Written By Harald
Jan. 26, 2018, 12:29 p.m.(1/15/1008 AR)
Hear me, Gods of my fathers. As our ancient foe draws near, I give praise for the power of the coming storm, for it is in the storm we find our strength. I give thanks that the foe is more numerous than any fleet for a thousand years, for it is in facing the greatest of enemies that the greatest glories are written. I rejoice that Marin the Fallen and Denied leads our enemies, that by his presence we are reminded the price of arrogance. We have grown strong under your eyes, Gods and ancestors; I pray you behold our deeds, mark well our valor.
Written By Harald
Dec. 31, 2017, 10:46 a.m.(11/15/1007 AR)
It begins at long last: the war that will make our ancestors jealous
Let this be known: there is no Pirate King coming against us, there is a fallen admiral who forsook all claims of true kingship in defeat and surrender long years ago.
The Storm will be great and terrible, much blood will spill. May the storm make us stronger, may valor bring us victory, and never fear, for fear is the guardian of hate.
Let this be known: there is no Pirate King coming against us, there is a fallen admiral who forsook all claims of true kingship in defeat and surrender long years ago.
The Storm will be great and terrible, much blood will spill. May the storm make us stronger, may valor bring us victory, and never fear, for fear is the guardian of hate.
Written By Harald
Dec. 23, 2017, 1:08 p.m.(10/27/1007 AR)
I have written on this subject before, but changing times condemn such things to the dusty corners of memories lost, all too often. Thus, I repeat myself:
When facing a battle at sea, a warrior should wear the finest armor they own. There are ignorant mainlanders who will cry such foolishness as "Rust," or "But you'll sink," and I will answer such idiocy next. When oiled and well kept, steel maile and plate have been the favored harness of Grimhall warriors for over a thousand years. Whether fighting on a ship's deck or wading ashore for battle or raid, the value of steel armor is well worth the work of maintaining the metal.
To those who wail about drowning in steel, hear this: in battle, a body in the water is already dead. The warrior who is struck a deathblow and topples into the sea does not care whether he sinks. Yes, a clumsy man in steel will drown, as will the man in leathers, and the majority of men wearing nothing. Far better to be a warrior with death in his eyes and steel on his shoulders who wins the battle, rather than being the timid soul with fear in his heart, preparing for defeat before blows are ever struck.
For some, they are at their best in lighter armor, and to those I say fight on. A warrior should face battle at sea in their best harness, whether that be leathers, steel, or rubicund. Let skill and wealth, not fear dictate your armor.
Such is the way of war on the water.
Though if no fighting is at hand and a storm looms, take off your damned armor, whatever it's made of.
When facing a battle at sea, a warrior should wear the finest armor they own. There are ignorant mainlanders who will cry such foolishness as "Rust," or "But you'll sink," and I will answer such idiocy next. When oiled and well kept, steel maile and plate have been the favored harness of Grimhall warriors for over a thousand years. Whether fighting on a ship's deck or wading ashore for battle or raid, the value of steel armor is well worth the work of maintaining the metal.
To those who wail about drowning in steel, hear this: in battle, a body in the water is already dead. The warrior who is struck a deathblow and topples into the sea does not care whether he sinks. Yes, a clumsy man in steel will drown, as will the man in leathers, and the majority of men wearing nothing. Far better to be a warrior with death in his eyes and steel on his shoulders who wins the battle, rather than being the timid soul with fear in his heart, preparing for defeat before blows are ever struck.
For some, they are at their best in lighter armor, and to those I say fight on. A warrior should face battle at sea in their best harness, whether that be leathers, steel, or rubicund. Let skill and wealth, not fear dictate your armor.
Such is the way of war on the water.
Though if no fighting is at hand and a storm looms, take off your damned armor, whatever it's made of.
Written By Harald
Nov. 30, 2017, 11:25 p.m.(9/9/1007 AR)
As darkness looms, brave hearts find opportunity to give praise and gratitude even for strife and adversity.
