Written By Brady
Sept. 11, 2022, 2:25 p.m.(5/13/1018 AR)
The Grayhope Art Gallery is coming along just fine. We had our first visitor. It was a private tour. I feel like, as an art curator, I might need a few more pieces of work to balance out the number of nude works-of-art. Like, at least two or three more non-nude ones. Anyway, it's coming along splendidly. That's what one says in high-society, right? Splendidly.
Written By Brady
Sept. 5, 2022, 10:32 a.m.(4/28/1018 AR)
I babysat a cat. Cat sat? Cat-sat? Whatever. I took care of someone else's cat. The proceeding list is a considered pros and cons list of cats:
Pro-They catch all sorts of things and eat them. For places in the Lowers, this is great.
Pro-They sleep a lot
Con-They uh, don't seem to understand that when you're sleeping you want to continue sleeping. It's like they keep checking on you to see if you're alive by pawing at your chest.
Pro-When they lay on your back, that little bit of weight is lovely for wary muscles.
Con-Did I mention that now matter how much they sleep throughout the day, when they're awake, they expect you to be awake?
Pro-They are kind of cute. When they're not waking you up.
Con-They lick their butts.
Pro-Their version of playful is hunting vermin.
Conclusion. Cute, sleepy, but I really wish they'd not wake me up for the three hours a day they're awake while I'm sleeping.
Pro-They catch all sorts of things and eat them. For places in the Lowers, this is great.
Pro-They sleep a lot
Con-They uh, don't seem to understand that when you're sleeping you want to continue sleeping. It's like they keep checking on you to see if you're alive by pawing at your chest.
Pro-When they lay on your back, that little bit of weight is lovely for wary muscles.
Con-Did I mention that now matter how much they sleep throughout the day, when they're awake, they expect you to be awake?
Pro-They are kind of cute. When they're not waking you up.
Con-They lick their butts.
Pro-Their version of playful is hunting vermin.
Conclusion. Cute, sleepy, but I really wish they'd not wake me up for the three hours a day they're awake while I'm sleeping.
Written By Brady
Sept. 1, 2022, 6:30 p.m.(4/21/1018 AR)
Let me tell you of a story that was just not kind,
It involves me leaving everyone on Arx behind.
I took a boat on a trade mission. It was supposed to be quick.
Then a snow storm hit, I'm going to be sick.
I made it out alive, that was the best.
But now I was stuck in the tundra of the west.
Let me tell you, snow isn't fun when lakes and rivers freeze your way home,
I wish I was at least, alone.
The spring thaw saved me from the insanity,
And now I'm back f'ers, where's my money?
You know you owe me some, that loan wasn't for free.
This part doesn't rhyme at all, but this trip wasn't free!
It involves me leaving everyone on Arx behind.
I took a boat on a trade mission. It was supposed to be quick.
Then a snow storm hit, I'm going to be sick.
I made it out alive, that was the best.
But now I was stuck in the tundra of the west.
Let me tell you, snow isn't fun when lakes and rivers freeze your way home,
I wish I was at least, alone.
The spring thaw saved me from the insanity,
And now I'm back f'ers, where's my money?
You know you owe me some, that loan wasn't for free.
This part doesn't rhyme at all, but this trip wasn't free!
Written By Brady
March 20, 2022, 10:16 a.m.(4/24/1017 AR)
Mistakes. We are bound to make them. When we're young, we assume a righteous path and sometimes we are right, other times our path wasn't well thought-out. Sometimes we make a mistake, and we're so deep into a path, we are forced in a direction that's no longer honorable. We learn to live with this dishonor, and this dishonor becomes our norm, and so future actions are flawed because we never learn from our mistakes. Other mistakes, we learn from, and we repeat because humans are flawed by we strive to be better.
Sometimes, despite being better, we still make the mistake we've made in the past. But we learn, we learn we're not yet perfect, won't ever be perfect, but we should strive to be better.
This has been on my thoughts, because once we commit to our mistakes as being righteous, the path back to redemption is that much more difficult. And yet, it's still possible. We always have a choice to do the right thing and the opportunity to make fewer mistakes. Until we're done with this lifetime. The pattern will repeat into the next.
Sometimes, despite being better, we still make the mistake we've made in the past. But we learn, we learn we're not yet perfect, won't ever be perfect, but we should strive to be better.
This has been on my thoughts, because once we commit to our mistakes as being righteous, the path back to redemption is that much more difficult. And yet, it's still possible. We always have a choice to do the right thing and the opportunity to make fewer mistakes. Until we're done with this lifetime. The pattern will repeat into the next.
