Written By Gareth
April 16, 2018, 1:56 p.m.(7/23/1008 AR)
Every Oathlander is suddenly capable of speaking for what those in service to the Crown must and mustn't do when a joke is made that they don't like.
You have proven extremely well you don't like jokes. If the crown has lessons in responsibility and this hefty weight which you've all created to support your outrage, I'm sure the Crown will be able to handle its own.
Even your High Lord has called you to lay down your arms. Where has all that sense of duty and responsibility gone, rather than listening to the wisdom of your High Lord, he is out of hand dismissed in order that you may continue baying for blood?
I am profoundly disturbed that I am the one lobbying for the right to make a joke in the Whites.
You have proven extremely well you don't like jokes. If the crown has lessons in responsibility and this hefty weight which you've all created to support your outrage, I'm sure the Crown will be able to handle its own.
Even your High Lord has called you to lay down your arms. Where has all that sense of duty and responsibility gone, rather than listening to the wisdom of your High Lord, he is out of hand dismissed in order that you may continue baying for blood?
I am profoundly disturbed that I am the one lobbying for the right to make a joke in the Whites.
Written By Gareth
March 20, 2018, 1:02 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
When every man died under my command before I was tortured and beaten for weeks on end, when I was returned to Arx a broken and crippled man, when people questioned my strategic decisions, of course I was able to say, you were not there, you have no honor.
In case my sarcasm does not translate through these pages let me further explain.
To silence those who would seek out the truth, simply because they were not there, is the path to foolishness. Perhaps you take issue with certain arguments or tone. Feel free. But to try and eliminate and get rid of the argument whether or not a person was there?
Surely you will not tell our King he has no honor, for questioning why a decision was made, or perhaps our Master of Questions? They were not there. Should they not ask these questions either Duke Ashford?
Or is it simply the people below you who should not question these things?
I have asked many questions about the battle in Stormwall, though I happen to prefer to do so in private, and I certainly hope you will let me have a little honor, my Lord. Just a spoonful of it should do.
Of course I have all the gratitude in the world for those who gave their lives, for those shed blood, for those who protected them. They are heroes of the compact and should be treated with due respect. If you were at the Battle of Stormwall, I owe you a great debt. With all that said, no hero is infallible, and all of us members of the compact should be accountable for our actions.
To be clear I am not weighing in on whatever current uproar there is on the Whites, but I cannot stand idly by when someone lays a curtain down and commands none to look at it, lest they be without honor.
In case my sarcasm does not translate through these pages let me further explain.
To silence those who would seek out the truth, simply because they were not there, is the path to foolishness. Perhaps you take issue with certain arguments or tone. Feel free. But to try and eliminate and get rid of the argument whether or not a person was there?
Surely you will not tell our King he has no honor, for questioning why a decision was made, or perhaps our Master of Questions? They were not there. Should they not ask these questions either Duke Ashford?
Or is it simply the people below you who should not question these things?
I have asked many questions about the battle in Stormwall, though I happen to prefer to do so in private, and I certainly hope you will let me have a little honor, my Lord. Just a spoonful of it should do.
Of course I have all the gratitude in the world for those who gave their lives, for those shed blood, for those who protected them. They are heroes of the compact and should be treated with due respect. If you were at the Battle of Stormwall, I owe you a great debt. With all that said, no hero is infallible, and all of us members of the compact should be accountable for our actions.
To be clear I am not weighing in on whatever current uproar there is on the Whites, but I cannot stand idly by when someone lays a curtain down and commands none to look at it, lest they be without honor.
Written By Gareth
Oct. 4, 2016, 12:56 a.m.(10/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
A page intended to be tucked in a binder, left out for others to see...
A basket was left in my area by a practical in the House of Questions. Inside I found seven mewling kittens. Each kitten was roughly the same size, and I assume age, a few seconds apart at best but I have not seen a cat give birth in some time.
