Written By Claude
Jan. 21, 2024, 1:43 a.m.(8/5/1021 AR)
If you are reading this, I have died.
I went to defend Bastion. I hope I was brave. I hope it was not in vain. I hope... I hope that I mattered.
If am I lucky enough to pass through to the Shining Lands I hope I will see my wife and children again. I hope there I will remember their faces.
I bequeath the contents of my bank account to the Liberators of Skald.
To my dear friend Master Cufre Harrow I bequeath my shop, Out of the Woods. Master Harrow, I'm sorry I didn't make it back.
To anyone else, I pray the Compact still stands. That we are victorious. I pray that you wake up tomorrow with all your loved ones beside you.
Claude of Deepwood
Written By Claude
Dec. 26, 2023, 10:58 a.m.(6/10/1021 AR)
My name is Claude. Though that might not be the name I was born with. I cannot be sure.
I come from the Mourning Isles. My home was destroyed by the Gyre. I was a refugee. I found a home in Deepwood thanks to the kindness of Dame Zhayla and Marquessa Samantha Deepwood. My new home was destroyed by the creature calling himself the Horned God.
Now there are refugees appearing throughout the Compact. Those without memory.
That was once myself. I was enslaved by the Gyre. Koraj Marin. I was enslaved by Writ. Thanks to those devoted to the First Choice, I was lucky enough to be freed from that Writ. But there was a price... I remember precious little of my life before. I had a family. Sometimes I dream of their faces. I cannot remember their names. Some days I wonder if they ever existed at all.
I write this because these refugees seem like myself. With the death of the Traitor they have been freed of the Writ that was enslaving them. I have no proof of this except my own experience.
I simply ask you treat them kindly. They may have done and witnessed things they had no choice of. They may remember the horrors they inflicted upon others helpless to resist. This dissonance is hard to bear.
I beg for your compassion, your understanding and your forgiveness.
I come from the Mourning Isles. My home was destroyed by the Gyre. I was a refugee. I found a home in Deepwood thanks to the kindness of Dame Zhayla and Marquessa Samantha Deepwood. My new home was destroyed by the creature calling himself the Horned God.
Now there are refugees appearing throughout the Compact. Those without memory.
That was once myself. I was enslaved by the Gyre. Koraj Marin. I was enslaved by Writ. Thanks to those devoted to the First Choice, I was lucky enough to be freed from that Writ. But there was a price... I remember precious little of my life before. I had a family. Sometimes I dream of their faces. I cannot remember their names. Some days I wonder if they ever existed at all.
I write this because these refugees seem like myself. With the death of the Traitor they have been freed of the Writ that was enslaving them. I have no proof of this except my own experience.
I simply ask you treat them kindly. They may have done and witnessed things they had no choice of. They may remember the horrors they inflicted upon others helpless to resist. This dissonance is hard to bear.
I beg for your compassion, your understanding and your forgiveness.
Written By Claude
June 30, 2021, 11:54 p.m.(10/4/1015 AR)
Idle hands. Idle hands. I have some more work. But not nearly enough. Enough to live sure. But not enough to keep me busy. There are seventy four knots of wood visible on the eastern wall of my shop. How many on the western wall? I'll find out!
Written By Claude
June 22, 2021, 5:23 a.m.(9/14/1015 AR)
The Toys for the Compact has been, in my estimation, a success. Of 96 toys made, only 14 remain unsold. But herein lies my dilemma. What to do with these unsold toys? At the current rate of sales they are unlikely to be sold. Do I simply put them in storage? Remove them from the boxes so people can buy the specific ones they missed? I feel that may be unfair to those who donated so much sight unseen. There is no need to donate these surplus as the sets for the children have already been done.
If anyone might read this I would surely welcome any advice.
If anyone might read this I would surely welcome any advice.
Written By Claude
June 16, 2021, 11:05 a.m.(9/2/1015 AR)
There is so much work to be done. A number of new commissions have come in as well as one for a piece of art! How will it be received? The client is a discerning figure in the art world here. I believe I have the toys to thank for it. They have been very well received and I have raised a tremendous amount of money for the Knights of Solace and the orphanages. They are not completely sold out yet but only a handful of boxes remain.