Written By Brady
Jan. 28, 2022, 7:18 a.m.(1/6/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Mortimer
Old man, did I mention you're really f'n old? Anyway. Old man, you find the best things. None of that silky noble high-end exclusive stuff. Naw, you find the things people with little taste throw-out. Perfect, thanks!
Written By Brady
Jan. 28, 2022, 6:57 a.m.(1/6/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Cufre
I didn't think I needed a Culler jeweller, but here we are. You took a project I vaguely imagined and turned it into something. Thanks for that! I know, I know, you're not one of those fancy jewellers like from the center of town but hey, you're fancy in my books!
Written By Brady
Jan. 28, 2022, 6:55 a.m.(1/6/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvette
Had drinks with you the other-day. First time I gave someone advice on how to not do something, but maybe it'll be helpful. Maybe not. I worry the transition from hunting forest creatures to the bustle of Arx will be a difficult one. But you'll do great. And if you don't, well let me tell you, I have the perfect product to sell you to make those bumps easier.
Written By Brady
Jan. 22, 2022, 7:34 a.m.(12/22/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Mortimer
Damn, the man is old. He's got a crusty edge to him, too. But he starts off friendly, so that's nice (I'm sure it wasn't me that made him crusty!). Anyway, he's setup shop to take no-longer needed items and sell them to new homes. Lovely idea.
Written By Brady
Jan. 16, 2022, 1:14 p.m.(12/10/1016 AR)
I realize the reputation the Grayhopes have but that success doesn't come with hard work. I've been really nailing it lately and so the boss rewarded me for all my effort. Those that know how to get things done know to reach us, those that don't...well. You know how that goes.
Written By Brady
Jan. 7, 2022, 7:14 a.m.(11/20/1016 AR)
I used to have a sunflower ashtray. You can imagine the kind it was the moment I say it, with the petals as grooves for the smoke and the base holding the ashes. Anyway, it was fine, I can't even recall who gave it to me. Maybe it was a five-finger discount from my youth (if it's your sunflower ashtray, please reach out). Anyway, my new ashtray is less whimsy and more art. A topographical map of the Lowers. Fancy. It doubles as a bedside weapon and the seafloor depression holds the ashes. Utility, art, and a weapon. Brilliant!
Written By Brady
Jan. 1, 2022, 2:30 p.m.(11/8/1016 AR)
It was noted that the Grayhope family is a creative one. There's Magpie (I visited the art on display that he made). Tanith, who's not just a baker but an accomplished writer. Furtunato, the artist. Are Mayir and I just late bloomers, or is Mayir hiding a secret I don't know about?
Written By Brady
Dec. 30, 2021, 8:40 a.m.(11/4/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Denica
Princess of mighty art! Colorful. Complicated. She called me a thief and I noted she had misplaced a pair of her hairpins. A fanciful coincidence. But more critical, I am starting to understand her art.
Written By Brady
Dec. 26, 2021, 9:13 a.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
My time away from Arx is a fun story. I mean, it's not fun for me, but definitely entertaining. Anyhoo, much has changed since my return. We're fancy now! Or at least that's what it feels like. I've had offers for patronage and my old connections are working well. I even got some good word spread about me; I am fancy now! But don't worry, I'll still do personal deliveries of good stuff and hang out with ya like the olden days. Much has changed, but in many ways, nothing has changed.
Written By Brady
Dec. 17, 2021, 2:31 p.m.(10/6/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Tanith
The best greeting! When I left, things were uncertain. When I came back, lots has changed. We're not as hungry, we're more popular, we have opportunities we didn't have before. I'm happy for Tanith and the direction life has taken her. The bar too, looks great. I'm there often (as before, just with a little more brightness).
Written By Brady
Dec. 17, 2021, 2:31 p.m.(10/6/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Mayir
Bossman has done alright for us (with Magpie, of course). We have ships! Two types of ships. Maybe three? I know, it's so odd to focus on that, but it means we're strong and capable and we can provide real value to what we're doing with our trade deals. My old lines of business (you know what I'm talking about) won't change, but I've got the opportunity to grow that business on a grander scale. Miss Magpie, I can't say enough, but we're in good hands. Oh, apparently the boat is called a caravel. F'n great. We fancy now!
Written By Brady
April 14, 2019, 11:18 a.m.(12/4/1010 AR)
"Are you ready? Okay...
I've found myself a dreamer, who is often half-asleep,
I've washed the dust from 'round my eyes,
But found my polish does not keep.
This is where the piano starts playing, Ahem.
I've found a mare within the night, it's mein so dark and deep,
I'd likely trade my own two eyes,
Just to make it turn and leave.
