Written By Clara
Nov. 15, 2020, 12:30 p.m.(5/22/1014 AR)
Preemptively...shut up. I'm pregnant and dealing with the repercussions of reading romance books about Salacious Breadcrumbs again.
Written By Clara
Nov. 15, 2020, 12:27 p.m.(5/22/1014 AR)
If you stand over a rose long enough it will eventually wither and die. But if you step aside and give that same sheltered rose a little sunlight it will bloom into a beautiful flower. Every rose may have it's thorns but those thorns are there to protect it from assholes that cultivate it into a beautiful flower only to try and chop it down. You know... predators.
Written By Clara
May 29, 2020, 10:56 a.m.(5/18/1013 AR)
Betrothal - Lord Llyr Nightgold to be Lord Llyr Crovane
Thank you all for your well wishes in our engagement. Your support will give us strength in the years to come. We hope that our union will not only make ourselves happy but will bring joy and strength to our people. Once again, thank you.
Thank you all for your well wishes in our engagement. Your support will give us strength in the years to come. We hope that our union will not only make ourselves happy but will bring joy and strength to our people. Once again, thank you.
Written By Clara
April 19, 2020, 10:22 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)
There is a woman that lived up in the north just in the borders of Stormwall. I had to arrest her and I think that weighs a little heavy on my shoulders but I had to do it and so I did. She was responsible for knowingly fueling a curse that was killing men, women, and children in village near a bog. She attempted to murder Lady Mikani in front of us and attempted to get me to help strengthen the curse. She then threatened the lives of anyone who stumbles on the bog after the Spirits have been placated. As such, I had to arrest her and handed her over to the Inquisition to be tried and punished. I somehow doubt she will be found innocent but I hope Death takes her into her embrace if that is her fate. After the towns people makes amends with the Spirit of the Bog it will be forbidden for any non-shaman to go there, the people will be relocated to Stormwall where they will hopefully live in peace, and just as hopefully will learn a lesson in not accusing people of blood magic. For now the place will be known as Clearwater Swamp but that name may slightly alter as the Spirit said it wanted it to be a sacred space. This may very well be a newly discovered Grove.
Written By Clara
April 19, 2020, 10:14 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)
There was an orphanage that I visited... the children had killed their caretakers, murdered one in ritual sacrifice, and now they have all run off somewhere into the cold winter. I did a ritual of placation with Merek's help and now I think the lands that were poisoned might get back to normal.
Written By Clara
April 12, 2020, 7:54 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
_Becoming a Shaman_
Understand that this is based on my experiences and like many things in Shamanism you may get an entirely different approach from a different Shaman.
I've been asked a few times why I 'chose' to become a Shaman and I wish it were so simple as saying I just woke up one day and said "I am a Shaman". It was a bit more complicated than that, a bit more of a journey. I did ultimately chose to become a Shaman but it wasn't by rolling out of bed one day and deciding this is what I wanted to do for a living. ''The Spirits chose me'' and the decision I made was to 'listen' to their call.
It has been years now and at first I stumbled over whether or not I was even good material to be a Shaman. What if I mess up? What if the Spirits decided they didn't want me to be their Shaman? What if I was one of the Shamans that were full of lies, Shamans who are power mongerers? I was so worried that I was not the right material, so worried that I would end up being a fraud... But I think in the end that is what defined my journey.
I meditated with Lady Khanne, I had hour of conversation with her, and I sought out her guidance. Ultimately, the Spirits spoke to me and it was up to me whether or not I had the courage to listen to them and even more than that the courage to become a Shaman.
I had an additional trial, one that I was terrified of to start. I was even a little angry that I had to prove myself to my own family but I pulled myself together and I went through the Stormwall Shaman Trial. This is an unusual practice perhaps but in Stormwall we weed out the Shamans that are not truly able to see and speak with Spirits. It is something that while unconventional to most actually brought me peace of mind after I passed.