It caused me to reflect on what life would be like if all of our siblings were born at the same time, given that so much of our authority in the nobility comes from birth order. It seems to me it would be absolute chaos. Brother against brother, sister against sister, tragic really.
I recall watching kittens compete for their mothers milk, how they stepped upon each other, splaying their razor claws, the horrible indifference of nature. The horror of need taking precedence over sibling compassion. Some families in this great city behave little better than kittens.
Right now they are needy and relative to their productivity, rather expensive to care for in time and effort. This rather reminds me of the challenges facing the Lady of the House, and I find myself briefly sympathetic once again. The woman is a martyr.
One of the servants asked for a kitten for her child, I had a mind to demand the child's references, its prior history with any family pets. I had a mind to ask her, once received to explain any gaps in the child's care of the pets.
People ask for things from want, they often have no idea what responsibilities actually cost. We can't all be mindlessly in love can we? Someone has to watch the gates, don't they? When I give my friends moments to trifle with, the subject of distraction in some form or another always comes up. Is life so awful as to not face it each morning? But no, we must be distracted constantly, be it new clothing, or beautiful courtesans, or the temporary comfort found in pressing our flesh into each other. Oh yes, lets not forget this fantastic pre-occupation.
But I got distracted from kittens. Mouser's these, I can tell by the coats. The ones born to mouse have a natural camouflage suited for ambushing. The non-mousers are usually pretty. Well that about sums things up doesn't it, beware the giant ugly Shav banging SoAndSo; by the look of him he must be a great mouser.
A basket was left in my area by a practical in the House of Questions. Inside I found seven mewling kittens. Each kitten was roughly the same size, and I assume age, a few seconds apart at best but I have not seen a cat give birth in some time.
It caused me to reflect on what life would be like if all of our siblings were born at the same time, given that so much of our authority in the nobility comes from birth order. It seems to me it would be absolute chaos. Brother against brother, sister against sister, tragic really.
I recall watching kittens compete for their mothers milk, how they stepped upon each other, splaying their razor claws, the horrible indifference of nature. The horror of need taking precedence over sibling compassion. Some families in this great city behave little better than kittens.
Right now they are needy and relative to their productivity, rather expensive to care for in time and effort. This rather reminds me of the challenges facing the Lady of the House, and I find myself briefly sympathetic once again. The woman is a martyr.
One of the servants asked for a kitten for her child, I had a mind to demand the child's references, its prior history with any family pets. I had a mind to ask her, once received to explain any gaps in the child's care of the pets.
People ask for things from want, they often have no idea what responsibilities actually cost. We can't all be mindlessly in love can we? Someone has to watch the gates, don't they? When I give my friends moments to trifle with, the subject of distraction in some form or another always comes up. Is life so awful as to not face it each morning? But no, we must be distracted constantly, be it new clothing, or beautiful courtesans, or the temporary comfort found in pressing our flesh into each other. Oh yes, lets not forget this fantastic pre-occupation.
But I got distracted from kittens. Mouser's these, I can tell by the coats. The ones born to mouse have a natural camouflage suited for ambushing. The non-mousers are usually pretty. Well that about sums things up doesn't it, beware the giant ugly Shav banging SoAndSo; by the look of him he must be a great mouser.
Written By Gareth
Oct. 3, 2016, 12:04 a.m.(9/26/1004 AR)
Tonight Prince Inquisitor Gareth will no doubt will himself to sleep in a cold and empty bed, or perhaps hanging from a rod in his closet, no one can be sure. Though I imagine a smile on his face while he thinks about the molten lava that should be flowing in the next few hours, from the hot vent known as Silas's rump. Gareth won't be the only one limping tomorrow.
Written By Gareth
Sept. 8, 2016, 12:08 a.m.(7/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
A talented jeweller and one of those who receive cousin Dawn's patronage.
Written By Gareth
Sept. 5, 2016, 1:07 a.m.(6/26/1004 AR)
It is not often that so many Graysons and Grayson loyalists are able to come together in one place, and for that I am thankful to cousin Dawn for her organisational skill in making such an event possible.