The sea is mighty and vast, if provides great bounty in calm, and terrible wrath in storm. The same sky that gives sun and water rages with lightning and heavenly fire. Such is Mangata: she is the calm and the storm, the peace and the strife. We give thanks for calm, as it brings life and prosperity. But so too do we love the storm, for it is there we grow strong; it is in the storm we learn courage.
Blow, winds; come, lightning. The storms have made mighty we sons of Mangata. If this coming storm is to be the greatest for a thousand years, I praise our Goddess for it, and I yearn to see the greatness to which my people will rise for having faced it.
The sea is mighty and vast, if provides great bounty in calm, and terrible wrath in storm. The same sky that gives sun and water rages with lightning and heavenly fire. Such is Mangata: she is the calm and the storm, the peace and the strife. We give thanks for calm, as it brings life and prosperity. But so too do we love the storm, for it is there we grow strong; it is in the storm we learn courage.
Blow, winds; come, lightning. The storms have made mighty we sons of Mangata. If this coming storm is to be the greatest for a thousand years, I praise our Goddess for it, and I yearn to see the greatness to which my people will rise for having faced it.
Written By Harald
Nov. 19, 2017, 10:13 p.m.(8/13/1007 AR)
An exercise in arithmetic:
By rough count, as such sums are vast, what follows is short list of what could have been purchased by the mountains of silver which went into repairing House Kennex.
-A fleet of near 300 warships.
- An army of 4,000 warriors.
- In terms more relatable to our Valardin allies, an army of 1,400 horsemen.
-Fifty alaricite swords.
- The settlement of five new fortified Counties.
I am glad that House Kennex has survived the sudden and reckless release of thralls.
Yet, to any fool who believes all has turned out well, I say this: in the wars to come, such wealth will be missed. Such is the true price of haste and vanity.
By rough count, as such sums are vast, what follows is short list of what could have been purchased by the mountains of silver which went into repairing House Kennex.
-A fleet of near 300 warships.
- An army of 4,000 warriors.
- In terms more relatable to our Valardin allies, an army of 1,400 horsemen.
-Fifty alaricite swords.
- The settlement of five new fortified Counties.
I am glad that House Kennex has survived the sudden and reckless release of thralls.
Yet, to any fool who believes all has turned out well, I say this: in the wars to come, such wealth will be missed. Such is the true price of haste and vanity.
Written By Harald
Nov. 5, 2017, 11:03 a.m.(7/12/1007 AR)
Arx is a wretched city, in which nobles easily grow too detached from the realities of their domains. Less so for the Graysons, perhaps, but among Islesmen, it is dangerous to be surrounded and encouraged by voices that do not understand our race. I take only regret in the accuracy of my last journal, for in the battles to come, the lost strength of Kennex will be missed, as will the resources we must now pour into stabilising the March.
Though he may deny it, this disaster is exactly what Aleksei Morgan has called for. He bade me once that to earn Skald's regard, I should free all my thralls and become one of his followers. Kennex did this.
Witness the disaster that comes of heeding folk who meddle in matters they do not understand. None can be liberated from the consequences of their choices, try as some might.
Though he may deny it, this disaster is exactly what Aleksei Morgan has called for. He bade me once that to earn Skald's regard, I should free all my thralls and become one of his followers. Kennex did this.
Witness the disaster that comes of heeding folk who meddle in matters they do not understand. None can be liberated from the consequences of their choices, try as some might.
Written By Harald
Oct. 30, 2017, 9:49 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Two of my house's vassals have chosen to alter their laws and cripple the way economics have functioned in the Mourning Isles for hundreds of years, at a time in which we face powerful enemies and must replace grievous losses among ships and warriors. For this, arrogant mainlanders will make a great show of applauding them. They may even throw a few silvers at the fools to go with their applause and glowing words. Yet none have yet named it for what it is: irresponsible. When lost ships of Kennex have yet to be replaced, it is nothing better than vanity to throw away any fraction of your treasury, and I name it so.
