Eurusi merchant once told me he was convinced they would eat any manner of materials found in the sea. Called them scavengers.
Scavengers rarely lurk the harbor in search or drunken stevedores to pluck from the docks.
It may be best practice to see the population culled every two years.
Scavengers rarely lurk the harbor in search or drunken stevedores to pluck from the docks.
It may be best practice to see the population culled every two years.
Written By Aedric
Jan. 9, 2021, 10:25 p.m.(9/21/1014 AR)
There is something hidden behind the wall. If you look close enough. And listen. You can hear it scratching -- desperate to be released. But what is it, and where did it come from? Soon, we will know.
Written By Aedric
Aug. 27, 2020, 9:29 p.m.(12/2/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Skye
Baroness. Niece. The future of our family. I pray that the affliction has forgotten you.
Written By Aedric
Aug. 3, 2020, 1:19 a.m.(10/9/1013 AR)
Act how you wish to be remembered. All cycles must come to an end.
Written By Aedric
May 20, 2020, 10:36 a.m.(4/28/1013 AR)
To all parties in need of food:
I have directed my sailors to begin fishing and crabbing local waterways, riverbeds, and coastlines. Though few of these men appear approachable and will likely stink, they are not selfish and know to share their bounty with the needy. Should you see our family sigil upon banner or tabard, please do not hesitate to approach them and ask to be fed.
Men and women of the sea are certainly resourceful. Give them water, salt, and any number of molluscs and they are capable of preparing a flavorful meal. If you catch them mid-preparation, they will likely regale you with tales of their travels and encounters abroad.
They can teach you to tie proper knots, sink lures, bait hooks, and dive for scallops. They can identify healthy animals from diseased, shuck clams, and assist you in gutting and cleaning fish for consumption.
In spirit of the above, you are welcome to contact this note's writer and I will do my best to ensure you pull a feast-worthy trophy from the water.
I have directed my sailors to begin fishing and crabbing local waterways, riverbeds, and coastlines. Though few of these men appear approachable and will likely stink, they are not selfish and know to share their bounty with the needy. Should you see our family sigil upon banner or tabard, please do not hesitate to approach them and ask to be fed.
Men and women of the sea are certainly resourceful. Give them water, salt, and any number of molluscs and they are capable of preparing a flavorful meal. If you catch them mid-preparation, they will likely regale you with tales of their travels and encounters abroad.
They can teach you to tie proper knots, sink lures, bait hooks, and dive for scallops. They can identify healthy animals from diseased, shuck clams, and assist you in gutting and cleaning fish for consumption.
In spirit of the above, you are welcome to contact this note's writer and I will do my best to ensure you pull a feast-worthy trophy from the water.
Written By Aedric
April 18, 2020, 11:20 a.m.(2/19/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Kedehern
Yes, Baron Norwood. Forgive a tired mind.
As an addendum, the Baroness Blackshore also extended an offer to assist in the endeavor. How this skipped my mind I attribute to the same fatigue responsible for the above inaccuracy. The mathematically and scientifically inclined will be as necessary to the project as loggers and drudges.
As an addendum, the Baroness Blackshore also extended an offer to assist in the endeavor. How this skipped my mind I attribute to the same fatigue responsible for the above inaccuracy. The mathematically and scientifically inclined will be as necessary to the project as loggers and drudges.
Written By Aedric
April 16, 2020, 11:47 p.m.(2/16/1013 AR)
Channelization of the lesser streams of the southern Oathlands into a functional riverbed shall require a substantial supply of labor. Once initiated, however, I estimate that the project will produce considerable economic activity. I doubt we can of dig deep enough to permit the passage of a seafaring vessel, but a medium longship would certainly have no difficulty navigating the the narrower and shallower passages.
It is easier to ship grain and livestock by river than it is to haul by wagon. Acess to a steady supply of freshwater would enable expansion of farmland and fisheries.
I intend to return to the forest with a surveying team and begin drafting an order of construction once this business here has concluded.
Note: will require permissions crom Lord Clement.
It is easier to ship grain and livestock by river than it is to haul by wagon. Acess to a steady supply of freshwater would enable expansion of farmland and fisheries.
I intend to return to the forest with a surveying team and begin drafting an order of construction once this business here has concluded.
Note: will require permissions crom Lord Clement.
Written By Aedric
April 12, 2020, 9:13 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Oswald, did you dream as I do?
Did it rise from beneath and beckon you to sink?
Soon I will know.
Did it rise from beneath and beckon you to sink?
Soon I will know.
