Written By Driskell
June 2, 2018, 9:59 p.m.(11/25/1008 AR)
A few random scrawls in the pages:
Green Mother,
Blue Woman,
White Steward,
Gray Son.
Bloodpetal,
Old Spirit,
Black Dragon,
Mountain.
One should be very careful where they're looking, not just mirrors reflect. The infection spreads.
Green Mother,
Blue Woman,
White Steward,
Gray Son.
Bloodpetal,
Old Spirit,
Black Dragon,
Mountain.
One should be very careful where they're looking, not just mirrors reflect. The infection spreads.
Written By Driskell
May 28, 2018, 3:22 p.m.(11/13/1008 AR)
I'm reminded of a rather old saying that goes "When the only tool you have is a hammer, you treat everything as if it were a nail."
I suppose the same could be said regarding holding anything tightly as your sole focus in life, such as a sword and thinking the only solution to the problem is the enemy destroyed.
I suppose the same could be said regarding holding anything tightly as your sole focus in life, such as a sword and thinking the only solution to the problem is the enemy destroyed.
Written By Driskell
May 26, 2018, 12:24 p.m.(11/8/1008 AR)
One can learn much truth about the world looking at particular gardens in older places here in the city of Arx. How an old tree trunk can be grafted with a different tree branch and thus the old line is sustained while the new line gains the trunk's strength to live on.
From afar, most will think the tree is just the tree according to its fruit. But if one looks much more closely, they might see two trees.
From afar, most will think the tree is just the tree according to its fruit. But if one looks much more closely, they might see two trees.
Written By Driskell
May 24, 2018, 11:10 a.m.(10/24/1008 AR)
It is good that debate and discussion happens, where a majority say one thing and a minority say another contrary to them. That the highborn take to the whites and argue might by some be called petty and beneath them, but ultimately it teaches that one can have debates without immediately jumping to the passion of hatred or anger; if you can approach any discussion with an open heart to receive the teachings of the gods even if your position doesn't change, then I think that's a hidden blessing.
If thirteen wise men and women of honor and faith are in a room, and twelve agree upon the rightness of a cause, the persuasiveness of an argument, or the safety of a path forward, then the thirteenth must argue vehemently to the contrary. No truth, however elusive or unconvincing, must escape us due to a lack of scrutiny. The signs of the Reckoning were before us, and we neither saw nor heard, convincing one another we were safe. We failed to see the warnings once. We will never fail again.
If thirteen wise men and women of honor and faith are in a room, and twelve agree upon the rightness of a cause, the persuasiveness of an argument, or the safety of a path forward, then the thirteenth must argue vehemently to the contrary. No truth, however elusive or unconvincing, must escape us due to a lack of scrutiny. The signs of the Reckoning were before us, and we neither saw nor heard, convincing one another we were safe. We failed to see the warnings once. We will never fail again.
Written By Driskell
May 22, 2018, 2:43 p.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Blessed are those who choose not to act upon another's weakness for their own gain, for doing otherwise grows the corruption within themselves. When one experiences tragedy, is it not natural that darkness desires to drown them within their darkest passions and emotions?
We should remember that within each person exists the spark of hope and a soul, should you come across one that has experienced terrible tragedy, you should do what you can to keep the spark lit.
Any other choice you make helps the darkness envelop them, casting them in the pit of despair and putting your own soul in jeopardy of feeding the corruption within you.
We should remember that within each person exists the spark of hope and a soul, should you come across one that has experienced terrible tragedy, you should do what you can to keep the spark lit.
Any other choice you make helps the darkness envelop them, casting them in the pit of despair and putting your own soul in jeopardy of feeding the corruption within you.
Written By Driskell
May 19, 2018, 3:46 p.m.(10/9/1008 AR)
The student and master spoke amidst the ghosts of the past whispering their words, the lost mute dreamers.
There are lessons purposefully forgotten, warnings given and disregarded.
Thick is the fog of hubris which coils itself around the hearts and minds, closing them from the gift of logic and knowledge that Vellichor desires to be shared so that the mistakes of the past can be learned from. But the coils wrap tight around their hearts and twice the hand is guided and choices made.