Tho' I've found myself a cool refrain, in a certain warm embrace, but the distraction itself is the prize,
Which makes me want to weeeeeeep-
At this point, the man, uh, rises from the bench, hands stilled upon the keys. You can tell he's distraught, and half the candles are snuffed to add uh, you know, dramatic effect. He sings softly now...
Between all of us, both lost and found, the wolves and our sheep,
do our dreams of Are just lie,
Trampled 'neath hard shod feet?
Then the man just collapses back onto the bench and weeps against the piano, and the rest of the candles are snuffed. So do you get it? No, wait, don't answer, I don't either. Go ahead and bring out the black one now, it's gonna take a while..."
(Editor's note: Written verbatim)
I've found myself a dreamer, who is often half-asleep,
I've washed the dust from 'round my eyes,
But found my polish does not keep.
This is where the piano starts playing, Ahem.
I've found a mare within the night, it's mein so dark and deep,
I'd likely trade my own two eyes,
Just to make it turn and leave.
Tho' I've found myself a cool refrain, in a certain warm embrace, but the distraction itself is the prize,
Which makes me want to weeeeeeep-
At this point, the man, uh, rises from the bench, hands stilled upon the keys. You can tell he's distraught, and half the candles are snuffed to add uh, you know, dramatic effect. He sings softly now...
Between all of us, both lost and found, the wolves and our sheep,
do our dreams of Are just lie,
Trampled 'neath hard shod feet?
Then the man just collapses back onto the bench and weeps against the piano, and the rest of the candles are snuffed. So do you get it? No, wait, don't answer, I don't either. Go ahead and bring out the black one now, it's gonna take a while..."
(Editor's note: Written verbatim)
Written By Brady
Jan. 27, 2019, 10:26 a.m.(6/18/1010 AR)
I had one of the greatest nights of my life recently. In the earlier hours, I visited with Princess Alarissa Thrax in their library. She had remembered my offer to donate most of my income to help ease the dismantling of thralldom. I'm not sure if that's ever going to happen, but I'm not going to hem and haw about the lettering of my offer, only the spirit: I wish to help. The Princess Thrax told me how to set up the payments, and get the ball rolling, and I feel better now that it's done.
She also extended the invitation to visit their library at anytime. From the Maw, to the Shackles, to the elaborate bookshelves, it was really all quite stunning. I plan to visit often. We had the surprise Fortune of Laddy Willow Nightgold's presence, and the three of us drank blood orange tea and discussed foreign affairs, history, and the other races. As well as what I'm learning is called The Arts. That was about the time I excused myself. Not before her Highness gave me some names I could call upon in my quest for information, given to me by my Captain.
Later, I heard about a birthday party going on, and after digging up a little info about the woman of honor, decided to crash it..Thank the Gods I missed the King. I can't imagine what His Majesty would have thought about my gift. Yet, by strange coincidence I was reminded of the reflection of our deeds coming back to us. I donated almost all of my income, weekly, to those in need, and was gifted by Perrone, a wonderfully charming woman, a handful of gems that covers, by my figuring, about thirty weeks of my stipend and pay from the Valorous Few. Poetic, really, but I know I'm probably going to give those away too. I even met a pretty nice guy, new to the city, named Gunter. He seems like someone I could actually be myself with, let my hair down around, per session. I'm going to keep an eye on him, in case the sharks swarm in seeing fresh meat. Plus, he looks strong. There are a few jobs he could help me with.
To cap off the night, the End of Spring Fling. Normally I would have been nervous, around so many Silks. Yes, they respond well to kindness, honor, and honesty, but as I've seen once from a wolf, some are so desperate to fit in, be accepted, or keep their status that they'll literally attack you if threaten that, even accidentally. That reminds me, I got to reach out to them two, make amends. Anyways, after the birthday party I was already pretty drunk. I took off my shoes, trusted in Lady Valencia Velonosa's grace and hospitality, and decided to just have a god time. I got to dance with Lady Nightgold, play games with beautiful women, and I didn't embarrass myself in front of my idols, the Knight of Ribbons, and Prince Niklas Grayson, the legendary playwright. There was fantastic food, things I've never seen before, let alone tasted, great company and the star of my night, Lady Nightgold. This is the only kind of magic I need in my life.
It was a good night to let go, and enjoy life, but the reality of our situation is still sobering. Back to work.
She also extended the invitation to visit their library at anytime. From the Maw, to the Shackles, to the elaborate bookshelves, it was really all quite stunning. I plan to visit often. We had the surprise Fortune of Laddy Willow Nightgold's presence, and the three of us drank blood orange tea and discussed foreign affairs, history, and the other races. As well as what I'm learning is called The Arts. That was about the time I excused myself. Not before her Highness gave me some names I could call upon in my quest for information, given to me by my Captain.
