Written By Arik
Feb. 1, 2022, 12:40 p.m.(1/14/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Tesha
Whitehold is a land where one can be lost in the mountains for months and feel as if not a single day has passed or a lifetime. So much snow, so little sun. Messengers still reach me of the trials of Bastion and those that seek to reclaim it. One hopes my sister-in-law survives the journey since it could only be my fault for not being in the Capital to join the efforts that she might be hurt.
Written By Arik
Oct. 25, 2020, 9:52 p.m.(4/8/1014 AR)
The Redrain banners have been called and so Halfshav has answered. Like the Knights of Solace and the Templar and many others we will need to learn to sail and with five more dromonds expanding the fleet hopefully, we will be able to move the thousands of troops we will commit. Although the warlord for the Halfshav armies has not yet be named, this campaign I will most likely tend to the domain as I did in the silent war. When armies leave their homes, someone must hold the line. Shavs and worse do not observe the Crusade as a time to relent but as a time to press and so we shall show them no weakness to exploit.
Written By Arik
Sept. 17, 2020, 1:55 p.m.(1/16/1014 AR)
It is interesting to see marriage discussed it always is. I think it is always more interesting when it is not the Head of House discussing it. The rights of nobility comes with the duty of marriage. We marry to continue bloodlines and secure alliances and we marry at the whim and wishes of our Head of House. What marriage is for is not for the scions of a house to decide. What they choose to make their marriage about is their business but the decision of to what house they will be married, to what person, and for what price and gain is that of the Head of House or their Voices. These are the people that decide what marriage is and in most cases (hopefully all) they see marriage as a means to secure the future and select a match that is tenable or even enjoyable for their kin.
Everything else is but the peace we make with our duty. Anything less is an abdication of duty.
Everything else is but the peace we make with our duty. Anything less is an abdication of duty.
Written By Arik
July 15, 2020, 12:54 p.m.(8/28/1013 AR)
Given the state of history and the knowledge that has been lost, one wonders who was the victor that saw fit to revise our history so much.
Written By Arik
June 27, 2020, 11:53 p.m.(7/21/1013 AR)
On the topic of the education of the northern folk.
While we didn't exclusively build holds into the sides of mountains by yelling at them, we did yell, we will also yell at people while doing other things to make them less obstructions and more productive for us. It's a practical education learning to clear away that which is unproductive and replace it with what is. Now that is a northern past time.
While we didn't exclusively build holds into the sides of mountains by yelling at them, we did yell, we will also yell at people while doing other things to make them less obstructions and more productive for us. It's a practical education learning to clear away that which is unproductive and replace it with what is. Now that is a northern past time.
Written By Arik
May 21, 2020, 10:54 a.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
How weak are those that display naked ambition?
How senseless are they who speak with arrogance?
How fearful could others be when they publicly dismiss that which they could have ignored?
House Halfshav is two hundred and some years a member of the Compact. Once we were nicknamed the prodigals and may still be to die-hard traditionalists. Mayhap older and more 'distinguished' houses should take heed from the once Prodigals. Power needs no platitudes. Confidence needs no explanation. Success needs no praise.
How senseless are they who speak with arrogance?
How fearful could others be when they publicly dismiss that which they could have ignored?
House Halfshav is two hundred and some years a member of the Compact. Once we were nicknamed the prodigals and may still be to die-hard traditionalists. Mayhap older and more 'distinguished' houses should take heed from the once Prodigals. Power needs no platitudes. Confidence needs no explanation. Success needs no praise.
Written By Arik
May 17, 2020, 4:47 p.m.(4/22/1013 AR)
Bedlam has broken out not only in the Lowers but in the city markets.
Looting of homes and even noble estates has taken place.
At these times one must remember that Arx is not the home of the Peers. It is the home of the Royal Court. We are but guests in the capital, though I suspect many see Arx as their home now. Like all guests, we may offer aid if we wish it but retribution and condemnation of the commons of a domain not our own would be rather rude for a guest.
It is my hope that the commons remember that difficult times are when a liege will spill blood and silver for their well being. As surely as when the banners of war are called, the pain of our people is a cause to expend will and resources, for what other purpose does our wealth serve if not our people?