How dare mortals feel they can act with impunity against things which they cannot fathom, they know not even if the breath they take in now will be their last. As if they too were gods to strike out against the purpose and plan of all things.
Best you keep the evil you know than to create out of the void left by your choices a nightmare that you cannot fathom.
Vengeance is a storm that hits with fury and surprise, masking underneath a veil of peace.
What have you done!
There are lessons purposefully forgotten, warnings given and disregarded.
Thick is the fog of hubris which coils itself around the hearts and minds, closing them from the gift of logic and knowledge that Vellichor desires to be shared so that the mistakes of the past can be learned from. But the coils wrap tight around their hearts and twice the hand is guided and choices made.
How dare mortals feel they can act with impunity against things which they cannot fathom, they know not even if the breath they take in now will be their last. As if they too were gods to strike out against the purpose and plan of all things.
Best you keep the evil you know than to create out of the void left by your choices a nightmare that you cannot fathom.
Vengeance is a storm that hits with fury and surprise, masking underneath a veil of peace.
What have you done!
Written By Driskell
May 18, 2018, 12:03 a.m.(10/6/1008 AR)
In the 1008th year after the reckoning on a crisp Autumn day that I, Brother Driskell Stillwater, enter the city of Arx through the Seawatch Gate past the shadow of Shaivassa. I note that I have been significantly delayed returning from the war. Imbalance has brought me back.
I have returned, but have I returned at the right time?
I have returned, but have I returned at the right time?
Written By Driskell
March 21, 2018, 6:23 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Stormwall. Setarco. Southport. Darkwater. Arx. Many other places that you my friend aren't aware of.
I could not have asked for a better show of what makes humanity so dear to me than the displays of mortals who ignored at their own personal peril and set aside a vast amount of grievances and issues between each other to join together against the Abyss. I witnessed them use their most powerful ability...a free choice made by a soul; a choice made specifically and willingly to make the world better than it currently is no matter if they themselves wouldn’t be able to see that change take place. That is true sacrifice.
What did I see when I looked on the plains outside of Setarco down to the shore when I stood on the wall? You were most likely too busy to focus, friend, but I’ll describe what I saw. Imagine seeing tens of thousands of stars twinkling in the dark sky, a darkest sky. At first, one star begins to shine, and then another. Some of the stars shining so brightly it makes you have to squint. And then more shine brighter still as you can see a soul spark of hope light another’s by some action, some word…some choice. And then I saw some exploding in a dazzling shine of prismatic sparks like a falling star before it snuffed out. But as one began to glow, another beside it started shining brighter and where one was snuffed out, four or more began to dazzle.
Souls that are freely exercising their highest form of power, their choice is the most beautifulest sight to behold. No matter what the shell looks like on the outside, humanity when one looks at the inner core of their soul full of hope is inspiring and beautiful.
What a dead, dark and cold world it would be if hope didn’t exist.
May balance be maintained.
I could not have asked for a better show of what makes humanity so dear to me than the displays of mortals who ignored at their own personal peril and set aside a vast amount of grievances and issues between each other to join together against the Abyss. I witnessed them use their most powerful ability...a free choice made by a soul; a choice made specifically and willingly to make the world better than it currently is no matter if they themselves wouldn’t be able to see that change take place. That is true sacrifice.
What did I see when I looked on the plains outside of Setarco down to the shore when I stood on the wall? You were most likely too busy to focus, friend, but I’ll describe what I saw. Imagine seeing tens of thousands of stars twinkling in the dark sky, a darkest sky. At first, one star begins to shine, and then another. Some of the stars shining so brightly it makes you have to squint. And then more shine brighter still as you can see a soul spark of hope light another’s by some action, some word…some choice. And then I saw some exploding in a dazzling shine of prismatic sparks like a falling star before it snuffed out. But as one began to glow, another beside it started shining brighter and where one was snuffed out, four or more began to dazzle.
Souls that are freely exercising their highest form of power, their choice is the most beautifulest sight to behold. No matter what the shell looks like on the outside, humanity when one looks at the inner core of their soul full of hope is inspiring and beautiful.