I am hesitant to describe the events themselves, however. There are many layers to things that happened, as well there might be with so many ambitious personages in company. The most important, of course, was that there was good food and wine to sate the appetites of the hungry, and there was just a little bit of intrigue to sate the appetites of the ludicrous.
I fear, however, that the rabid loyalty to our dear Lady Dawn displayed by those present will become a detriment overlong if we do not see some signs of action to back up those words.
Time will tell, I suppose. Though I don't doubt that those words have been the death of many a patient man.
I am hesitant to describe the events themselves, however. There are many layers to things that happened, as well there might be with so many ambitious personages in company. The most important, of course, was that there was good food and wine to sate the appetites of the hungry, and there was just a little bit of intrigue to sate the appetites of the ludicrous.
I fear, however, that the rabid loyalty to our dear Lady Dawn displayed by those present will become a detriment overlong if we do not see some signs of action to back up those words.
Time will tell, I suppose. Though I don't doubt that those words have been the death of many a patient man.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 28, 2016, 9:45 p.m.(6/5/1004 AR)
Time and time again, I worry that I have perhaps not contorted myself to the best standards of my House. Seeing someone like Lady Dawn doing such a better job behaving.. and representing our interests is on the one hand, incredibly frustrating due to my lack of patience and inability.. but also liberating in a way. At the very least however, I no longer have to even pretend to be a diplomat anymore with her about and I can focus on my work. There are those who beleive I have been rude.. or let us say.. agressive before.
And that was only when I was using my words.. an Inquisitor has many tools at his disposal for investigation.
And that was only when I was using my words.. an Inquisitor has many tools at his disposal for investigation.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 21, 2016, 7:07 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
I have often pondered if a persons faith could be classfied as a form of insanity? The Gods have their place, certainly.. but it is distant. I cannot even begin to understand whether it is a hubris, or stupidity that someone may believe that there is not only some immensley powerful being out there, but that they are interested in the affairs of humans. If we were to go by that measure, perhaps I should start paying more attention to the ant hills outside my home.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 21, 2016, 7:03 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Lady Dawn. Princess Dawn, it is difficult to sometimes refer to her by her proper titles. She does what needs to be done to insure her position, and House Grayson's as the custodian and ruler of the compact. Would all people be as composed as her or Archduchess Esera, I might actually have difficulty during my investigation. Luckily, there are few more powerful than a Grayson Prince, and our interests align, at least in this regard, for the time being
Written By Gareth
Aug. 14, 2016, 11 p.m.(4/19/1004 AR)
The sad fact of the matter is that House Grayson and House Velenosa have historically not enjoyed the best of relations. I must admit that I do not exactly know why this is the case.. Diplomatically and socially.. House Grayson has about as much in common with the Velenosans as we do with the Valadrins.. with one foot in each yard so to speak.. If it were not for the House Thrax's navy, I am certain House Velenosa would easily be one of the most reliable allies House Grayson could call upon in the compact. Though I worry that cuddling up too closley might upset the righteous sensibilties of House Valadrin..
And don't even get me started on House Redrain.. I truly cannot understand them, and not from a lack of trying... Were I stronger and wiser.. Perhaps I may be enlightened yet.