For the finely dressed luminaries of the Compact. Perhaps now is a time to pair fashion with sensibility. It would be terrible to hear of someone stripped to the smallcloths for the fortune of fabric covering their skin.
Looting of homes and even noble estates has taken place.
At these times one must remember that Arx is not the home of the Peers. It is the home of the Royal Court. We are but guests in the capital, though I suspect many see Arx as their home now. Like all guests, we may offer aid if we wish it but retribution and condemnation of the commons of a domain not our own would be rather rude for a guest.
It is my hope that the commons remember that difficult times are when a liege will spill blood and silver for their well being. As surely as when the banners of war are called, the pain of our people is a cause to expend will and resources, for what other purpose does our wealth serve if not our people?
For the finely dressed luminaries of the Compact. Perhaps now is a time to pair fashion with sensibility. It would be terrible to hear of someone stripped to the smallcloths for the fortune of fabric covering their skin.
Written By Arik
May 16, 2020, 1:08 a.m.(4/19/1013 AR)
A commentary on steelsilk clothing...
Legendary.
Mythical.
Luxurious.
Priceless.
Are all words to describe steelsilk. A phrase used to describe steelsilk may be something akin to the following: What do you mean I have to undo all the buttons?
Another phrase may read something like this: I don't care how expensive it is.
Yet another phrase could be construed as: Clothes should be rippable! This is ridiculous.
Likely ending in: Well... I'm just bleeding then, stupid steelsilk makes shit emergency bandages.
I am thankful not only were people nearby not all wearing steelsilk when I was injured but that we had some handy bandages. Could you imagine dying because no one could tear a strip of fabric? What were people thinking when they made steelsilk?
Oh right. If you're wearing it you won't have to get bandaged. Kind of selfish really.
Legendary.
Mythical.
Luxurious.
Priceless.
Are all words to describe steelsilk. A phrase used to describe steelsilk may be something akin to the following: What do you mean I have to undo all the buttons?
Another phrase may read something like this: I don't care how expensive it is.
Yet another phrase could be construed as: Clothes should be rippable! This is ridiculous.
Likely ending in: Well... I'm just bleeding then, stupid steelsilk makes shit emergency bandages.
I am thankful not only were people nearby not all wearing steelsilk when I was injured but that we had some handy bandages. Could you imagine dying because no one could tear a strip of fabric? What were people thinking when they made steelsilk?
Oh right. If you're wearing it you won't have to get bandaged. Kind of selfish really.
Written By Arik
May 14, 2020, 8:58 p.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Mikani
It is reassuring to know that House Byrne, renamed by you as a symbol of your connection and future with its people, benefited from its marriage contract with House Crovane. It may be more reassuring if Count Graham Byrne were the one stating it. I do wonder if House Redreef ever got its proper due from the marriage contract with Fireviper turned Byrne? To go from an elevated member of the family being the ruling regent of a house, above itself, to that same family member marrying up again only the new contract mentioned nothing for Redreef or one can only assume.
In all the years this has surfaced and wallowed the majority of concern over your marriages could have been put to rest by the very people you and your Lord husband keep insisting benefited from them. Count Graham Byrne and Baroness Ember Redreef need but publicly confirm they reap the fruits of your thrice elevated status and who am I to second guess them? They are the rulers of their House and such determination is theirs to make. Much like my sister Khanne and High Lord Victus have made in regards to my cousin and her new lord husband.
In all the years this has surfaced and wallowed the majority of concern over your marriages could have been put to rest by the very people you and your Lord husband keep insisting benefited from them. Count Graham Byrne and Baroness Ember Redreef need but publicly confirm they reap the fruits of your thrice elevated status and who am I to second guess them? They are the rulers of their House and such determination is theirs to make. Much like my sister Khanne and High Lord Victus have made in regards to my cousin and her new lord husband.
Written By Arik
May 12, 2020, 11:22 p.m.(4/13/1013 AR)
On the matter of love and marriage...
The argument over love matches and loving a spouse and the nature of marrying for duty has been written about in the whites for generations. It will be argued for generations more. I am not a poet nor a married man but I am the Sword of Whitehold so mayhap pay heed to my views on the matter of duty and honor.