What a dead, dark and cold world it would be if hope didn’t exist.
May balance be maintained.
Written By Driskell
March 17, 2018, 5:36 p.m.(5/17/1008 AR)
You won the battle, the goal was sought.
Were demon did rise and through peril you fought.
But wars are not finished just in one day,
The cost of your actions in the future you'll pay.
Imbalance was caused by a coin with two sides.
A world that struggles mirrors the battles inside.
Seek not to be by emotions askew,
But seek to force passions to work for you.
Were demon did rise and through peril you fought.
But wars are not finished just in one day,
The cost of your actions in the future you'll pay.
Imbalance was caused by a coin with two sides.
A world that struggles mirrors the battles inside.
Seek not to be by emotions askew,
But seek to force passions to work for you.
Written By Driskell
March 16, 2018, 4:51 a.m.(5/14/1008 AR)
This is the latest will of Driskell Stillwater which supersedes all others before it. My personal effects are noted in my black journal. My black journals should not be released except by direction and approval of the scholars. Vellichor demands our knowledge to be recorded and saved, but tells us to temper knowledge with the wisdom of when to share it and the responsibility for it being released.
Death is light as a feather, but responsibility weighs heavy on the hearts of those who accept it.
Death is light as a feather, but responsibility weighs heavy on the hearts of those who accept it.
Written By Driskell
March 13, 2018, 11:22 p.m.(5/10/1008 AR)
I was thinking today about the forces that are under the Marin king's banner, enslaved and lost in pits of despair due to the imbalanced choices their king made so many lifetimes ago when he bent the knee to his dark passions and let that evil become his master rather than he mastering them.
To the Marin forces: when tyranny and dishonor become your norm, then rebellion becomes your duty.
To the Marin forces: when tyranny and dishonor become your norm, then rebellion becomes your duty.
Written By Driskell
March 9, 2018, 6:04 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Children very much take on the burdens and sins of their parents, otherwise why do refer to former Abandoned who were born in that environment and become citizens of the Compact as Prodigals? Doesn't humanity with broad brush paint those who are our enemies as evil? Do we not strip them of personable traits so that war and death can happen without guilt attached to such choices we make or how it impacts a cycle which repeats with the children born in such chaos? Do we not make clear distinctions that you are part of this fealty or that one?
If on one hand you say children are not tied to the sins of their forebears, then you're also saying a child should not be tied to the successes of their ancestors...and as such, the whole entire thought of social class distinctions should be erased with a skill and aptitude-based meritocracy.
But I don't see that happening.
If on one hand you say children are not tied to the sins of their forebears, then you're also saying a child should not be tied to the successes of their ancestors...and as such, the whole entire thought of social class distinctions should be erased with a skill and aptitude-based meritocracy.
But I don't see that happening.
Written By Driskell
March 9, 2018, 2:21 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Through adversity comes change. Through challenge, we evolve.
Written By Driskell
March 4, 2018, 12:10 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
I leave Arx to do what I am called to do but I leave these words for you.
To those who leave their families, loved ones, friends, comrades and those who leave no one behind; To those who say goodbye knowing it may be their last,
Remember that you are a crusader; your actions and words will speak far louder than you could ever hope to those across places you aren't aware of on what the Pantheon stands for. You will be judged and the Compact will be judged by what you do even when you feel there is no one watching. You are watched. You are judged. The fruit of the tree will determine if the tree is cut or left to bare fruit next season.
Remember that you are a crusader; you have a place within the family of the Faith and that each who fight alongside you are brother and sister. Treat them as you would desire yourself treated. Help them when they stumble in faith, strengthen them with prayer and let your battle cry be lifted up to mix with your fellow crusaders in a sweet hymn to all the gods.
Remember that you are a crusader; you are no longer a Thraxan, a Redrain, an Oathlander or other fealty, you are now part of the Army of Light to which the Compact has raised to answer the call of your king. Follow the orders of those above you with your whole heart and without delay, for the body cannot work functionally unless each part does its role.