And don't even get me started on House Redrain.. I truly cannot understand them, and not from a lack of trying... Were I stronger and wiser.. Perhaps I may be enlightened yet.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 10, 2016, 9:25 p.m.(4/7/1004 AR)
House Grayson, during our esteemed and proud history, at no time tolerated being dishonored. Our fields are full of the dead, but not of cowards. Today we a people with the consciousness of our rights. Slaves we are not and never were. We receive death, but not humiliation. Rest assured, we have sufficient moral strength left to find an honorable exit from a life we cannot support without honor and dignity.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:42 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
The Iron Guard, the King's Own, The Inquisition, as it stands.. with the current crisis.. there are those who serve within such institutions who have been forgotten about. I have taken it upon myself to insure that at the very least.. those of lesser means will be well equipped so that they may better perform their duties. All in furthering the goals of House Grayson, and our Kingdom. I can only hope that in time these contributions will be later recognized, or at the very least, these assets will come to benefit House Grayson more directly.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:34 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
House Grayson serves the compact, humbly, as with all things. Yet there are those who question the intentions of the house. Some who are uncultured, certainly, such as that woman of noble birth, Freja. The worst part of it all is that she has intervened in a game that she does not yet understand. Though it must be said.. Miss Acacia did not understand the point of the game either.. Hm. Perhaps I should rephrase in the future.
Written By Gareth
July 31, 2016, 11:49 p.m.(3/5/1004 AR)
I have hired the Smith Ida to perform a few small repairs for the servants of House Grayson. There is just so many peices that float about and are forgotten by our smiths.. that often times it can be months before one of our soldiers is fully fit and equipped for battle. It is through prepardness that Grayson has found glory. Others require cruelty.. cunning, honor or strength.. yet it is planning that is Grayson's key virtue.
Written By Gareth
July 31, 2016, 11:47 p.m.(3/5/1004 AR)
Day afte day, I have met those who question the intentions of the Inquisition. We are meant to be servants.. investigators.. of the public good.. searching for enemies of not just the crown, or the compact.. but of all mankind. There are those who do not appreciate this sentiment, nor this loyalty. If they must burn so that the others must be reminded of this threat, then so be it, but I will take no pleasure in this behavior.
Written By Gareth
July 25, 2016, 12:34 a.m.(2/12/1004 AR)
To see men and women fight with blade and steel. It makes ones minds wander. Such idle thoughts are an unhealthy pasttime and a person's concentration are better directed to the possible and feasible. Idle fancy has no place in anyones life, especially not the driven.
Written By Gareth
July 24, 2016, 8:57 p.m.(2/12/1004 AR)
The Redrain affair was curious. There were accusations leveled and all that i felt afterwards with that I knew less than what I started with. Some information was revealed I already knew.. and others.. well.. let us just say there is much to be gained from curiosity. I've a few questions to ask.. Duchess Nightgold, and the Princess of Redrain, Valencia.
Written By Gareth
July 17, 2016, 10:41 a.m.(1/18/1004 AR)
The Palace Seraph Ailith and Princess Ophelia seem to of not had the best introduction yet. Luckily I enjoy reasonably positive relations with both of them. I managed to entertain one while the other is loyal through their conviction and dedication to his majesty. I should seek out a herbalist though just in case her highness actually asks more about my plan or seeks to implement it. On an unrelated note, also check to make sure all the animal cages are locked.
Written By Gareth
July 17, 2016, 10:40 a.m.(1/18/1004 AR)
What is it with people and trying to approach me about things. On more than one occassion I have been content to sit by my lonesome, watching people.. places and things.. and time and time again there are those who interupt me at work. There are some who this interuption are of mild annoyance.. and then I meet people like Her Highness, Princess Jaenelle, a woman who attempts time and time again to catch me off guard or embarass me. I am uncertain whether to be touched by her concern and niceties or to view them as some long term ploy by House Thrax. Regardless however, she is.. tolerable to say the least... but I must redouble my observations.
Written By Gareth
July 8, 2016, 11:42 a.m.(12/20/1003 AR)
Always chose the right tool.. Corroborating information is difficult enough as it is.. Remember to send a thank you letter and perhaps a gift to Duchess Esera and Princess Isolde for their constant hospitality. To be indebted to another house is an unfortunate disgrace on House Grayson, and the Inquisition. Not that I'm particuarly bitter about it. I much rather be amongst civilized company than the vast majority of people I normally have to interact with.. though at least with them I never worry if they are genuine.. becuase if they arn't, they won't be people anymore when I finish with them.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.