Written By Gabriel
Feb. 1, 2024, 8:29 a.m.(8/28/1021 AR)
May peace be brought to all those who lived and died in protection of our Compact and Arvum.
To those allies from among our lands and beyond: thank you.
To those allies from among our lands and beyond: thank you.
Written By Gabriel
Feb. 1, 2024, 8:13 a.m.(8/28/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
It's very unlikely that I would be here without the intervention of Princess Sabella Grayson. In a singular moment she forged a memory that will last a lifetime and beyond as I will hope to see a memorial dedicated in her honor before my last days.
I am grateful to her.
I am grateful to her.
Written By Gabriel
Sept. 11, 2018, 6:07 p.m.(7/28/1009 AR)
It was recently brought to my attention that Highlord Edain Valardin wrote a journal containing a list of men and women he considers heroes. My name is upon that list, and while I deeply appreciate the Highlord's inclusion of me, as well as his honored regard, I now desire to make public a few thoughts about that.
I do not, and have never, felt like a hero. I am a mortal man. I have, perhaps, done more in my life than most, but I do not think that makes me any more or less than another. I have things that bring me great joy and pride. I have many, many things that I regret. I have not always made the 'right' choice, but I have always striven to do what I believe is best. Not every act has been cloaked in glory. There is most certainly never any music playing when I take to the field of battle, though bards and playwrights are fond of making it seem as such.
This isn't to say it is wrong to look up to others, or to suggest Highlord Edain's own feelings aren't valid. I suppose what I would like to say is that heroes are ideals. The best of us. Perhaps that is why so many of our heroes are dead, though others have suggested their own opinions in that vein. The living can demur, the living can hunch their shoulders and duck their heads and say, 'no, not me.' The living have a hard time filling a hero's shoes. If the person isn't an utter dog, this sort of appellation will leave them feeling inadequate, rather than full of themselves.
Because being a hero...
Being a hero takes everything.
I do not, and have never, felt like a hero. I am a mortal man. I have, perhaps, done more in my life than most, but I do not think that makes me any more or less than another. I have things that bring me great joy and pride. I have many, many things that I regret. I have not always made the 'right' choice, but I have always striven to do what I believe is best. Not every act has been cloaked in glory. There is most certainly never any music playing when I take to the field of battle, though bards and playwrights are fond of making it seem as such.
This isn't to say it is wrong to look up to others, or to suggest Highlord Edain's own feelings aren't valid. I suppose what I would like to say is that heroes are ideals. The best of us. Perhaps that is why so many of our heroes are dead, though others have suggested their own opinions in that vein. The living can demur, the living can hunch their shoulders and duck their heads and say, 'no, not me.' The living have a hard time filling a hero's shoes. If the person isn't an utter dog, this sort of appellation will leave them feeling inadequate, rather than full of themselves.
Because being a hero...
Being a hero takes everything.
Written By Gabriel
July 22, 2018, 3:47 p.m.(3/28/1009 AR)
I have divided much of my time between Pridehall and Arx of late. While I will always enjoy the time I spend in that ancient keep, and miss it when duty calls me away, I long ago learned that I will never put my heart before my duty. I must devote myself to matters here in Arx, knowing that Pridehall is managed in the most capable of hands.
Written By Gabriel
May 7, 2018, 6:29 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
As it has become a matter of public debate, I would like to clarify that the fifty-thousand silver was used for the rebuilding of Bisland's armies, and in taking care of our war widows and newly orphaned. It was an opportunity aimed at the peerage, not an attempt to price gouge a commoner.
If the Faith is unhappy with my actions, I will donate fifty thousand of my own silver in penance along with performing any other acts of prayer, meditation, or charity that might be required of me.
If the Faith is unhappy with my actions, I will donate fifty thousand of my own silver in penance along with performing any other acts of prayer, meditation, or charity that might be required of me.
Written By Gabriel
April 29, 2018, 7:23 a.m.(8/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Veronica
I remember serving with Veronica's father in two campaigns. It is good to see her follow in her father's footsteps and carrying on our legacy.
Written By Gabriel
April 24, 2018, 1:37 p.m.(8/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ignacio
Much of my week has been occupied with a certain Knight of Roses, Lord Ignacio Fidante of Tor. He has paid for lessons in war strategy. I used the Pirate War primarily. We went over each battle over and over and discussed different strategies for had things been a little different. Part of the time we would go over history lessons, basically - discussing ancient Generals and ancient wars. The man has promise and were he to ask for more instruction in the future or even a casual drink as friends I wouldn't turn him down.
I am still offering lessons for the rest of the week. We're working to outfit our new troops and to rebuild our forces so the extra silver is a great boon. I charge 50,000 silver a lesson - a number my brother Samael came up with. People have been willing to pay so I guess he picked right.
I am still offering lessons for the rest of the week. We're working to outfit our new troops and to rebuild our forces so the extra silver is a great boon. I charge 50,000 silver a lesson - a number my brother Samael came up with. People have been willing to pay so I guess he picked right.
Written By Gabriel
April 22, 2018, 6:23 p.m.(8/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
Princess Reese has come a long way in a short time. Her skills on the battlefield are only a small part of what makes her a great addition to the Crownlands and the Compact. All in attendance during the Grayson Awards Ceremony would likely agree.
Written By Gabriel
April 15, 2018, 7:15 p.m.(7/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Marquessa Samantha recently negotiated on behalf of House Bisland and I am pleased with the results. Duchess Iona and I fostered her from a young age and I am honored to have been able to see her blossom into the woman in which she has. She is like a daughter to me and I am very proud of her.