Written By Claude
June 13, 2021, 9:41 a.m.(8/24/1015 AR)
I had a guest in my shop, a very kind young noblewoman. I offered her a drink while we discussed a certain matter. Little did I know she was a... no no, privacy must be maintained. Suffice it to say she was no stranger to fine liquors. What I served her was not fine, nor can I say with complete certainly that it was liquor. I do not drink whiskey at work or in the shop but maintain a small stock for guests. I gave my apprentice a pouch of silver and a list of things to stock the cabinet with. I am not entirely convinced he didn't swap the whiskey from the jug (the jug was indeed marked as whiskey) with some of the paint strippers from the back. To her credit, the noblewoman was incredibly gracious about the entire affair but I feel the damage was done.
In any event, swearing to never have a repeat performance I set out to stock the small pantry myself. I found myself in the shop of one Bonibel Barleycorn, an apothecary but more importantly a brewer. She introduced me to her latest creation, a summertime brandy called The Amber Smith's Reserve. Words penned here can never do it justice. It must be experienced to be believed.
In any event, swearing to never have a repeat performance I set out to stock the small pantry myself. I found myself in the shop of one Bonibel Barleycorn, an apothecary but more importantly a brewer. She introduced me to her latest creation, a summertime brandy called The Amber Smith's Reserve. Words penned here can never do it justice. It must be experienced to be believed.
Written By Claude
June 8, 2021, 12:37 a.m.(8/14/1015 AR)
The toys have been released. I feared I would not sell a single one. Yet despite a few issues with broken boxes they have been very well received. The generosity of of some is quite remarkable. It was a great relief to have finished the set but the daunting task of the next one looms.
Written By Claude
June 3, 2021, 4:53 a.m.(8/4/1015 AR)
Since so many others have been sharing I wish to share my entry from the recent poetry event regarding Time... many lovely works were recently published in the collection.
My Lord! My Lord! There you sit
Up high upon thy throne
Regal, proud, yet still a man
Caged in flesh and bone
Vassals, lands and castle tall
Given all that you demand
Yet you rage inside at the thing
No Lord can ever command
Every hair that grays, every joint that aches
A cold reminder of the deal
That all the silver in the world
Won't keep you from the Wheel
Oh Scholar! Dear Scholar! Where is your magic?
Some spell to turn back Death
A potion? Dark Bargain? I'll pay any price
To never take my last breath
There's no magic that might save you
Such promises a lie
As it is known from times long past
That even Gods may die
And so he broods upon that throne
Resigned unto his fate
Just peering into darkness
Where The End and it's Queen do wait
A final thought to reflect upon
As your years do end their climb
There is but one who defies Death
And his name, my Lord, is Time
My Lord! My Lord! There you sit
Up high upon thy throne
Regal, proud, yet still a man
Caged in flesh and bone
Vassals, lands and castle tall
Given all that you demand
Yet you rage inside at the thing
No Lord can ever command
Every hair that grays, every joint that aches
A cold reminder of the deal
That all the silver in the world
Won't keep you from the Wheel
Oh Scholar! Dear Scholar! Where is your magic?
Some spell to turn back Death
A potion? Dark Bargain? I'll pay any price
To never take my last breath
There's no magic that might save you
Such promises a lie
As it is known from times long past
That even Gods may die
And so he broods upon that throne
Resigned unto his fate
Just peering into darkness
Where The End and it's Queen do wait
A final thought to reflect upon
As your years do end their climb
There is but one who defies Death
And his name, my Lord, is Time
Written By Claude
May 29, 2021, 4:14 a.m.(7/22/1015 AR)
The large commission has been completed. The client expressed his satisfaction therefore I am satisfied. Another small commission follows, but it will be seen by many more people so perhaps there is greater pressure. My personal project is nearing completion as well, finally, there is paint perpetually stuck beneath my finger nails. I need to meet with a representative of the Knights of Solace and proceed from there.
Written By Claude
May 23, 2021, 10:15 p.m.(7/11/1015 AR)
I find myself leaving for Old Oak. I often travel back and forth as business requires, but I haven't been since last fall. Some accounts to settle, some wood to source, and... another task, which I hope I can complete to satisfaction. It seems important, else I wouldn't have left a large commission half-assembled on my shoproom floor.
