Written By Erasmus
June 3, 2021, 4:48 a.m.(8/4/1015 AR)
It was always my brother who took to the side of political leadership, discussing among peers how best to spend coin to further the people. How to be cunning with a wit twice as sharp. I was always more comfortable leading men, fleets, people, doing so among them and not from the comfort of a hall.
Now though, I've watched his grand-daughter who doesn't have the same luxury as he did, a group who stood by him, challenging him when needed and ensuring the will of the people were always seen to. My niece is forced to make due with what few cards she has. So, despite our disagreements, she has named me Minister of Trade. Before I'd of scoffed at Victor if he did the same, but now...Well now if I'm going to help my family, this will be one way to do so, regardless of how little I like politics and games of titles.
Now though, I've watched his grand-daughter who doesn't have the same luxury as he did, a group who stood by him, challenging him when needed and ensuring the will of the people were always seen to. My niece is forced to make due with what few cards she has. So, despite our disagreements, she has named me Minister of Trade. Before I'd of scoffed at Victor if he did the same, but now...Well now if I'm going to help my family, this will be one way to do so, regardless of how little I like politics and games of titles.
Written By Erasmus
May 23, 2021, 7:52 p.m.(7/11/1015 AR)
So much has changed in just a generation's worth of time, the ideas which were common place among my family and others have been cast down, discarded or villainized. I'm to understand much has happened in my absence, but these were radical ideas in my day, the mere thought of some were nothing more than a fantasy.
Yet here we are, such ideals and plans made manifest within Arx and beyond. I should very much like to wonder how my brothers and sisters would see all of this, what their thoughts would be. Because mine are still uncertain, it all seems so fragile. Bereft of cohesion as some cling to their new ideals and yet others yearn for an easier time, when things made sense.
On one hand some of their points have made sense, had I grown up in their conditions I could very well have been persuaded. On the other, the mere idea is to besmirch your legacy, changing it forever and potentially, for the worse. I am doubtful I will find a young lord or lady who shares the views I grew up with. Time will tell, will I change them, or will they change me.
Yet here we are, such ideals and plans made manifest within Arx and beyond. I should very much like to wonder how my brothers and sisters would see all of this, what their thoughts would be. Because mine are still uncertain, it all seems so fragile. Bereft of cohesion as some cling to their new ideals and yet others yearn for an easier time, when things made sense.
On one hand some of their points have made sense, had I grown up in their conditions I could very well have been persuaded. On the other, the mere idea is to besmirch your legacy, changing it forever and potentially, for the worse. I am doubtful I will find a young lord or lady who shares the views I grew up with. Time will tell, will I change them, or will they change me.
Written By Erasmus
May 19, 2021, 12:38 a.m.(7/2/1015 AR)
I awoke under the trick of my mind. Light flooded my vision and forced me to shield my eyes, attempting to find support to stand as I was laid upon the floor. It found the railing closest to me, offering me support as I pushed myself up. I was on the Nightingale, the morning after the storm on my now empty vessel. My throat was hoarse and despite calling out to my crew - my freemen - none answered. I was alone, left to wander aimlessly throughout my ship in hopes of finding another like myself, one who had succumbed to the storm and was unconscious, but there was no one, just a mess of supplies that lay in the lower decks bereft of people.
I'm not sure how long I was stood there on the prow, simply watching, scanning the horizon for any sign of movement that could of been my crew or the other galley. Nothing. It wasn't until the knock on my door came that my mind ceased playing its tricks. I found myself stood next to the window, not on my ship at all, the sensations all vanishing within the single moment my mind was interrupted. Such a jarring thing, to have been so focused on the past it almost seemed real, I'm uncertain how to feel about it.
I cleaned myself up and afforded myself enough time to catch my breath and gather a cup of dark coffee, something to stimulate my mind and hopefully keep it within the now, not the past. Along I went, to answer the summons and to speak with my Niece. A conversation long in the waiting, one which wracked my mind with so much information I felt my head spin, but I would not be done in so easily by merely talking. I know where my duty lies now, my oaths had been kept and my word upheld. Now, my focus turns itself entirely to my family once more, this one of distant blood and barely familiar features.
I have much work ahead of me.
I'm not sure how long I was stood there on the prow, simply watching, scanning the horizon for any sign of movement that could of been my crew or the other galley. Nothing. It wasn't until the knock on my door came that my mind ceased playing its tricks. I found myself stood next to the window, not on my ship at all, the sensations all vanishing within the single moment my mind was interrupted. Such a jarring thing, to have been so focused on the past it almost seemed real, I'm uncertain how to feel about it.
I cleaned myself up and afforded myself enough time to catch my breath and gather a cup of dark coffee, something to stimulate my mind and hopefully keep it within the now, not the past. Along I went, to answer the summons and to speak with my Niece. A conversation long in the waiting, one which wracked my mind with so much information I felt my head spin, but I would not be done in so easily by merely talking. I know where my duty lies now, my oaths had been kept and my word upheld. Now, my focus turns itself entirely to my family once more, this one of distant blood and barely familiar features.