May your heart be emboldened by your faith when you feel despair or hopelessness. May your body be strengthened by your faith when you feel weak or tired. May your mind be sharpened so you never let down your fellow brother and sister of the Faith. Above all, may your choices prove that you are the heroes that a world today lost in despair is needing, and not shirk from the sacrifice needed to stave off destruction of those who have lost hope.
Remember that death is lighter than a feather, but duty is heavier than a mountain.
May your spark of hope shine bright like the stars at the darkest night.
Non Omnis Moriar.
Br. Driskell
To those who leave their families, loved ones, friends, comrades and those who leave no one behind; To those who say goodbye knowing it may be their last,
Remember that you are a crusader; your actions and words will speak far louder than you could ever hope to those across places you aren't aware of on what the Pantheon stands for. You will be judged and the Compact will be judged by what you do even when you feel there is no one watching. You are watched. You are judged. The fruit of the tree will determine if the tree is cut or left to bare fruit next season.
Remember that you are a crusader; you have a place within the family of the Faith and that each who fight alongside you are brother and sister. Treat them as you would desire yourself treated. Help them when they stumble in faith, strengthen them with prayer and let your battle cry be lifted up to mix with your fellow crusaders in a sweet hymn to all the gods.
Remember that you are a crusader; you are no longer a Thraxan, a Redrain, an Oathlander or other fealty, you are now part of the Army of Light to which the Compact has raised to answer the call of your king. Follow the orders of those above you with your whole heart and without delay, for the body cannot work functionally unless each part does its role.
May your heart be emboldened by your faith when you feel despair or hopelessness. May your body be strengthened by your faith when you feel weak or tired. May your mind be sharpened so you never let down your fellow brother and sister of the Faith. Above all, may your choices prove that you are the heroes that a world today lost in despair is needing, and not shirk from the sacrifice needed to stave off destruction of those who have lost hope.
Remember that death is lighter than a feather, but duty is heavier than a mountain.
May your spark of hope shine bright like the stars at the darkest night.
Non Omnis Moriar.
Br. Driskell
Written By Driskell
Feb. 25, 2018, 3:40 p.m.(4/5/1008 AR)
I prepare to go to the city of silk, Setarco, to where the Hypaethral of the Setarco Star will rise up from dreams to reality. Where the faithful and crusaders will rise from and the spark of hope will burn as bright as the sun to become a beacon to the world that humanity will not stand by while the darkness of the Abyss desires to envelope the world in the darkness of despair.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 22, 2018, 3:53 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
I owe you a response, your highness, and I've thought about how to reply.
Father Orazio is the shield of the Faith and defends it with vigor from attacks within it and outside it, he represents the gods and what he says is from them and guides the faithful with truth, love and zeal. At first it might seem that he misses something so profound due to its simplicity, but then I recall he’s one who enjoys the truth being found and shared through debate, discussion and deliberation.
The Faith of the Pantheon has existed long before the Reckoning and he is correct that the Pantheon does not have an individual god representing the concept of unity. However, I find the ancient sigil of the Faith to be a powerful message hidden in plain view: the three tetrads as three intersecting golden circles without break or flaw shows unity between the tetrads and unity within the tetrads. The Pantheon, by its very definition of that ancient sigil, represents unity upon unity.
Unity therefore cannot be an individual. Unity by definition is where individuals come together. So as above, so as below, so as in-between and all other places.
Father Orazio is the shield of the Faith and defends it with vigor from attacks within it and outside it, he represents the gods and what he says is from them and guides the faithful with truth, love and zeal. At first it might seem that he misses something so profound due to its simplicity, but then I recall he’s one who enjoys the truth being found and shared through debate, discussion and deliberation.
The Faith of the Pantheon has existed long before the Reckoning and he is correct that the Pantheon does not have an individual god representing the concept of unity. However, I find the ancient sigil of the Faith to be a powerful message hidden in plain view: the three tetrads as three intersecting golden circles without break or flaw shows unity between the tetrads and unity within the tetrads. The Pantheon, by its very definition of that ancient sigil, represents unity upon unity.