Let this be said: I care nothing for praise, nor kind sentiment. Blood and strife will flow in days to come, while those who were born and raised outside the Mourning Isles have made these arrogant steps. Dwelling in Arx it is easy to forget that not all will welcome this ill-timed choice as gladly as the mainlanders who need not deal in the consequences.
Let my journals mark these three points, in closing:
First, the reckless rush toward change in the middle of the greatest war for a thousand years will be met with resistance, even among the less traditional folk of Kennex and Darkwater. Gods grant that this hubris does not spark civil strife.
Second, it is plain arrogance to presume that one knows best how unknown lands and people should be governed, and humility is an oft forgotten virtue.
Third, I do not read the white journals of others, so any who feel moved to answer me may do so in the blithe security of knowing that I will never see it.
Let this be said: I care nothing for praise, nor kind sentiment. Blood and strife will flow in days to come, while those who were born and raised outside the Mourning Isles have made these arrogant steps. Dwelling in Arx it is easy to forget that not all will welcome this ill-timed choice as gladly as the mainlanders who need not deal in the consequences.
Let my journals mark these three points, in closing:
First, the reckless rush toward change in the middle of the greatest war for a thousand years will be met with resistance, even among the less traditional folk of Kennex and Darkwater. Gods grant that this hubris does not spark civil strife.
Second, it is plain arrogance to presume that one knows best how unknown lands and people should be governed, and humility is an oft forgotten virtue.
Third, I do not read the white journals of others, so any who feel moved to answer me may do so in the blithe security of knowing that I will never see it.
Written By Harald
Aug. 17, 2017, 11:10 p.m.(1/16/1007 AR)
We have been wounded before, and endured. Foul sorceries have felled valiant men before, yet we do not falter. We do not weep for the lost, for we are Grim; rather we steel ourselves toward vengeance, toward victory.
We mortal men, arrayed against foes out of legend, we shall teach the legends to fear us. For while any warrior of the Isles draws breath, no foe can rest easy.
We bleed, we mend, we fight on.
We do not fear, for fear is the guardian of hate.
So speaks Grimhall.
We mortal men, arrayed against foes out of legend, we shall teach the legends to fear us. For while any warrior of the Isles draws breath, no foe can rest easy.
We bleed, we mend, we fight on.
We do not fear, for fear is the guardian of hate.
So speaks Grimhall.
Written By Harald
Aug. 4, 2017, 1:04 a.m.(12/16/1006 AR)
The recent naval maneuvers have concluded to satisfaction. Some key lessons were learned by varied folk of many fealties; many of whom are talented but inexperienced. It is best that such lessons are learned now, at the cost of brused and broken teeth, rather than learned in earnest on the tides of war.
Whether or not such will be enough...
We shall sea.
Whether or not such will be enough...
We shall sea.
Written By Harald
July 28, 2017, 9:37 p.m.(12/3/1006 AR)
The planned naval maneuvers proceed. Too few folk left alive have seen a full clash of true war fleets, and I say not since the Reckoning have the waves seen strife of the scale that looms ahead. Into such a void of experience, a single mock battle is as cutting down a tree to bridge the Bay of Thrax: an insignificant first step. Yet I find myself among the trees, bearing an axe. Thus, I cut.
Written By Harald
July 22, 2017, 11:50 p.m.(11/19/1006 AR)
It is among the great sorrows of mankind that so many prefer pleasant lies to ugly truths.
Truth is the first victim of vice; I prefer the blackened and bleeding shard of honesty to all the perfumed platitudes of fair deceivers.
Truth is the first victim of vice; I prefer the blackened and bleeding shard of honesty to all the perfumed platitudes of fair deceivers.
Written By Harald
May 15, 2017, 9:53 a.m.(6/19/1006 AR)
I spoke with Aleksei Morgan, Archlector of the Faith, and was told that another of his fellow 'Champions of the Gods' may refuse to aid two innocent young people, for no cause other than the name they were born with. I had been unaware that being born among my people was seen as a crime by some, let alone one Chosen by the Gods.