Amongst the Peerage a match is deemed beneficial either because it strengthens the relations between houses, resolves a conflict, opens new avenues of development, or whatever else is desirable in the political climes of the day. You hear stories of nobles that do not like their match and abdicate their title to be commoners able to do as they wish or fight the pairing with inventive means.
What do we tell these stubborn and resistant Peers? Marry for duty, find common ground, fulfill your obligations, and take a lover if that is what is lacking. We tell them to find affection or mutual respect. We tell them to make peace and seek their desires elsewhere. Thus we can conclude that nurturing a fondness or affection is expected because tumultuous marriages lead to shameful divorce. It is expected, by duty, to find a fondness in your spouse or at the very least a compatibility.
A love match is simple. In lieu of framing your mind to accept the person you are to marry for duty, instead, you twist your duty to fit your ardent desire.
The noble privileges come with the noble duty. Circumvent, twist, shirk, or abdicated your duty and weaken your claim to noble privilege. It is the nature of our position and our purpose.
The argument over love matches and loving a spouse and the nature of marrying for duty has been written about in the whites for generations. It will be argued for generations more. I am not a poet nor a married man but I am the Sword of Whitehold so mayhap pay heed to my views on the matter of duty and honor.
Amongst the Peerage a match is deemed beneficial either because it strengthens the relations between houses, resolves a conflict, opens new avenues of development, or whatever else is desirable in the political climes of the day. You hear stories of nobles that do not like their match and abdicate their title to be commoners able to do as they wish or fight the pairing with inventive means.
What do we tell these stubborn and resistant Peers? Marry for duty, find common ground, fulfill your obligations, and take a lover if that is what is lacking. We tell them to find affection or mutual respect. We tell them to make peace and seek their desires elsewhere. Thus we can conclude that nurturing a fondness or affection is expected because tumultuous marriages lead to shameful divorce. It is expected, by duty, to find a fondness in your spouse or at the very least a compatibility.
A love match is simple. In lieu of framing your mind to accept the person you are to marry for duty, instead, you twist your duty to fit your ardent desire.
The noble privileges come with the noble duty. Circumvent, twist, shirk, or abdicated your duty and weaken your claim to noble privilege. It is the nature of our position and our purpose.
Written By Arik
May 9, 2020, 7:48 p.m.(4/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
[Submitted by Personal Scribe]
Are you writing everything I'm saying Row?
Good.
Let it be known on the last day of winter 1013 AR that High Lord Victus Thrax the Prince of the Maelstrom forfeited the wedding snowball fight of Lady Brianna Halfshav and Lord Alecsatzi Halfshav by way of near fatal use of not a snowball.
Yes that is a rule, 'not a snowball' and I assure you the bard's college of Cascade Springs will confirm.
Yes there's more.
Also let it be known that out of numerous injuries over a lifetime of being a House Sword that High Lord Victus' greatsword toss is by far the quickest from which I will recover. Lady Eirene more or less patched me up on the spot.
No I'm not going to the Clement and Mazetti wedding reception with you... I need to lie down.
Are you writing everything I'm saying Row?
Good.
Let it be known on the last day of winter 1013 AR that High Lord Victus Thrax the Prince of the Maelstrom forfeited the wedding snowball fight of Lady Brianna Halfshav and Lord Alecsatzi Halfshav by way of near fatal use of not a snowball.
Yes that is a rule, 'not a snowball' and I assure you the bard's college of Cascade Springs will confirm.
Yes there's more.
Also let it be known that out of numerous injuries over a lifetime of being a House Sword that High Lord Victus' greatsword toss is by far the quickest from which I will recover. Lady Eirene more or less patched me up on the spot.
No I'm not going to the Clement and Mazetti wedding reception with you... I need to lie down.