Unity therefore cannot be an individual. Unity by definition is where individuals come together. So as above, so as below, so as in-between and all other places.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 19, 2018, 6:03 p.m.(3/21/1008 AR)
The simple concept of nobility is one that comes from the gods themselves, and the highborn are intrinsically weaved with the Faith for in the gods is where all aspirational ideals come from. A noble that rejects the Faith and the gods is one that is trying to sever a key aspect of their soul; it leads to only harming themselves and those they are responsible for. What are some of the examples that show the Faith and nobility are intertwined?
Does not Petrichor give humanity dominion over all the lands to ensure they are cared for? Through our responsible position as caretaker, does not the lands provide to sustain us? So to is it the relationship between highborn and lowborn, that through the ideals of Petrichor, the nobility lead and care for the needs of the lowborn and protect them, and in return, the lowborn work diligently to the best of their abilities so that the dominion may flourish.
Does not Gild bring to humanity prosperity, charity, civilization, commerce and travel not that we might hoard but so that we might share our blessings to those who are less fortunate no matter where they may be? That through hospitality, humanity might see each other not as strangers to shun but instead the commonality of having a soul that exists in all? Nobility are obligated by their position to look after those less than them, to lessen the burden upon those vassals they are responsible.
Does not Gloria bring chivalry, honor and war to humanity so that we do not feed our dark passions, that we might utilize the issue of physical contest in a limited way to focus on peace and the plans after war? The nobility through their position have a responsibility they cannot shirk from, that the actions of those who fight in their name is an action upon their banner and house. That while some might ask for all out war and the ends justify the means, that restraint and offers of mercy are the virtues of the honorable leader.
Does not Jayus bring inspiration, craftsmanship and art to humanity so that we might aspire to be greater than we currently are? That the nobility have a key responsibility in ensuring that their people are used to the best of their abilities, to inspire their people to reach beyond their current place and achieve greater possibilities, to make the world better where they can? The nobility are required to do these acts, for where the light of inspiration is shared, the realm shows great abundance.
Does not Lagoma who brings about growth, cycles and purification to humanity so that we might change for the better? Is it not the duty of the noble to not simply make demands upon their people but instead carefully nurture and heal deficiencies for those of their realm? That those who see to their fealties with such care and attention are aware of problems before they become so great. Healing and prevention is by far better and less costly than treatments....a proactive noble in their fealty who focuses on their lowborn will reap the rewards.
Does not Limerance who brings fidelity, love and true dealing with oaths maintained? At the root of nobility is this, that the vassals who have sworn oaths of fealty to their lords for lands and title. That for the vassal, they represent the counted lowborn in their new fealty and as such, have an obligation to care and treat them according to the oaths they have given to their higher lord. A noble truly is noble because of their oaths, their responsibilities and specifically their honor. A noble who has lost their honor is no more noble than a rock, although redemption could be possible.
Does not Mangata bring the air and water to sustain life? Does not a noble have an obligation to sustain life in their fealty through being responsible caretakers? Is not their wellbeing tied directly to their lowborn, and if they drink too much, will they not be thirsty later on? A noble's honor is not about taking life, it is through effective administration, management and care of duty that they are able to bring a sustained yield from their fealty to support the Compact and the Faith as a whole. Those that take too much or have no care soon see their fealties dry up.
Does not the Queen of Endings bring souls to and fro the Wheel, so that through humanity's choices, the dream can continue onwards? That nobility requires careful selection and encouragement to their lowborn, ensuring that each have a place and each have an opportunity to excel in their own place. And just as a wheel, when all the spokes are in place, doesn't the wheel move far more effectively and efficiently? So to is the relationship between the nobility and the lowborn.
Does not the First Choice bring to humanity the right to live their lives freely and by their own terms? Nobility have a responsibility in ensuring their vassals and lowborn have the opportunity to be engaged, that they have their opinions and concerns heard rather than ignored, that they are included in the process of governing due to the lowborn choosing to accept the noble as their representative. Choice is the most powerful tool one has.