Written By Aedric
April 2, 2020, 8:58 a.m.(1/15/1013 AR)
Today, one of our newly recruited marines inquired why the men on my ship wear chain and platemail to sea. His question drew a quick retort from a more experienced peer, something along the lines of, "To protect ourselves, you dolt!" -- which, of course, was followed by laughter. He took the jab better than I expected, indicative of generally good spirits and morale, and then repeated his question -- pointing out the real risks of stumbling overboard. Here the sailors deferred to me, for this was a policy I long ago effectuated as a condition of employment and service.
We Blackshore men are born of the sea. It is as much our home as the Mourning Isles. No matter the enemy, be they pirate or Eurusi, it is better to sink gently into her cold, dispassionate embrace than succumb to injury from axe or arrow. We welcome fate, and as such we will demonstrate to our adversaries that we are a manifestation of the very thing they seek to exploit and conquer.
He appeared satisfied with this explanation and donned a spare breastplate.
The war will be won. Of this I have no doubt.
We Blackshore men are born of the sea. It is as much our home as the Mourning Isles. No matter the enemy, be they pirate or Eurusi, it is better to sink gently into her cold, dispassionate embrace than succumb to injury from axe or arrow. We welcome fate, and as such we will demonstrate to our adversaries that we are a manifestation of the very thing they seek to exploit and conquer.
He appeared satisfied with this explanation and donned a spare breastplate.
The war will be won. Of this I have no doubt.
Written By Aedric
March 5, 2020, 10:18 a.m.(11/15/1012 AR)
At sea, the mind wanders -- often to haunted places. I frequently reflect upon recent experiences in the Oathlands. There is a growing darkness in this world, and it often manifests where least expected. In Acorn Hill, this eldritch sorcery mocked nature by corrupting and twisting the wilds into a sickly image of nightmare. They say that we suffer from a similar affliction -- cursed by the black blood of some insidious thing long ago. Slowly, surely, it will drive us mad. Amongst the waves, in the dead of night, if one listens carefully -- they may hear it calling; a siren's sorrowful song, melodiously pleading for our return.
Perhaps I will. Until that time comes, I think of the lovely Dragoon of Moore and distract myself with letters mailed by a daughter of Oswald and son of Cornelius. How proud my brothers must be. Skye, Iseulte, Dycard. Driven, intelligent, successful. Maybe the future is not so bleak, after all.
Perhaps I will. Until that time comes, I think of the lovely Dragoon of Moore and distract myself with letters mailed by a daughter of Oswald and son of Cornelius. How proud my brothers must be. Skye, Iseulte, Dycard. Driven, intelligent, successful. Maybe the future is not so bleak, after all.
Written By Aedric
March 4, 2020, 9:50 a.m.(11/13/1012 AR)
En route to New Hope, encountered a ruined caravel -- mast shattered, hull submerged. We searched the surrounding waters for nearly a day but found no survivors. Dispatched sailors to inspect what was left of the vessel and they described significant damage to exterior. Whatever sunk the ship must also be responsible for the lack of a crew. Found no evidence of rare or expensive goods, ruling out pirates. Slavers, perhaps. Saw no signs of predation. Most unusual. Will report findings to Baroness.
Written By Aedric
Feb. 28, 2020, 12:15 p.m.(11/3/1012 AR)
The dream again. There is no wind. The ocean is calm, waveless -- polished like the surface of an impossibly large mirror. Illuminated by pale moonlight. The sand is hard beneath my feet and I can feel the cold seawater penetrate my boots. Submerged land of a hidden shoreline. In the distance, there is a towering structure that I struggle even now to describe. I move closer and begin to identify its features; snake-like arms, lidless eyes, serrated maw. Several of the awful appendages dip beneath the horizon, searching for something hidden beneath.
I am mistaken. It is no idol. It is alive. It moves and the earth trembles.
I am mistaken. It is no idol. It is alive. It moves and the earth trembles.
Written By Aedric
Feb. 28, 2020, 9:40 a.m.(11/3/1012 AR)
Messenger from Baroness. Summoned to court. There will be a gathering on Sunday. Suspect many unfamiliar faces. Rumors of war have reached capital dockyards. Banners called by Thrax. Will begin to contact appropriate parties. Plenty of experienced marines and sellswords in these parts. Should diplomacy fail, expect to be prepared to fight.
I am reminded of old adage: calm seas never produced competent sailors.
I am reminded of old adage: calm seas never produced competent sailors.
Written By Aedric
Feb. 24, 2020, 8:54 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
Ventured to Oathlands and outskirts of Acorn Hill. River can likely be dredged for commercial purposes, although this will require extensive labor. Encountered alien flora that had an appetite for meat. Whole place is infested with foul magic. Suffered minor wound when spines from one of the beasts penetrated breastplate. Will bring these, as well as patch of stem, to niece. Fine souvenirs. Katherine poisoned and Brigid lost several riders. Fearsome objects, for certain -- advise Moore to use as inspiration for house armor.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.