For us here in Stormwall, we are sent into the vast labyrinth beneath our capital city to walk through the crypts of our ancestors. Our goal is a seemingly simple one but it would not likely be complete without the help of the Spirits or Ancestors. Neither of which would probably aid anyone in reaching their goal if they were not truly meant to be a Shaman. The simple task is this... Collect a rare mushroom that only is known to grow deep within the labyrinth and make your way back out of the crypt with it. You are sent in with warm clothes, a simple weapon, and a lantern and nothing more.
For me my trials were a lesson in 'surrendering'. I don't really think you can be a Shaman without learning to 'listen' to the Spirits, without learning to let go of yourself and your pride in order to open your mind to them. It may seem like a difficult task but if you are meant to communicate with the Spirits you will learn to do so in time and the more you learn to do so the easier it may become to communicate with them.
My trials took me a little while and the Spirits were strange to me then, appearing as a ball of light that only appeared after my lantern had fully burned down. I was tired, I was cold, and I was worried about failure. Mostly, I just wanted to go home by the time they finally showed up. They accused me of not trusting them and that was the first thing I had to come to terms with. They told me to look within as much as I was looking outside of myself and it was only when I offered them myself did I truly understand what they meant. I didn't trust myself, I didn't trust them... so why should they trust me? Ultimately, they lead me to the mushrooms and back out of the labyrinth but it wasn't without lesson. I was successful, I'd proven myself a Shaman to my family and land, but I was only at the beginning of a very long journey. And looking back on it I still have things I can learn from that trial.
The long and short of it is... Being a Shaman, for me, was 'in part' about maintaining a relationship between myself and the Spirits. It is not a one way street as you both elect for you to become a Shaman.
Something I would advise to people who are thinking about becoming a Shaman is to sit down with other Shamans AND Godsworn to get some notes on their experiences as well. More experienced Shaman and our Godsworn allies will have an array of experiences and advice to share. I feel their experiences can be utilized to help you make your decision.
Personally, I speak often with Archlector Vayne and Elder Shaman Mirk. I recommend both of them if you need an ear.
Understand that this is based on my experiences and like many things in Shamanism you may get an entirely different approach from a different Shaman.
I've been asked a few times why I 'chose' to become a Shaman and I wish it were so simple as saying I just woke up one day and said "I am a Shaman". It was a bit more complicated than that, a bit more of a journey. I did ultimately chose to become a Shaman but it wasn't by rolling out of bed one day and deciding this is what I wanted to do for a living. ''The Spirits chose me'' and the decision I made was to 'listen' to their call.
It has been years now and at first I stumbled over whether or not I was even good material to be a Shaman. What if I mess up? What if the Spirits decided they didn't want me to be their Shaman? What if I was one of the Shamans that were full of lies, Shamans who are power mongerers? I was so worried that I was not the right material, so worried that I would end up being a fraud... But I think in the end that is what defined my journey.
I meditated with Lady Khanne, I had hour of conversation with her, and I sought out her guidance. Ultimately, the Spirits spoke to me and it was up to me whether or not I had the courage to listen to them and even more than that the courage to become a Shaman.
I had an additional trial, one that I was terrified of to start. I was even a little angry that I had to prove myself to my own family but I pulled myself together and I went through the Stormwall Shaman Trial. This is an unusual practice perhaps but in Stormwall we weed out the Shamans that are not truly able to see and speak with Spirits. It is something that while unconventional to most actually brought me peace of mind after I passed.
For us here in Stormwall, we are sent into the vast labyrinth beneath our capital city to walk through the crypts of our ancestors. Our goal is a seemingly simple one but it would not likely be complete without the help of the Spirits or Ancestors. Neither of which would probably aid anyone in reaching their goal if they were not truly meant to be a Shaman. The simple task is this... Collect a rare mushroom that only is known to grow deep within the labyrinth and make your way back out of the crypt with it. You are sent in with warm clothes, a simple weapon, and a lantern and nothing more.