Written By Arik
Feb. 20, 2020, midnight(10/14/1012 AR)
It is easy to cast the Compact as uncaring and genocidal to shavs. It is easy because it sounds so simple. They are abandoned and other and so we kill them. Yet when the Horned God marched on Arx and the Lodge parties were sent to warn the abandoned. Refuge was offered to the abandon. Not just the customary offer to kneel and become prodigals but a true refuge. Marquessa Samantha Deepwood had a policy of permitting shavs within her lands as long as they obeyed local law and her rule. Princess Reese Grayson fought to protect the abandoned of the Grey Forest regardless of their fealty to the Compact. Peers of the Realm ventured into the woods, near the armies of the Horned God to try and save shavs.
When the Gyre armada sailed on the Mourning Isles and then the Northlands how many tribes of abandoned were visited by the Compact? How much time was diverted from the defense of Darkwater and Stormwall to save these people? Holdings were razed to the ground in that war.
To claim the Compact has not sacrificed for the abandoned is a lie. Common blood, noble blood, silver in the palm has been spent to spare them the threat of the abyss. The Undying Empire doesn't offer anything the Compact does not, save unwavering writ. Though it is anathema to our beliefs an oath can be broken. A choice can be unmade with consequence. No shav kneeling to Jadairal can ever weigh that choice again.
How long will it be before regional shav'arvani dialects are not the sign of the abandoned and Jadairali becomes the cant used by those unlawfully trespassing on our lands?
When the Gyre armada sailed on the Mourning Isles and then the Northlands how many tribes of abandoned were visited by the Compact? How much time was diverted from the defense of Darkwater and Stormwall to save these people? Holdings were razed to the ground in that war.
To claim the Compact has not sacrificed for the abandoned is a lie. Common blood, noble blood, silver in the palm has been spent to spare them the threat of the abyss. The Undying Empire doesn't offer anything the Compact does not, save unwavering writ. Though it is anathema to our beliefs an oath can be broken. A choice can be unmade with consequence. No shav kneeling to Jadairal can ever weigh that choice again.
How long will it be before regional shav'arvani dialects are not the sign of the abandoned and Jadairali becomes the cant used by those unlawfully trespassing on our lands?
Written By Arik
Feb. 17, 2020, 11:19 a.m.(10.317356150793652/11.771944444444445/1012.7764463458994 AR)
On the matter of the recent Assembly of Peers and the heresy of Eurus there can be only one comment. Have you all forgotten the annihilation of several Houses? The Thornweavers are a clear and present danger not only to the Peerage but the people and even the Faith should the heretical ideals -they- aspire to come to pass. Last any word of the Thornweavers was had came from the death of one of the greatest military leaders in Avrum in the passing of Duke Arn Telmar. That was but a piece of the whole that threatens the Oathlands and Northlands at this time.
Have we further forgotten that in the Red mountains an Undying Empire banner flies above shavs that have knelt to a foreign power? The Undying Empire is practicing the rite of writs upon people of these shores, within borders we claim as ours. Is it not our duty to see to the ending of a practice universally agreed to be slavery by our faith? Do we sail to Eurus across a sea we cannot cross with caravels yet to be built or do we sort the condition of our own home? Eurus has been and will be for some time, though they have come to our shores let us not rush to battle a heresy because it is easy to commit to a just ideal and ignore the real problems we have politely left unsaid.
The Undying Empire unlawfully occupies Compact lands. This is invasion. The Thornweavers have annihilated multiple noble houses and left those lands devestated. This is war. To steal the wisdom of Grandmaster Preston, just because we do not know how we will solve these problems does not mean the steps should not be taken.
Have we further forgotten that in the Red mountains an Undying Empire banner flies above shavs that have knelt to a foreign power? The Undying Empire is practicing the rite of writs upon people of these shores, within borders we claim as ours. Is it not our duty to see to the ending of a practice universally agreed to be slavery by our faith? Do we sail to Eurus across a sea we cannot cross with caravels yet to be built or do we sort the condition of our own home? Eurus has been and will be for some time, though they have come to our shores let us not rush to battle a heresy because it is easy to commit to a just ideal and ignore the real problems we have politely left unsaid.
The Undying Empire unlawfully occupies Compact lands. This is invasion. The Thornweavers have annihilated multiple noble houses and left those lands devestated. This is war. To steal the wisdom of Grandmaster Preston, just because we do not know how we will solve these problems does not mean the steps should not be taken.