Does not the Sentinel see all and brings justice, law and order? Is not the responsibility of the nobility to their vassals and lowborn to show that they might count on their noble's honor to maintain justice? That where injustice is, the noble will pursue with vigor to right the wrongs, that their vassals and lowborn might find a foundation to build their trust and hope on? That through their actions, the noble themselves will be judged by the Sentinel?
Does not the Thirteenth bring balance to all things? While the gods bring to us our aspirational ideals, does not the Abyss represent all that which is born from our darker thoughts? That without controlling our emotions and using our choice, we will be hopelessly controlled by them? The noble has a requirement to show restraint, to bring about in others a conduit so that their destructive desires are instead focused in far more better results for the world as a whole. A noble listens to all voices no matter their position and weighs heavily upon their action and choice, not to appease all people as that is an impossibility, but instead that their position of authority is exercised in a way to prevent further folly.
Seek not to see first the evil in men's hearts but recognize that life is about choices so that we all might grow and evolve to a higher purpose.
Does not Petrichor give humanity dominion over all the lands to ensure they are cared for? Through our responsible position as caretaker, does not the lands provide to sustain us? So to is it the relationship between highborn and lowborn, that through the ideals of Petrichor, the nobility lead and care for the needs of the lowborn and protect them, and in return, the lowborn work diligently to the best of their abilities so that the dominion may flourish.
Does not Gild bring to humanity prosperity, charity, civilization, commerce and travel not that we might hoard but so that we might share our blessings to those who are less fortunate no matter where they may be? That through hospitality, humanity might see each other not as strangers to shun but instead the commonality of having a soul that exists in all? Nobility are obligated by their position to look after those less than them, to lessen the burden upon those vassals they are responsible.
Does not Gloria bring chivalry, honor and war to humanity so that we do not feed our dark passions, that we might utilize the issue of physical contest in a limited way to focus on peace and the plans after war? The nobility through their position have a responsibility they cannot shirk from, that the actions of those who fight in their name is an action upon their banner and house. That while some might ask for all out war and the ends justify the means, that restraint and offers of mercy are the virtues of the honorable leader.
Does not Jayus bring inspiration, craftsmanship and art to humanity so that we might aspire to be greater than we currently are? That the nobility have a key responsibility in ensuring that their people are used to the best of their abilities, to inspire their people to reach beyond their current place and achieve greater possibilities, to make the world better where they can? The nobility are required to do these acts, for where the light of inspiration is shared, the realm shows great abundance.
Does not Lagoma who brings about growth, cycles and purification to humanity so that we might change for the better? Is it not the duty of the noble to not simply make demands upon their people but instead carefully nurture and heal deficiencies for those of their realm? That those who see to their fealties with such care and attention are aware of problems before they become so great. Healing and prevention is by far better and less costly than treatments....a proactive noble in their fealty who focuses on their lowborn will reap the rewards.
Does not Limerance who brings fidelity, love and true dealing with oaths maintained? At the root of nobility is this, that the vassals who have sworn oaths of fealty to their lords for lands and title. That for the vassal, they represent the counted lowborn in their new fealty and as such, have an obligation to care and treat them according to the oaths they have given to their higher lord. A noble truly is noble because of their oaths, their responsibilities and specifically their honor. A noble who has lost their honor is no more noble than a rock, although redemption could be possible.
Does not Mangata bring the air and water to sustain life? Does not a noble have an obligation to sustain life in their fealty through being responsible caretakers? Is not their wellbeing tied directly to their lowborn, and if they drink too much, will they not be thirsty later on? A noble's honor is not about taking life, it is through effective administration, management and care of duty that they are able to bring a sustained yield from their fealty to support the Compact and the Faith as a whole. Those that take too much or have no care soon see their fealties dry up.
Does not the Queen of Endings bring souls to and fro the Wheel, so that through humanity's choices, the dream can continue onwards? That nobility requires careful selection and encouragement to their lowborn, ensuring that each have a place and each have an opportunity to excel in their own place. And just as a wheel, when all the spokes are in place, doesn't the wheel move far more effectively and efficiently? So to is the relationship between the nobility and the lowborn.