I have much work ahead of me.
Written By Erasmus
May 15, 2021, 8:29 a.m.(6/22/1015 AR)
Moments of quiet are where I find peace, idle chatter between new faces where you try to gauge one another, those are peaceful. It is in the rapid constant rush of the city that my mind begins to wander to simpler times. When faces weren't obscured by shadows. When smiles weren't met with uncertainty.
I remind myself that this isn't a dream every day. I am here for a reason, Limerance has made certain of that. I've sought guidance in his shrine but find myself walking away with the same questions. Why me? Why now?
I can only turn to the face of my family and hope to understand why, perhaps they'll show me the answer in their actions.
I remind myself that this isn't a dream every day. I am here for a reason, Limerance has made certain of that. I've sought guidance in his shrine but find myself walking away with the same questions. Why me? Why now?
I can only turn to the face of my family and hope to understand why, perhaps they'll show me the answer in their actions.
Written By Erasmus
May 11, 2021, 9:32 a.m.(6/14/1015 AR)
Despite my attempts to find comfort in the Tower, I can't help but return to the Nightingale when my mind swirls like that of the turbulent sea. A creature comfort I suppose - this ship of mine - a place of refuge amongst all the unknown that makes up this city. The gentle rock and list of the ship while in the dockyard eases my nerves when my doubts grow to be too much.
I find myself waiting on letters, burying my nose in dusty old tomes and notes of scholars far smarter than I. A pleasant distraction I tell myself as the wick of my candle burns to its end, but I fear it only spurs more questions, adding to the cumbersome list I have.
Hopefully these new faces, new allies, new friends, perhaps they can help me. I just need to know who I can trust.
I find myself waiting on letters, burying my nose in dusty old tomes and notes of scholars far smarter than I. A pleasant distraction I tell myself as the wick of my candle burns to its end, but I fear it only spurs more questions, adding to the cumbersome list I have.
Hopefully these new faces, new allies, new friends, perhaps they can help me. I just need to know who I can trust.
Written By Erasmus
May 6, 2021, 3:37 p.m.(6/5/1015 AR)
There are moments of absolute quiet when memories flood in. I'm stood upon the prow of my ship, a short bellowing call through my horn to signal to the other vessel of our approach. I watch the commoners push against one another, desperate and ready to throw themselves onto the deck of our ship when in reach. Around us the Darkwater is vile, a violent churning abyss which threatens to consume both of our ships.
The sides of our ship meet, scraping together as if threatening to sunder the hull and send us into the drink. I remember calling out again, my voice barely heard amongst the dark squall. I roared for them to get down, but for all they could hear, I could as well not made a sound. Desperately I clung to the rail as a monstrous wave slams itself over the sides and onto the decks. In an instant, my freemen, my brothers at arms whom I swore I would see safely home vanished. White foam, broiling and curling itself against the deck of my ship is all that remained.
I pushed myself off of the rail, the wind biting at my face and hands as I brought them up to shield me. I was desperate to help those that I could, but it was in vain. Another wave, larger than the last. It was as if time itself slowed, the churning abyss made manifest in the shape of this surge. Then darkness takes my vision.
Many of the men who perished into the Darkwater have no remaining family for me to seek out. Would that I could thank them for a final time. A Captain couldn't ask for a better crew.
The sides of our ship meet, scraping together as if threatening to sunder the hull and send us into the drink. I remember calling out again, my voice barely heard amongst the dark squall. I roared for them to get down, but for all they could hear, I could as well not made a sound. Desperately I clung to the rail as a monstrous wave slams itself over the sides and onto the decks. In an instant, my freemen, my brothers at arms whom I swore I would see safely home vanished. White foam, broiling and curling itself against the deck of my ship is all that remained.
I pushed myself off of the rail, the wind biting at my face and hands as I brought them up to shield me. I was desperate to help those that I could, but it was in vain. Another wave, larger than the last. It was as if time itself slowed, the churning abyss made manifest in the shape of this surge. Then darkness takes my vision.
Many of the men who perished into the Darkwater have no remaining family for me to seek out. Would that I could thank them for a final time. A Captain couldn't ask for a better crew.
Written By Erasmus
May 5, 2021, 2:16 a.m.(6/2/1015 AR)
So many memories flood into my mind the moment I stop moving, how fresh they all feel, like I can still taste the salt of the sea that night. Faces however, those aren't the same, twisting half shadows that obscure and mock me when I try to push them aside, /it/ mocks me, as do the memories of that storm.
All I can do is keep moving, battle the shadows I cast with the presence of light, something readily available in the Tower of Tyde. Duchess Margot, a survivor and a warrior still, she tells me her exploits had her leading the Thrax fleet much to the dismay of many a traditionalist. It puts me at ease for a time, knowing that our creed has manifested itself within Margot. We rise. Which is exactly what's she's done for her and our people.