Written By Arik
Nov. 22, 2019, 1:25 p.m.(3/28/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
A northerner's beard is a special thing and when it is threatened it causes a unique pain that no one can understand.
Having your head smacked by the Bull of Solace himself in a sparring match, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
Having twins on the hottest day of the year in the Hundred cities, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
Being subject to the scorn of the White journals in the Capital, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
The Gods and Spirits bless that it wasn't ripped from my chin for then surely my soul would have left my body and been claimed by the Queen of Endings.
Having your head smacked by the Bull of Solace himself in a sparring match, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
Having twins on the hottest day of the year in the Hundred cities, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
Being subject to the scorn of the White journals in the Capital, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
The Gods and Spirits bless that it wasn't ripped from my chin for then surely my soul would have left my body and been claimed by the Queen of Endings.
Written By Arik
Nov. 2, 2019, 9 p.m.(2/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
Confrontation, when last I checked we publicly agreed with each other twice in the Whites. I will assist you though Princess, should you ever encounter a 'rik' sounding name outside of the Redrain ward I would wager silver it is the commendable Lord Erik whose parents have good taste in names and not the well bearded Lord Arik who enjoys his own ward.
Written By Arik
Oct. 24, 2019, 6:06 p.m.(1/27/1012 AR)
Is one sort of speech different than another? Should I lie to the commoners of Whitehold for their feelings? Should the Crown lie to the assembly for our sympathies for one cause or another? Should I lie to my family due to their respect for another? When the truth becomes less important than the feelings of those who hear it than you will never speak the truth again.
The truth is even the fallen had somewhere to fall from, someone to disappoint. It may be a good thing people do not ask me to eulogize them.
The truth is even the fallen had somewhere to fall from, someone to disappoint. It may be a good thing people do not ask me to eulogize them.
Written By Arik
Oct. 21, 2019, 1:46 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
I have been informed by the sentries that you escaped your rooms with letters yet unanswered. The guard has been doubled and the apricot pastries have been halved. You know that House Halfshav cannot have its Voice doing such enjoyable things as social outings!
Written By Arik
Oct. 17, 2019, 12:25 p.m.(1/12/1012 AR)
As a matter of record for the Great Archives per the opinion of Lord Arik Halfshav...
The Northlands do not own winter. We simply have the best winters. If you do not like winter than it is not for you, more for me.
The Northlands do not own winter. We simply have the best winters. If you do not like winter than it is not for you, more for me.
Written By Arik
Sept. 30, 2019, 7:07 p.m.(12/7/1011 AR)
The Most Magnificent Beards and Brews
It has been a while since one of these has been hosted impart because of the scale of this one. Not merely an isolated night with a little warning this will be a celebration to fill the Spirits and the street beyond. Free drinks for the night, food for the masses and participants.
The rules are simple. If you have a beard manly or feminine, real or fake you will be judged the same by myself, my protege Baroness Acantha Clearlake and my other protege Baroness-Consort Violet Farwatch. The categories for the contest are Best Beard, Best Styled Beard, and Best Decorated Beard.
For those of a less beardy persuasion, the Softest Whisper and Nightingale Gianna Whisper will be performing a song at the event. All questions can be directed to myself via messenger.
It has been a while since one of these has been hosted impart because of the scale of this one. Not merely an isolated night with a little warning this will be a celebration to fill the Spirits and the street beyond. Free drinks for the night, food for the masses and participants.
The rules are simple. If you have a beard manly or feminine, real or fake you will be judged the same by myself, my protege Baroness Acantha Clearlake and my other protege Baroness-Consort Violet Farwatch. The categories for the contest are Best Beard, Best Styled Beard, and Best Decorated Beard.
For those of a less beardy persuasion, the Softest Whisper and Nightingale Gianna Whisper will be performing a song at the event. All questions can be directed to myself via messenger.
Written By Arik
Sept. 22, 2019, 9:40 p.m.(11/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Eilonwy
When dealing with your healer, people of the Compact, remember these rules. They are not the boss of you. If you die because you're stubborn that's your own damn business. Demand they are not allowed to tend to you while wearing knives, so you can speak your mind without threat of violence.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.