Such misguided hate. The Faith should be above such things.
Such misguided hate. The Faith should be above such things.
Written By Harald
April 27, 2017, 6:34 p.m.(5/9/1006 AR)
I find this telling:
Liars seem to believe that all other men are also liars. The mind of an honest man stands wholly beyond their ken.
Habits of deception mark one as pitiable, but also dangerous.
Liars seem to believe that all other men are also liars. The mind of an honest man stands wholly beyond their ken.
Habits of deception mark one as pitiable, but also dangerous.
Written By Harald
April 20, 2017, 1:05 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
In the Mourning Isles, fealty between Houses is a contract of honor. The vassal swears service and tribute to the overlord, in return the overlord swears protection of the vassal. A simple and imperfect summary, but generally accurate.
Should both houses assent to a division, honor is maintained. Should the vassal break faith without the leave of their lord, my people would name it revolt.
While walls are besieged, it hardly seems honest to let something so petty as hurt feelings over an unkind word stir a house to revolt, even if common born. To the dispassionate eye of an Islesman, it reeks of opportunism. Such rebellion during war would be answered harshly in my homeland, the Merciers are fortunate that the Graysons are more patient than a Grimhall would be.
Should both houses assent to a division, honor is maintained. Should the vassal break faith without the leave of their lord, my people would name it revolt.
While walls are besieged, it hardly seems honest to let something so petty as hurt feelings over an unkind word stir a house to revolt, even if common born. To the dispassionate eye of an Islesman, it reeks of opportunism. Such rebellion during war would be answered harshly in my homeland, the Merciers are fortunate that the Graysons are more patient than a Grimhall would be.
Written By Harald
April 10, 2017, 10:21 p.m.(4/2/1006 AR)
I hear the recent proclamations with disappointment, but not surprise.
My house has sent its sons to fight in every great battle the Compact has faced in this war. We were at Pridehall, at Giant's Fall, at Krakensmaw, and at Arx, where half our strength remains.
Where is the list of our atrocities? Where is a single complaint given voice at our loyalty or obedience? Let any speak who would claim that Grimhall has offended the Gods with our conduct in this war.
We fought with valor under command of Calypso Malvici when the Formorian was slain and the Bringers' host broken, and we fought with honor: let her name me a liar if I am false.
We have supported the Iron Guard and the defense of Arx as much as any House, with no thought of greed or profit. Let Silas Mercier name me a liar if I am false.
My son Valdemar led Grimhall's men against the Gyre with courage and honor unstained. I defy any to claim otherwise.
Yet now I must hear Legate Orazio use the deeds of other men as a flimsy cause to attack thralldom, heedless of the damage it would do to the Mourning Isles and to my House, which has committed no wrongs. I am not so learned in the ways of the Gods as he, so perhaps there is good precedent to punish the innocent in this manner.
I await it.
My house has sent its sons to fight in every great battle the Compact has faced in this war. We were at Pridehall, at Giant's Fall, at Krakensmaw, and at Arx, where half our strength remains.
Where is the list of our atrocities? Where is a single complaint given voice at our loyalty or obedience? Let any speak who would claim that Grimhall has offended the Gods with our conduct in this war.
We fought with valor under command of Calypso Malvici when the Formorian was slain and the Bringers' host broken, and we fought with honor: let her name me a liar if I am false.
We have supported the Iron Guard and the defense of Arx as much as any House, with no thought of greed or profit. Let Silas Mercier name me a liar if I am false.
My son Valdemar led Grimhall's men against the Gyre with courage and honor unstained. I defy any to claim otherwise.
Yet now I must hear Legate Orazio use the deeds of other men as a flimsy cause to attack thralldom, heedless of the damage it would do to the Mourning Isles and to my House, which has committed no wrongs. I am not so learned in the ways of the Gods as he, so perhaps there is good precedent to punish the innocent in this manner.
I await it.
