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Written By Galen

Nov. 24, 2021, 4:31 p.m.(8/17/1016 AR)

I rarely write in the whites, though I find myself in a position where I must write publicly. I will say also that I will not respond to any journal spawned from this one and should anyone desire to engage me in conversation I will accept a messenger to do such.

My sister has sacrificed much in her life, far more than is publicly known. She has given of herself selflessly and without the desire of a reward. She has seen the progress of the Lyceum in a multitude of ways. Culture, infrastructure, power, community, and strengthened diplomatic bonds. It has come to my attention through reading some journals that some are unhappy with the Archduchess taking the action that she has. Yet, this alone does not upset me, I encourage everyone to take a stand and to express themselves, however, it is the brazen audacity to lower themselves to name-calling, to disrespect, and insinuations that question the loyalty, integrity, and word of one who has seen nothing but progress within the entire fealty that I take issue with.

I of course am favorable to my sister and I do not discount that in my words here. Perhaps before so many scribble away freely they might take the time to make sure they fully understand the situation, know all of the facts, and can make a weighted statement. To call dishonor on someone without such knowledge is foolish at best and wicked at worst. The Archduchess has given her word to her peers and to her people that Prince Donato will be considered her own heir and at the appropriate time assume the throne as was always intended. This word was accepted, welcomed, and even desired with excitement by virtually all of her vassals I might add.

If we each judged ourselves as harshly as we do the actions of others we may find ways that we could all improve and bring even more value to the Compact than we currently do.

A person is accountable for every word spoken and written by them, this is a reflection of the way one understands their personal honor and a reason I rarely write or speak on such matters. Let us be wise in all that we say and write, for somewhere someone keeps tally.

Written By Galen

Oct. 17, 2021, 10:38 p.m.(5/25/1016 AR)

Relationship Note on Denica

Book,

It was great to get to spend a little time with family. I am pleased to see my cousin becoming the strong person that she is.

Written By Galen

Oct. 10, 2021, 9:34 p.m.(5/11/1016 AR)

Book,

To take a point farther in my last writing...The Why of a warrior is vitally important to everything about them. It can help measure the chance of victory and of defeat. Why do you do the thing that you do? Why do you go out to war in the first place? Because you were ordered to? Because duty demanded it? Or is it something more...This same why applied to virtually all other aspects of life.

When my why is more powerful than my opponents, even when that opponent is death, my chances of success are greater than they were under a lesser why. My mind, body, and spirit will attune and act more as one in those situations. I encourage everyone to deeply consider their why.

Written By Galen

Oct. 10, 2021, 9:29 p.m.(5/11/1016 AR)

To be the greatest warrior one can be I believe it requires balance. Balance in understanding, training, tactics, equipment, and why. To be mighty with a sword and weak with understanding will bring about utter disaster. Combat, war, be it physical, mental, or social is 90% the mind and only 10% the body. Striving to understand yourself and then your enemy will take you far and failing to do so will see you fall short.

I am at a place in my life where I strive for this balance perhaps more than ever. I now strive to be mighty with a blade, even sharper of mind, and deadly with the pen.

Written By Galen

Oct. 6, 2019, 10:52 p.m.(12/19/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Karina

If anyone has need of something painted I would highly suggest seeking out Karina. Her work is truly divine.

Written By Galen

Sept. 15, 2019, 9:37 p.m.(11/5/1011 AR)

Book,

I find myself spending lots of time in my office right now, to the neglect of over aspects of my life. I am reviewing training materials, issues orders for maneuvers to be conducted and reviewing all manner of requests and reports from the military. My entire focus is on getting the most recently released Thralls up to speed, increasing their skill and improving their overall efficiency while I address the social issues among our men as well. This is a trying time for us all and now unity is more important than ever.

Should anyone stumble upon this journal that spends a good deal of time in prayer, I would never turn down an extra word in my favor.

Written By Galen

Aug. 4, 2019, 11:04 p.m.(8/5/1011 AR)

Book,

It is never pleasing to have to take life, but as a Warlord and as a man who has seen war from virtually every angle it is very often a necessity. I sit in thought this evening about life and how fragile it is. I am reminded that our causes are noble, that our way of life as a society is evolving and becoming that which it should be, even if dark blots still stain our path. I caution those who may be given in to bloodlust to remember that each life, friend or foe has value and can be learned from.

I encourage civility to be the first response that anyone may offer in conflict, but I readily admit that should you be attacked by a force that would see you or your way destroyed that you end it with a show of force exceeding what anyone might expect.

Violence isn't always the answer, but when violence is the answer, it is the only answer.

Written By Galen

June 23, 2019, 11:22 p.m.(5/4/1011 AR)

Book,

Tonight has been a night for remembering. I threw a random party at the Ebb and Flow and everyone had joy in their souls, it was a good reminder of why we so often risk our lives so that we can have the time to enjoy our friends and family. Take the time to remember, take the time to understand your why.

Written By Galen

June 16, 2019, 10:04 p.m.(4/18/1011 AR)

Book,

Its spring, thank the GODS! I've set out upon the waters as often as I can lately to either conduct business from my ship or to take people out on a leisure cruise along the coast. Whoever reads this, let this be a standing invitation that should you wish to take a leisure cruise along the coast (I suggest at sunset) I am more than willing to take you and your party out, provided I do not have some pressing matters at the time.

Written By Galen

June 9, 2019, 10 p.m.(4/4/1011 AR)

Book,

I had a meeting with Sir Preston this week. I have to say that I was very pleased with the man, it was suggested I speak to him by Dame Thena Grayhope about some topics that shall not be written. In conversation, he is direct and wise which are two things that I respect greatly. I look forward to engaging him in the future.