Does not the First Choice bring to humanity the right to live their lives freely and by their own terms? Nobility have a responsibility in ensuring their vassals and lowborn have the opportunity to be engaged, that they have their opinions and concerns heard rather than ignored, that they are included in the process of governing due to the lowborn choosing to accept the noble as their representative. Choice is the most powerful tool one has.
Does not the Sentinel see all and brings justice, law and order? Is not the responsibility of the nobility to their vassals and lowborn to show that they might count on their noble's honor to maintain justice? That where injustice is, the noble will pursue with vigor to right the wrongs, that their vassals and lowborn might find a foundation to build their trust and hope on? That through their actions, the noble themselves will be judged by the Sentinel?
Does not the Thirteenth bring balance to all things? While the gods bring to us our aspirational ideals, does not the Abyss represent all that which is born from our darker thoughts? That without controlling our emotions and using our choice, we will be hopelessly controlled by them? The noble has a requirement to show restraint, to bring about in others a conduit so that their destructive desires are instead focused in far more better results for the world as a whole. A noble listens to all voices no matter their position and weighs heavily upon their action and choice, not to appease all people as that is an impossibility, but instead that their position of authority is exercised in a way to prevent further folly.
Seek not to see first the evil in men's hearts but recognize that life is about choices so that we all might grow and evolve to a higher purpose.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 16, 2018, 5:34 p.m.(3/15/1008 AR)
I was discussing a matter with a stranger last evening when our discussion turned to the upcoming war and the crusade of black tides.
At what point in time have mortals decided that it is appropriate to treat their opponents in battle with dishonor? To act infantile and disrespectful towards beings that wield awesome powers? Evil, yes. At odds with the entire pantheon? Of course. But as much as these things have made your suffering, does not what it stands for help define its reflection? Without them, is it possible to define what is good, right and aspirational? No. And yet discussion happens whereby individuals boast and make promises to take the heads of this thing or that thing, not understanding that their righteous zeal is a thin coating over a darker passion they're being chained by; hubris, selfishness, ego, pride. The very things they seek to destroy are the things within them that grows. That thing you wish to sever its head as you desire to send it to oblivion, you don't recognize that you are setting up the cost and consequence as something far worse will come to replace what you took. You are mortal, human. Mortal, meant to live through suffering and good times, learn and record and inspire greatness so that the world can be made better rather than your actions spurring more from the Abyss.
Gloria, goddess of battle and war. Of chivalry and honor. Gloria desires us in battle and war not to act dishonorable and this means treating your opponents with a measure of respect. She desires not for outright obliteration but to minimize total war with the goal of how we plan and prepare for peace and healing.
Worship not the Abyss, seek not it out. Look hard within your heart and question the root of your desires. In this holy war, let not your actions and words bring dishonor but instead may future generations remember that as a champion of the gods, you upheld their ideals.
At what point in time have mortals decided that it is appropriate to treat their opponents in battle with dishonor? To act infantile and disrespectful towards beings that wield awesome powers? Evil, yes. At odds with the entire pantheon? Of course. But as much as these things have made your suffering, does not what it stands for help define its reflection? Without them, is it possible to define what is good, right and aspirational? No. And yet discussion happens whereby individuals boast and make promises to take the heads of this thing or that thing, not understanding that their righteous zeal is a thin coating over a darker passion they're being chained by; hubris, selfishness, ego, pride. The very things they seek to destroy are the things within them that grows. That thing you wish to sever its head as you desire to send it to oblivion, you don't recognize that you are setting up the cost and consequence as something far worse will come to replace what you took. You are mortal, human. Mortal, meant to live through suffering and good times, learn and record and inspire greatness so that the world can be made better rather than your actions spurring more from the Abyss.
Gloria, goddess of battle and war. Of chivalry and honor. Gloria desires us in battle and war not to act dishonorable and this means treating your opponents with a measure of respect. She desires not for outright obliteration but to minimize total war with the goal of how we plan and prepare for peace and healing.