Later, I heard about a birthday party going on, and after digging up a little info about the woman of honor, decided to crash it..Thank the Gods I missed the King. I can't imagine what His Majesty would have thought about my gift. Yet, by strange coincidence I was reminded of the reflection of our deeds coming back to us. I donated almost all of my income, weekly, to those in need, and was gifted by Perrone, a wonderfully charming woman, a handful of gems that covers, by my figuring, about thirty weeks of my stipend and pay from the Valorous Few. Poetic, really, but I know I'm probably going to give those away too. I even met a pretty nice guy, new to the city, named Gunter. He seems like someone I could actually be myself with, let my hair down around, per session. I'm going to keep an eye on him, in case the sharks swarm in seeing fresh meat. Plus, he looks strong. There are a few jobs he could help me with.
To cap off the night, the End of Spring Fling. Normally I would have been nervous, around so many Silks. Yes, they respond well to kindness, honor, and honesty, but as I've seen once from a wolf, some are so desperate to fit in, be accepted, or keep their status that they'll literally attack you if threaten that, even accidentally. That reminds me, I got to reach out to them two, make amends. Anyways, after the birthday party I was already pretty drunk. I took off my shoes, trusted in Lady Valencia Velonosa's grace and hospitality, and decided to just have a god time. I got to dance with Lady Nightgold, play games with beautiful women, and I didn't embarrass myself in front of my idols, the Knight of Ribbons, and Prince Niklas Grayson, the legendary playwright. There was fantastic food, things I've never seen before, let alone tasted, great company and the star of my night, Lady Nightgold. This is the only kind of magic I need in my life.
It was a good night to let go, and enjoy life, but the reality of our situation is still sobering. Back to work.
Written By Brady
Jan. 26, 2019, 5:50 p.m.(6/16/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
She's a library unto herself.
Written By Brady
Jan. 10, 2019, 9:53 p.m.(5/3/1010 AR)
So often, I'm glad I'm no kinda diplomat, or some kinda silk. There's a lot I don't understand about laws and treaties and shit like that. I try my best to clean up my words and my clothes when I'm around folks that might be offended by my origins. Not that I think I should, I just know better than try and argue with people who have vested interests in their beliefs.
There's somethin about being poor I only recently learned. You can adapt without 'losing' what you've got, which is basically nothing, when you're poor. If you're one of the Abandoned, and you've got a vested interest in, say, land, them you probably think you can't afford to lose it. If you're, I don't know, heavily invested in your opinion, or some great project, you probably think you can't afford to lose that, either.
Even at the cost of someone else's life.
Everyone's got their reasons for doing something. Their beliefs, their family, their money, their honor. I don't judge, I've got no room to. I'm glad I'm only heavily invested in my family, and the Lowers. I'm glad I'm not responsible for anyone's death. Not yet, anyway, thank the Gods. I wouldn't wanna have that kinda weight on my shoulders, or have to make those kinda decisions.
There's somethin about being poor I only recently learned. You can adapt without 'losing' what you've got, which is basically nothing, when you're poor. If you're one of the Abandoned, and you've got a vested interest in, say, land, them you probably think you can't afford to lose it. If you're, I don't know, heavily invested in your opinion, or some great project, you probably think you can't afford to lose that, either.
Even at the cost of someone else's life.
Everyone's got their reasons for doing something. Their beliefs, their family, their money, their honor. I don't judge, I've got no room to. I'm glad I'm only heavily invested in my family, and the Lowers. I'm glad I'm not responsible for anyone's death. Not yet, anyway, thank the Gods. I wouldn't wanna have that kinda weight on my shoulders, or have to make those kinda decisions.
Written By Brady
Jan. 9, 2019, 3:12 a.m.(4/28/1010 AR)
My hand rested on her hips,
And the old man on his sword,
Neither steel, Norwood distract
My gaze from upon her lips,
As we shared whispered words.
So glad that I did act.
The music rang, the singers sang,
Curses on their mind.
A Baron suggested, rogue requested,
And we danced, just in time.
A family grew this spring.
A princess given birth,
Tis what others will recall.
But I would rather sing,
Of dancing with such mirth,
With a Princess in the Artshall.
And the old man on his sword,
Neither steel, Norwood distract
My gaze from upon her lips,
As we shared whispered words.
So glad that I did act.
The music rang, the singers sang,
Curses on their mind.
A Baron suggested, rogue requested,
And we danced, just in time.
A family grew this spring.
A princess given birth,
Tis what others will recall.
But I would rather sing,
Of dancing with such mirth,
With a Princess in the Artshall.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.