For me my trials were a lesson in 'surrendering'. I don't really think you can be a Shaman without learning to 'listen' to the Spirits, without learning to let go of yourself and your pride in order to open your mind to them. It may seem like a difficult task but if you are meant to communicate with the Spirits you will learn to do so in time and the more you learn to do so the easier it may become to communicate with them.
My trials took me a little while and the Spirits were strange to me then, appearing as a ball of light that only appeared after my lantern had fully burned down. I was tired, I was cold, and I was worried about failure. Mostly, I just wanted to go home by the time they finally showed up. They accused me of not trusting them and that was the first thing I had to come to terms with. They told me to look within as much as I was looking outside of myself and it was only when I offered them myself did I truly understand what they meant. I didn't trust myself, I didn't trust them... so why should they trust me? Ultimately, they lead me to the mushrooms and back out of the labyrinth but it wasn't without lesson. I was successful, I'd proven myself a Shaman to my family and land, but I was only at the beginning of a very long journey. And looking back on it I still have things I can learn from that trial.
The long and short of it is... Being a Shaman, for me, was 'in part' about maintaining a relationship between myself and the Spirits. It is not a one way street as you both elect for you to become a Shaman.
Something I would advise to people who are thinking about becoming a Shaman is to sit down with other Shamans AND Godsworn to get some notes on their experiences as well. More experienced Shaman and our Godsworn allies will have an array of experiences and advice to share. I feel their experiences can be utilized to help you make your decision.
Personally, I speak often with Archlector Vayne and Elder Shaman Mirk. I recommend both of them if you need an ear.
Written By Clara
April 5, 2020, 9:01 p.m.(1/22/1013 AR)
Salacious breadcrumbs... worth the read!
Written By Clara
April 5, 2020, 8:33 p.m.(1/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
**Patron Pride - His Grace, Edain Valardin**
I am entirely happy to announce that this past week I received a message from High Lord Edain Valardin in response to my posting for a Patron. After a conversation the two of us have happily entered into a partnership as Patron (him) and Protege (myself). I am looking forward to working with him in the future and I hope that I can make him proud to call me his Protege as I am proud of my own.
A personal thank you to His Grace for putting his faith in me.
I am entirely happy to announce that this past week I received a message from High Lord Edain Valardin in response to my posting for a Patron. After a conversation the two of us have happily entered into a partnership as Patron (him) and Protege (myself). I am looking forward to working with him in the future and I hope that I can make him proud to call me his Protege as I am proud of my own.
A personal thank you to His Grace for putting his faith in me.
Written By Clara
April 5, 2020, 8:22 p.m.(1/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Baking with the Laurents Cookie Eating Contest...
So many many many cookies! Congratulations on the win!
So many many many cookies! Congratulations on the win!
Written By Clara
April 5, 2020, 8:21 p.m.(1/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Cadern
**Protege Pride - Marquis Cadern Blackwood**
I would also like to note that my Protege Lord Cadern Blackwood has become the Marquis-Consort of House Blackwood. To which I wish to give him my personal congratulations. May you have many happy years and at least a dozen children!
Accomplishments that I would like to highlight beyond a good marriage match (to a wonderful and beautiful soul, Marquessa Eilonwy Blackwood to whom I also congratulate and wish well)...
Marquis Cadern is a great researcher who specializes in Nefer'khat research and is the Magistrate of the Lower Boroughs. Most importantly, however, he has been one of my closer friends since I first arrived in Arx nearly 5 years ago.
Please send Marquis Cadern and Marquessa Eilonwy your congratulations on his marriage if you have not already. They are wonderful people and I am certain they would love to hear from you even if you are a complete stranger to them.
I would also like to note that my Protege Lord Cadern Blackwood has become the Marquis-Consort of House Blackwood. To which I wish to give him my personal congratulations. May you have many happy years and at least a dozen children!
Accomplishments that I would like to highlight beyond a good marriage match (to a wonderful and beautiful soul, Marquessa Eilonwy Blackwood to whom I also congratulate and wish well)...