Written By Claude
May 17, 2021, 9:42 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Lord Orland Amadeo's event in support of the Healers of a the compact seems to have been a resounding success. It was an honor to be able to be a small part of it.
It was the first time to present my work to the public, artistic work, not a chair or a wardrobe. It was a strange feeling having people bid actual silver with a desire to possess my art.
It has given me greater confidence to produce more pieces in the future.
It was the first time to present my work to the public, artistic work, not a chair or a wardrobe. It was a strange feeling having people bid actual silver with a desire to possess my art.
It has given me greater confidence to produce more pieces in the future.
Written By Claude
May 14, 2021, 12:18 a.m.(6/20/1015 AR)
The project is coming along steadily. Although happily delayed somewhat as I received several private commissions. I only have to paint the last set of pieces and number them. I haven't decided if fire-etching or perhaps some kind of stamped metal would be better. Probably the etching. Then to construct and paint all the boxes. Arrangements still need to be made with the appropriate authorities. But soon!
Written By Claude
May 9, 2021, 8:30 a.m.(6/10/1015 AR)
As a Prodigal, I have been making an concerted effort to better understand the Compact and its history. I have visited the Hall of Heroes countless times and read about all those enshrined there. Learning about the Metallic Order has been especially fascinating. While not an actual member as I understand it, the story of Brimstone particularly resonates.
Written By Claude
April 29, 2021, 11:38 p.m.(5/20/1015 AR)
I wish there was more I could do to aid in the war efforts. Perhaps I can help repair those ships that are fortunate enough to return.
Written By Claude
April 22, 2021, 9:17 a.m.(5/4/1015 AR)
It has been quite the eventful week. A new client and new supplier (who happen to be one and the same) may turn out to be quite the boon for my shop. I believe I may be able to upgrade my tools and hire a new apprentice.
Written By Claude
April 13, 2021, 9:34 a.m.(4/14/1015 AR)
Disciples of Skald, A Litany
Destiny is dead
My fate is not written
My choices are my own
I give no counsel on decisions
I reveal the paths but do not mark them
Accept no bonds which cannot be broken
No Fetters. No Masters. No Writs.
Choice is our blessing
Where it is absent, deliver it
Where there are chains, break them
To Slavery, bring justice
To his Victims, give succor
My fate is not written
My choices are my own
Written By Claude
April 10, 2021, 8:56 a.m.(4/8/1015 AR)
I recently had a piece of custom jewelry made by the artisan Cufre Harrow. I did not give her much time and was even a little vague with regards to my expectations. Nevertheless, the finished piece that I was presented with was nothing short of magnificent. A truly inspired young artist.
Written By Claude
April 3, 2021, 9:55 a.m.(3/22/1015 AR)
I have been very busy with my shop and things have been selling well for the most part. I even earned a few private commissions much to my pleasant surprise. I also crafted a sculpture in support of Lord Orland Amadeo's upcoming event in support of Healer's of the Compact. He wrote all too kindly about my entry. With spring on the horizon I am eager to start a new creative project but I am still searching for inspiration.
Written By Claude
March 19, 2021, 9:19 a.m.(2/20/1015 AR)
I have finally completed my new collection of furniture, though I am extremely nervous as to how it might be received. Overall I am quite proud of the quality of the pieces, though on some there was some room for improvement. I had neither the time nor the silver to completely rework them. Should this set prove successful I can focus on my next project, something much more artistic. My previous sculpture was appraised seperately by the Marquessa and the First Liberator. I can only say I was deeply honored by their praise.
Written By Claude
March 8, 2021, 9:21 a.m.(1/27/1015 AR)
For the first time in many months I have completed a work of art that was not a cabinet or a chair. I felt deeply inspired to create the sculpture and while I am pleased with the outcome, it is hard to judge one's own work fairly. I have left it on the floor of my showroom at Out of the Woods for now as a contrast to my furniture. In the meantime I shall search for a place to donate it to, should they share the values it espouses and find it aesthetically pleasing.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.