Written By Harald
March 22, 2017, 1:39 a.m.(2/19/1006 AR)
For all the talk of fear and dread that had filled the hearts and ears of our allies, in the hour of destiny, they stood.
The battle was well run. Malvici and Steelhart well earned the accolades they shall win for this total victory, won with half the force and at less cost than that of Pridehall. By a hundred cuts, we brought down a monster out of legend, taller than trees, and dripping with rot. In shattering a host twenty-thousand strong, no more than two thousand loyal hearts were stilled, to pass beyond death as heroes into the company of their ancestors.
Yet it falls to me to praise those who few others will:
The center of the Compact line was held by the stout hearted shield-men of Grimhall and our vassals of Darkwater, standing side by side with those of Thrax and Tyde. On our warriors the enemy fell first, and when the Compact's battle line stood in danger, when the flanks buckled and hung on the edge of breaking, it was the Grim line which broke our Enemy's center, and routed his numbers, drawing forth the great Formori, the foulness of which was washed from the edge of many blades and spears.
Let this be said as well: though many on the battlefield faltered, our allies did not break, though sore beset. While I credit the Grim line with breaking the foeman's strength, so too do I salute those of Thrax and Tyde and Darkwater. Of Malvici, Rubino, Pravus, and Velenosa. For in the end, all of them stood. Though I remain puzzled by the mainland habit of proclaiming weakness and fear, while being proud of such, it will be said that when all balanced on the point of a spear, they stood and fought.
The battle was well run. Malvici and Steelhart well earned the accolades they shall win for this total victory, won with half the force and at less cost than that of Pridehall. By a hundred cuts, we brought down a monster out of legend, taller than trees, and dripping with rot. In shattering a host twenty-thousand strong, no more than two thousand loyal hearts were stilled, to pass beyond death as heroes into the company of their ancestors.
Yet it falls to me to praise those who few others will:
The center of the Compact line was held by the stout hearted shield-men of Grimhall and our vassals of Darkwater, standing side by side with those of Thrax and Tyde. On our warriors the enemy fell first, and when the Compact's battle line stood in danger, when the flanks buckled and hung on the edge of breaking, it was the Grim line which broke our Enemy's center, and routed his numbers, drawing forth the great Formori, the foulness of which was washed from the edge of many blades and spears.
Let this be said as well: though many on the battlefield faltered, our allies did not break, though sore beset. While I credit the Grim line with breaking the foeman's strength, so too do I salute those of Thrax and Tyde and Darkwater. Of Malvici, Rubino, Pravus, and Velenosa. For in the end, all of them stood. Though I remain puzzled by the mainland habit of proclaiming weakness and fear, while being proud of such, it will be said that when all balanced on the point of a spear, they stood and fought.
Written By Harald
March 17, 2017, 1:21 p.m.(2/10/1006 AR)
The habit of mainlanders to sympathize so fully with criminals, at the expense of honest men is a thing I do not understand. That nobles will agonize over the deaths of those who sought to kill them; that treachery is rewarded with protection; that souls are searched and hands wrung for the sake of those who made a choice to embrace wickedness seems madness.
I give more respect to the choices men make. When one chooses to break the law, one reaps the consequences of that choice. If one chooses to commit treason, one is a traitor. If a commoner threatens a noble, they are in defiance of the natural order, and deserve punishment.
That any noble could think otherwise confounds me.
I give more respect to the choices men make. When one chooses to break the law, one reaps the consequences of that choice. If one chooses to commit treason, one is a traitor. If a commoner threatens a noble, they are in defiance of the natural order, and deserve punishment.
That any noble could think otherwise confounds me.
Written By Harald
March 14, 2017, 10:32 p.m.(2/4/1006 AR)
Armies gather in the deepening dark, brave hearts hone keen spears while trembling against a distant dread. They wonder if their strength will fail, when all the evils of the world are roused, when all sins are called to account before the bloody handed headsman of destiny. They regard the lives lived behind them and wonder, of all the days between this and their first, which might have been better spent? They wonder, for such is the mark of a wandering mind seeking solace in dark days, and such is natural.