Marquis Cadern is a great researcher who specializes in Nefer'khat research and is the Magistrate of the Lower Boroughs. Most importantly, however, he has been one of my closer friends since I first arrived in Arx nearly 5 years ago.
Please send Marquis Cadern and Marquessa Eilonwy your congratulations on his marriage if you have not already. They are wonderful people and I am certain they would love to hear from you even if you are a complete stranger to them.
Written By Clara
April 5, 2020, 7:13 p.m.(1/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Asher
**Protege Pride - Asher Grayhope**
I want to take a moment to highlight the recent success of my Protege, Asher Grayhope. A protege of mine for about five years now, Asher has come quite a long way. This is a man who has not let troubled beginnings get in his way. Instead he has taken flight and become one of the most skilled jewelers in Arvum.
But it doesn't stop there, no. Most recently, Asher Grayhope has moved forward in the ranks of the Gold Order and has become a Squire. I take pride in his willingness to serve the Compact in such an outstanding way. That he strives to become a Knight for us is something I think is worth pointing out to the Compact. Even most recently, he helped save the life of a man who was being dragged off to be a 'giant crabs dinner, helping to save the life of a complete stranger in the process of ensuring the creature was caught and stopped. He, and his group, then utilized the body of the crab to feed the village that the creature was plaguing.
So what I am saying is....
Squire Asher Grayhope is a man of upstanding character that you should get to know. You should send him missives congratulating him on his promotion as well as his bravery because there are few like him in this world.
I want to take a moment to highlight the recent success of my Protege, Asher Grayhope. A protege of mine for about five years now, Asher has come quite a long way. This is a man who has not let troubled beginnings get in his way. Instead he has taken flight and become one of the most skilled jewelers in Arvum.
But it doesn't stop there, no. Most recently, Asher Grayhope has moved forward in the ranks of the Gold Order and has become a Squire. I take pride in his willingness to serve the Compact in such an outstanding way. That he strives to become a Knight for us is something I think is worth pointing out to the Compact. Even most recently, he helped save the life of a man who was being dragged off to be a 'giant crabs dinner, helping to save the life of a complete stranger in the process of ensuring the creature was caught and stopped. He, and his group, then utilized the body of the crab to feed the village that the creature was plaguing.
So what I am saying is....
Squire Asher Grayhope is a man of upstanding character that you should get to know. You should send him missives congratulating him on his promotion as well as his bravery because there are few like him in this world.
Written By Clara
April 5, 2020, 6:56 p.m.(1/22/1013 AR)
** Baking with the Laurents 1013 **
~Thanks you! I wanted to personally thank Lady Mabelle for hosting a wonderful cookie cooking and eating event today. It was a wonderful idea that took my mind off of duty, death, and the other stressful aspects of our lives here in The Compact. I am sure many others feel the same as I do on this matter. So thank you, Lady Mabelle for the wonderful time and the cookies.
Also, the cupcake brooch I won is amazing. Thank you for that as well. Someone put a lot of time into designing this beautiful piece which is made of luxury velvet, stunning glass, and it features some iridescite as well. It is beautifully colorful and quite adorable. I will wear it for a week or two and then pin it to the apron and it will be on display in the Black Axe Pub at Stormwall's Haven. Again, thank you as it is the cutest little cupcake ever.
From this event I have some Inspiration! I think that as the weeks before me open up I might very well have to ensure that there are real versions of this cupcake brooch made. I am thinking mini-rainbow cupcakes with tiny candy unicorn horns on them. I think I will sell or auction them off and give the proceeds to the Lodge of Petrichor to help them care for the unicorns that dwell there. I admit some bias in doing this as my sister, Duchess Fianna Crovane, has a special place in her heart for the unicorns. I will let you all know in the days to come whether or not I will proceed with this project or not.
And another thanks to Lord Norwood who had the party favors created for the event. They are lovely silk and glass aprons that were given away to anyone who showed up who wanted one. I know my voice doesn't carry far through the peerage at the moment but I hope those that have a stronger voice among the Compact Peerage and Populace will take a moment to acknowledge him and the Laurents for this wonderful event.