Written By Gabriel
April 15, 2018, 6:53 p.m.(7/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Zoey
Congratulations to House Kennex, Lord Ian and Lady Zoey. May your courtship prove to be a successful one.
Written By Gabriel
May 21, 2017, 8:13 p.m.(7/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
It is with regret I was unable to attend the knighting of Dame Zhayla. As a Prodigal she is an example.
Written By Gabriel
March 5, 2017, 12:25 a.m.(1/13/1006 AR)
On this the 13th day of the 1st month of the 1006th year after the Reckoning, King Alaric, the Fourth of His Name has awakened from his deep sleep. Let us all give praise to the Gods, for they have answered the prayers of their people, and see this as a sign that the forces which stand against us are weakening and we are blessed in our cause.
His Majesty remains weak after such a trial, and it may be sometime until he is strong enough to return to the rule of his realm. Until such a time I, Gabriel Bisland, will continue to act as his Voice. Access to His Majesty will remain restricted until he is deemed strong enough to take on visitors and further duties, but all rejoice, for your Monarch has returned to you.
Duke Gabriel Bisland
Regent of the Compact
His Majesty remains weak after such a trial, and it may be sometime until he is strong enough to return to the rule of his realm. Until such a time I, Gabriel Bisland, will continue to act as his Voice. Access to His Majesty will remain restricted until he is deemed strong enough to take on visitors and further duties, but all rejoice, for your Monarch has returned to you.
Duke Gabriel Bisland
Regent of the Compact
Written By Gabriel
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:07 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
The Lady General have proven herself a stalwart commander in the field, and one willing to see to the interest of the Crown and the Compact before others. A desireable trait which puts her above many others in my esteem.
The Battle of Whitewood was a trial by fire, in my eyes, which she passed galantly and in the future I will trust her with my men should it come to it.
The Battle of Whitewood was a trial by fire, in my eyes, which she passed galantly and in the future I will trust her with my men should it come to it.
Written By Gabriel
Jan. 15, 2017, 10:55 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
The Battle of the Whitewood they've taken to calling it. A massacre by all accounts, victory was near assured with the land and the numbers we brought.
I thank Gloria our men held fast, if the shav hordes to the north had caught wind of it our victory would not nearly be as assured.
The traitor Everard Telmar is dead together with most of his command, let it be known all who raise their hand against the Crown and its subjects will suffer so. Their heads will add to those set by Lord Commander Stilas.
I thank Gloria our men held fast, if the shav hordes to the north had caught wind of it our victory would not nearly be as assured.
The traitor Everard Telmar is dead together with most of his command, let it be known all who raise their hand against the Crown and its subjects will suffer so. Their heads will add to those set by Lord Commander Stilas.
Written By Gabriel
Jan. 7, 2017, 4:11 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
The Prince presses on despite of strife, he's learned much since the days spent under me. A credit to the Iron Guard, especially in times as these.
Hotheaded as ever, he yet needs to temper his emotions. He does not wield them as keenly as he does his sword.
Hotheaded as ever, he yet needs to temper his emotions. He does not wield them as keenly as he does his sword.
Written By Gabriel
Oct. 22, 2016, 12:10 p.m.(11/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Iona
My Redrain wife was not a match that I sought, but it has been an excellent one, both politically and personally.
Fierce enough to be a lion herself, she tempers her ferocity with an understanding of how to work with people, rather than just work through them. Even decades later, there are still things I can learn from her.
The politics are a benefit, but the best part of the match has been finding an equal partner, in public and in private alike.
Fierce enough to be a lion herself, she tempers her ferocity with an understanding of how to work with people, rather than just work through them. Even decades later, there are still things I can learn from her.
The politics are a benefit, but the best part of the match has been finding an equal partner, in public and in private alike.
Written By Gabriel
Oct. 22, 2016, 12:01 p.m.(11/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Of all my children -- foster, god, and birth -- Dawn has had the hardest road to tread. That she has born it so well is a tribute to her father, her unknown mother, and Dawn herself. A lesser woman would have folded under the grief of loss, or would have sat back, figuring that the twisty politics of the great houses was not her duty. The way she has brought stability to House Grayson and to those of the Compact who will listen to her is not just impressive but inspiring.
Would that others of her generation would step up and do their part as readily and as ably as she does.
Would that others of her generation would step up and do their part as readily and as ably as she does.
Written By Gabriel
Oct. 22, 2016, 10:44 a.m.(11/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
A young man, forged by some of the best knights of the day, tempered in tragedy, and thrust into a position he could not have been ready for... and he still manages to carry it off with vigor, intelligence, and heart.
He is a tribute to his family, and an asset to the Compact.
He is a tribute to his family, and an asset to the Compact.
Written By Gabriel
Oct. 15, 2016, 9:43 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
It is reassuring to be reminded of how well much of the next generation has grown up. Prince Edain seems to have weathered the storm of fire and blood that was the Tragedy at Sanctum better than any father could have hoped. Oh, he burns for revenge, but that is to be expected -- and desired. But he has not let his grief and anger cripple him. With men such as him and women such as Lady Dawn guiding two of the great houses, hope for the Compact may be brighter than anyone thinks.
Written By Gabriel
Oct. 11, 2016, 5:04 p.m.(10/24/1004 AR)
Returning to Arx is a mixed blessing for me. Certainly, I get to see all of the young Lords and Ladies that I helped raise, but it means wading out into the midst of politics again. Some people would call it a fair trade-off. I see it as a problem with a solution. As people realize the incredible merit of the men and women leading them, who they have become, stability will reign, and politics will recede to its usual annoying buzz rather than a dull roar. My family hardly needs my assistance in this, but if I failed to lend it, I would hardly be worthy of being family.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.