Written By Galen

June 5, 2019, 10:43 a.m.(3/23/1011 AR)

Book,

Many things have occurred to me lately, especially as I have been bringing myself back to center. I shall briefly write about a few of them, however, I won't go into details. My thoughts and beliefs on many things have shifted, furthermore, I am realizing that changing the past if not impossible, is very close to that.

It is right and honorable to have anger at times, the purest anger shows passion and care. Composure is a virtue I adhere to greatly, though even I can falter, with each passing day it is our responsibility to become greater than we were the previous day. Therefore, forgiveness is growth. Let us consider that all things that lack permanent change of a negative fashion over your life should then be forgiven, with rare exception as it relates to one's personal honor as honor is a byproduct of your growth as an individual. I would note that sometimes forgiveness to give than restoration, but over time a person can achieve both, at least I have to believe this.

Understanding cause and effect and the correlation between emotion and reason is important as well, in the heat of moments that distinction becomes very blurred, and often exposes our own weaknesses. This too can be used as a benefit as we can learn where we need to grow. It is honorable to respect the past, however, the more civilized man, those who shape the world, they realize that reconciliation and future lie in the actions of the present with respect to the lessons learned before.

Perhaps the greatest realization throughout this time is the epiphany that there are many paths that lead to one destination. That the only thing standing between you and where you want to be, is you. A person can put their identity in a thing, in a group, or in another person. I have been guilty of putting my value and my hope for growth in groups of like minded people, this too has its merit and is amazingly helpful as a support group...However, the journey is more about your own path.

To those I may have wronged, I apologize, to those at whom I hold wrath, it will subside, to my family and friends know that I love each one of you and would happily lay down my life for you, as I would for anyone under my protection, and finally to those that believe me crazy...You're right! But, here I am prepared to declare that I will forge my own path Gild as my witness, I will become much more than I ever have been, and I will share what that means freely to those who need it.

In closing, I ask that you consider those you deal with from their perspective, that you love your fellow man if for nothing more than the fact you share this trip through life together. Yet when it is time for war, let us war with the same passion that live, let us strike fast and with power. I enjoy war, I cannot deny that, but ultimately I recognize the goal of war is peace. Our enemies will come upon us in strength and number to see our ways of life destroyed. They will strive to divide us and they will strive to push us into chaos. We cannot allow that, we must stand united for our freedoms, for our future, with courage and honor every man woman and child.

I pray that I continue down a path of discovery and growth and I pray that for any of you who seek the same thing.

Signed,
Prince Galen Thrax,
Warlord of Thrax
"Tears in our wake, never at our wake."

No, stop writing...I'm done. Where's my rum? Stop!

Written By Galen

June 2, 2019, 10:45 p.m.(3/18/1011 AR)

Book,

So I have been training again, primarily late at night. There has been so much to do that once I have finished work I have little time for others as previously mentioned in a writing, so I wait until everyone is asleep and then I slip off to Navegant's training grounds for some much needed practice. So far, Count Turo has not seemed to mind the noise, or he is being courteous and pretending he doesn't hear me clanging around.

Written By Galen

June 2, 2019, 10:42 p.m.(3/18/1011 AR)

Book,

I have been working a lot lately, I have neglected some of my family and friends. For this I apologize, but my duty is great and I must hold fast. My dearest ones do forgive me.

Written By Galen

May 26, 2019, 11:10 p.m.(3/4/1011 AR)

Book,

It has been good spending some time with my sister lately, now I just have to track that other sister down...Then my brother. A word to all, regardless of your differences, family, is family, and I challenge everyone to look past the trivial differences. To realize that the length of time you may have with those who share a connection with you at a core level may very well be much less than you desire. Love your family, forgive your family, protect your family.

Written By Galen

May 26, 2019, 11:06 p.m.(3/4/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Asriel

Book,

Tonight I write on behalf of Lord Asriel Darkwater. Firstly, let me say that this man has quite the wit. He knows how to throw a good party. I consider it a privilege that this man calls me his patron. I can learn as much, perhaps more from him than he can from me. We are glad to have you in Arx my friend.

Truly, everyone owes it to themselves to make his acquaintance.

Written By Galen

May 19, 2019, 11:58 p.m.(2/19/1011 AR)

Book,

I recently had the opportunity to speak briefly on none orthodox training methods, I have many of my own, and I am well aware that Master Sparte does as well. I wonder, who else has a unique training method that they use?

Written By Galen

May 19, 2019, 11:57 p.m.(2/19/1011 AR)

Book,

Making liquor is an art, an art I have been working on. Recently finishing my first full batch of Serpents Tide Rum, named after my ship and spiced with sorrel in honor of my wife, has been a very rewarding process. I encourage everyone to try it at least once. There is a sense of satisfaction in the production of such a thing, and when your friends like it is even better.

Written By Galen

Nov. 16, 2018, 2:44 p.m.(1/3/1010 AR)

One look at the Hall of Heroes for the Lyceum and I'm awed by the cunning in some of these stories. It seems as though the Compact's various regions enshrined their heroes for many different perspectives on what constitutes virtue! Who knew! I really like the one where Duke Orlando honored his House Words to the truest extent. Could someone make a play out of this? Who do I need to pay to sponsor a script?

Written By Galen

Aug. 5, 2018, 11:22 p.m.(5/1/1009 AR)

Book,

The worth of a man can be measured in many ways. Loyalty and charity are two of the methods I personally weigh a person by, skills can be learned, but character not so much.

Written By Galen

Aug. 5, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(5/1/1009 AR)

Book,

I took a short break from writing, actually, I took a short break from a lot of things to focus on some work and causes that are close to me. Also to enjoy being a new father. But now, lets see what the Warlord of Thrax can get into.

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