Worship not the Abyss, seek not it out. Look hard within your heart and question the root of your desires. In this holy war, let not your actions and words bring dishonor but instead may future generations remember that as a champion of the gods, you upheld their ideals.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 15, 2018, 7:52 p.m.(3/7/1008 AR)
I have always been wary of those who hoard and collect ranks and titles, as if such things truly meant anything to mortals. You will lose them all, care you don't lose what is more valuable while you wear them momentarily.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 12, 2018, 1:57 p.m.(3/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Esra
I make this journal entry on Goodman Esra, formerly of the Scholars, formerly of house Wyrmguard, a young denobled Valardin that was passionate, zealous and firm in his convictions.
It is disappointing to any when a young life is lost when there is so much potential for them later on. I'm reminded of a Tehomic prayer that asks for the petitioner not to live, but to not die in vain, and here I feel that has happened.
Life is about learning opportunities. Sometimes you learn the lesson, sometimes you're the lesson for others to learn from. I pray for Esra's soul that when the day comes it might be returned from the Queen, it has had the moment needed to reflect that while choice is the most powerful tool humanity has, that cost and consequence cannot be separated from said choice.
Vellichor desires knowledge to be free and understanding given, but tempers such things with the wisdom to know when it should be shared. By ensuring the receiver is ready for such information and the understanding of how to use it is the responsibility of the giver. I take responsibility that young Esra wasn't ready for everything his eager heart wanted to learn, that I wasn't successful in persuading him to quieten his emotions and that he didn't realize that the enemy desires to coat trickery and lies with the thinnest veneer of possible truth. Forgive me for failing you, Esra. This is why the Scholars pursue knowledge with fervent focus, so that as a group we can discuss and work out where the falsehoods are and where truth sits as an organization, and we act as whetstones to the intellectual razor to keep sharpening in respectful debate. If but Esra was able to exercise patience, humility and quieten the passions of his heart, he might have been able to see this. Such is a lesson that the Thirteenth tells us, that if we do not control our dark passions, they will most certainly control us and lead us to ruin. For this, I forgive you, Esra.
And so let it be with Esra's memory. A young man who was zealous and dogged in the pursuit of knowledge no matter the price, who had not the wisdom yet for understanding, and a man whose choices and lack of mastering his passions led to his far untimely demise.
May his soul be at more peace than he had during his life, and may only the Sentinel judge him. Let us remember the Folly of Esra, and try to learn from his mistakes.
It is disappointing to any when a young life is lost when there is so much potential for them later on. I'm reminded of a Tehomic prayer that asks for the petitioner not to live, but to not die in vain, and here I feel that has happened.
Life is about learning opportunities. Sometimes you learn the lesson, sometimes you're the lesson for others to learn from. I pray for Esra's soul that when the day comes it might be returned from the Queen, it has had the moment needed to reflect that while choice is the most powerful tool humanity has, that cost and consequence cannot be separated from said choice.
Vellichor desires knowledge to be free and understanding given, but tempers such things with the wisdom to know when it should be shared. By ensuring the receiver is ready for such information and the understanding of how to use it is the responsibility of the giver. I take responsibility that young Esra wasn't ready for everything his eager heart wanted to learn, that I wasn't successful in persuading him to quieten his emotions and that he didn't realize that the enemy desires to coat trickery and lies with the thinnest veneer of possible truth. Forgive me for failing you, Esra. This is why the Scholars pursue knowledge with fervent focus, so that as a group we can discuss and work out where the falsehoods are and where truth sits as an organization, and we act as whetstones to the intellectual razor to keep sharpening in respectful debate. If but Esra was able to exercise patience, humility and quieten the passions of his heart, he might have been able to see this. Such is a lesson that the Thirteenth tells us, that if we do not control our dark passions, they will most certainly control us and lead us to ruin. For this, I forgive you, Esra.
And so let it be with Esra's memory. A young man who was zealous and dogged in the pursuit of knowledge no matter the price, who had not the wisdom yet for understanding, and a man whose choices and lack of mastering his passions led to his far untimely demise.
May his soul be at more peace than he had during his life, and may only the Sentinel judge him. Let us remember the Folly of Esra, and try to learn from his mistakes.
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