Many do this, but we do not. Regret is an iron chain dragging down the shield that no warrior should need to hear in battle. Our deeds will endure, the fine alongside the foul. Death cares naught for regrets or intents, but marches ever on, unforgiving and grim, the fisherman drawing his due harvest of souls.
Fear him if you wish, fight him if you must, but let his shadow fall upon your mind in times of trial, for his shroud is a comfort: which path stretching before me into distant days to come will I choose? Which path, when my dying day dawns, will I be proud to state before Death: I chose this course, and with my blood and breath I have kept it.
Let the judgment of death be your conscience and never fear. For fear is the guardian of hate.
Many do this, but we do not. Regret is an iron chain dragging down the shield that no warrior should need to hear in battle. Our deeds will endure, the fine alongside the foul. Death cares naught for regrets or intents, but marches ever on, unforgiving and grim, the fisherman drawing his due harvest of souls.
Fear him if you wish, fight him if you must, but let his shadow fall upon your mind in times of trial, for his shroud is a comfort: which path stretching before me into distant days to come will I choose? Which path, when my dying day dawns, will I be proud to state before Death: I chose this course, and with my blood and breath I have kept it.
Let the judgment of death be your conscience and never fear. For fear is the guardian of hate.
Written By Harald
March 9, 2017, 12:31 a.m.(1/21/1006 AR)
These days are determined to try my temper.
Nobles of the mainland plot and scheme, aided by those Islesmen too naive or idealistic to recognize they are being used against us. The Compact will not stir to our aid, only two of the Lycene Duchies send ships to our support, as others like the legitimized imposter of Deepwood actively scheme to rob us, even as our warriors fight alongside theirs, even as our fleets fly by oar and sail to the defense of Isles and Arvum alike. For the support of two Lycene Duchies, nobles of the Compact would see us cast our society into chaos in this, the hour where stability is most needed.
How great must one's arrogance be to say how an ally's realm should be governed? How great the presumption of claiming to know what is right for realms one has never laid eyes on, ignorant of the damage such decrees would wreak? Only the very young or very foolish could be so rash.
They are fortunate that we are not the mindless savages they think us to be, else this would end in sorrow.
Nobles of the mainland plot and scheme, aided by those Islesmen too naive or idealistic to recognize they are being used against us. The Compact will not stir to our aid, only two of the Lycene Duchies send ships to our support, as others like the legitimized imposter of Deepwood actively scheme to rob us, even as our warriors fight alongside theirs, even as our fleets fly by oar and sail to the defense of Isles and Arvum alike. For the support of two Lycene Duchies, nobles of the Compact would see us cast our society into chaos in this, the hour where stability is most needed.
How great must one's arrogance be to say how an ally's realm should be governed? How great the presumption of claiming to know what is right for realms one has never laid eyes on, ignorant of the damage such decrees would wreak? Only the very young or very foolish could be so rash.
They are fortunate that we are not the mindless savages they think us to be, else this would end in sorrow.
Written By Harald
March 7, 2017, 2:47 p.m.(1/18/1006 AR)
Traditions exist to be leaned upon in trying times. When men lack for direction in dark days, they can fall back for stability upon the ways of their fathers and hold out trust that they too will endure. Though they are imperfect, there is strength and comfort to be had in traditions.
As we now face a war of greater scope than many can comprehend, it is natural that men will cleave to traditions for stability, and yet many have chosen this moment of great chaos to kick away at the pillars of tradition, forgetting tgat men will revile those who deprive them of comfort in dark days. This is truth not only to Thrax, but to all souls.
As we now face a war of greater scope than many can comprehend, it is natural that men will cleave to traditions for stability, and yet many have chosen this moment of great chaos to kick away at the pillars of tradition, forgetting tgat men will revile those who deprive them of comfort in dark days. This is truth not only to Thrax, but to all souls.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.