~Thanks you! I wanted to personally thank Lady Mabelle for hosting a wonderful cookie cooking and eating event today. It was a wonderful idea that took my mind off of duty, death, and the other stressful aspects of our lives here in The Compact. I am sure many others feel the same as I do on this matter. So thank you, Lady Mabelle for the wonderful time and the cookies.
Also, the cupcake brooch I won is amazing. Thank you for that as well. Someone put a lot of time into designing this beautiful piece which is made of luxury velvet, stunning glass, and it features some iridescite as well. It is beautifully colorful and quite adorable. I will wear it for a week or two and then pin it to the apron and it will be on display in the Black Axe Pub at Stormwall's Haven. Again, thank you as it is the cutest little cupcake ever.
From this event I have some Inspiration! I think that as the weeks before me open up I might very well have to ensure that there are real versions of this cupcake brooch made. I am thinking mini-rainbow cupcakes with tiny candy unicorn horns on them. I think I will sell or auction them off and give the proceeds to the Lodge of Petrichor to help them care for the unicorns that dwell there. I admit some bias in doing this as my sister, Duchess Fianna Crovane, has a special place in her heart for the unicorns. I will let you all know in the days to come whether or not I will proceed with this project or not.
And another thanks to Lord Norwood who had the party favors created for the event. They are lovely silk and glass aprons that were given away to anyone who showed up who wanted one. I know my voice doesn't carry far through the peerage at the moment but I hope those that have a stronger voice among the Compact Peerage and Populace will take a moment to acknowledge him and the Laurents for this wonderful event.
Written By Clara
March 29, 2020, 3:55 p.m.(1/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Svana
I actually like Svana. She's fun to be around and I sympathize with her greatly. I am happy to know her and am looking forward to knowing her for years to come. Actually, she gave me a beautiful dress for my birthday and though I will have to wait a few months to wear it it is a beautiful gown. I told her she didn't need to get me a present but she made me something anyways. That was very sweet of her. Not to say I like her because she gave me something but I like what she gave me in part because I like her. The dress is beautiful on its own but to get a gift from a friend... a gift that has had so much work put into it? That is a great honor. I have asked her to make another dress for me. One for a special occasion that I will be very excited to wear when the time comes. She also asked me to do her a great honor, twice over, as well and I'm looking forward to that too.
Written By Clara
March 22, 2020, 10:42 p.m.(12/22/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Kritr
Ha! Krit is hilarious! I am certain that I'll invite him to more parties in the future.
Written By Clara
March 22, 2020, 10:42 p.m.(12/22/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassian
It is always nice to see family in town but it is even nicer when they show up to your birthday!
Written By Clara
March 15, 2020, 9:37 p.m.(12/8/1012 AR)
With a lot of new Crovane in the city I wanted to reach out and let my family and its servants know that if you need anything I stay at Stormwall's Haven. Welcome Cassian, Darkus, and Kalila. Additionally, welcome Pepper and Asher, the newest additions to the House.
Written By Clara
July 25, 2018, 9:08 a.m.(4/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowenova
I am sorry that you are feeling heartache, Nova. You will heal in time and you have friends who are here to support you through it. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Written By Clara
July 21, 2018, 2:22 p.m.(3/26/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lys
Your heart for strawberries? I'm sure you are plenty sweet already? If these dreams take on any horrific feelings I do have a tea that might be able to aid you.
Written By Clara
July 20, 2018, 5:04 a.m.(3/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
His Grace is a novel man that clearly cares about his people. He is generous in his investments within us in both terms of the faith he places within us and where he puts his coin. He has graciously shared his table with me, lent me his ears, and aided me in protecting myself and others through the hospitable assistance in procuring a diamondplate weapon. I am indebted to him even though he has asked from me nothing in return. Such a practical gift will not be wasted on me.
Written By Clara
June 25, 2018, 1:37 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Tabitha
Thank you, Tabitha. Your words are very kind and I look forward to meeting you in the near future. ~ Clara
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.