My worry isn't for Tyde, but my presence here attracting the wrong attention. I've a Confessor claims distant kinship, a keen eye for history and doubts who I am. For a moment...I almost believed it, but I knew such doubts would only serve to be a shackle.
I am Erasmus Tyde and I shall prove it.
All I can do is keep moving, battle the shadows I cast with the presence of light, something readily available in the Tower of Tyde. Duchess Margot, a survivor and a warrior still, she tells me her exploits had her leading the Thrax fleet much to the dismay of many a traditionalist. It puts me at ease for a time, knowing that our creed has manifested itself within Margot. We rise. Which is exactly what's she's done for her and our people.
My worry isn't for Tyde, but my presence here attracting the wrong attention. I've a Confessor claims distant kinship, a keen eye for history and doubts who I am. For a moment...I almost believed it, but I knew such doubts would only serve to be a shackle.
I am Erasmus Tyde and I shall prove it.
Written By Erasmus
May 4, 2021, 2:11 a.m.(5/28/1015 AR)
Like that of a drunkard I stumbled out of bed, my eyes failing to perceive the room I had found comfort in, darkness stealing my vision and my senses. I felt my legs move, the sway and rock of a ship beneath my feet like that night at sea. My hand caught fabric, pulling it back to reveal the window of my chamber. Brilliant light, the rising rays of the sun granted me my vision once more and pushed back the darkness much to its chagrin I imagine.
"We fall. We rise." Those words played in my head as I stood at the shoreline outside of the city, bathed in light as if to try and snuff any shadows I may cast. The wind greeted me as though to welcome me home; a distant home. It brought with it a guest as well, a bookbinder with the experience of a warrior. She spoke with an air of wisdom and familiarity, like an old friend, it put me at ease for a time.
"We fall. We rise." Those words pushed their way back into my mind when meeting a reaver, albeit he wore crests I hadn't recognized; not until speaking with him that is. Pirates and raiders, those birthed of the sea who'd sooner cut your throat than speak to you if you weren't one of them. His wife informs me where their loyalty stands, to the Duchess Margot, a vassal of Tyde and has been for nearly a decade. Leave it to time to humble me further.
"We fall. We rise." I've passed on word to the Duchess through the reaver in the prospects of meeting the stalwart head of House Tyde. If she's survived this long, then perhaps not all is lost. Not yet.
"We fall. We rise." Those words played in my head as I stood at the shoreline outside of the city, bathed in light as if to try and snuff any shadows I may cast. The wind greeted me as though to welcome me home; a distant home. It brought with it a guest as well, a bookbinder with the experience of a warrior. She spoke with an air of wisdom and familiarity, like an old friend, it put me at ease for a time.
"We fall. We rise." Those words pushed their way back into my mind when meeting a reaver, albeit he wore crests I hadn't recognized; not until speaking with him that is. Pirates and raiders, those birthed of the sea who'd sooner cut your throat than speak to you if you weren't one of them. His wife informs me where their loyalty stands, to the Duchess Margot, a vassal of Tyde and has been for nearly a decade. Leave it to time to humble me further.
"We fall. We rise." I've passed on word to the Duchess through the reaver in the prospects of meeting the stalwart head of House Tyde. If she's survived this long, then perhaps not all is lost. Not yet.
Written By Erasmus
Oct. 9, 2019, 3:05 a.m.(12/23/1011 AR)
Whoever said that things remain the same the more they change was a damned fool.
Back in the city again, but it's no more familiar this time 'round than the last -- and neither am I...woke today to find more gray in my hair than ever, as if the Gods decided to smite me with all the years I somehow cheated at once.
That's only fair, I suppose, but...
I'll have to ask you to forgive my bitter tone, Scholar. I just wanted /one thing/ to stop changing, but that would deny our dear Lagoma Her due, aye?
I'll get my bearings yet.
Back in the city again, but it's no more familiar this time 'round than the last -- and neither am I...woke today to find more gray in my hair than ever, as if the Gods decided to smite me with all the years I somehow cheated at once.
That's only fair, I suppose, but...
I'll have to ask you to forgive my bitter tone, Scholar. I just wanted /one thing/ to stop changing, but that would deny our dear Lagoma Her due, aye?
I'll get my bearings yet.
Written By Erasmus
March 17, 2019, 4:26 a.m.(10/3/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Filusae
Sweet granddaughter, I know it is confusing that this old man has knocked on your door telling you a tale about your mother. But it is me.
Did she ever tell you about me before I was out at sea? How I am filled with regret not seeing her grow or knowing you live until I came ashore.
Did she ever tell you about me before I was out at sea? How I am filled with regret not seeing her grow or knowing you live until I came ashore.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.