Written By Mae
Aug. 24, 2018, 8:25 p.m.(6/16/1009 AR)
At the risk of agreeing with Archduke Talen, I've kicked plenty a dog. Cat, too. Pow!
Suppose life's different when you have enough to spare for stray animals.
Suppose life's different when you have enough to spare for stray animals.
Written By Mae
Aug. 20, 2018, 8:56 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
I just remembered that one time I saved your life, just as the Bringers were knocked down Arx's gate.
Sorry I wasn't there this time.
Sorry I wasn't there this time.
Written By Mae
Aug. 20, 2018, 10:31 a.m.(6/6/1009 AR)
I am quite sure this is tacky in the not-fun sort of way, but I've no other real way to spread the word, so here it is...
The Shrine of the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings holds a wall, stacked with carved skulls, each one dedicated to a person or group of persons that has died. It is a reminder to us all that endings are just that. It is also a reminder that these people, each one a gift to this world from Death, lived. We say we lost a loved one, lost a defender of the Compact, lost another prince... but we've not lost them. They remain, so long as we remember.
If there are any that wish a skull created on behalf of the dead, please contact the Harlequins.
The Shrine of the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings holds a wall, stacked with carved skulls, each one dedicated to a person or group of persons that has died. It is a reminder to us all that endings are just that. It is also a reminder that these people, each one a gift to this world from Death, lived. We say we lost a loved one, lost a defender of the Compact, lost another prince... but we've not lost them. They remain, so long as we remember.
If there are any that wish a skull created on behalf of the dead, please contact the Harlequins.
Written By Mae
Aug. 19, 2018, 8:37 a.m.(6/4/1009 AR)
Such prizes given away at the gala! Is it too boring to write how long I could keep the soup kitchen running with that silver? How many mouths we could feed?
Probably!
Probably!
Written By Mae
Aug. 18, 2018, 7:11 p.m.(6/3/1009 AR)
The more I watch, the more I see the world repeating itself. I can't help but feel drawn to Mangata's shrine. Is this not the cycle of the moon and the tides that follow?
I suppose that means it's time I put out volume four of the Harlequin's History Of Arx.
I suppose that means it's time I put out volume four of the Harlequin's History Of Arx.
Written By Mae
Aug. 17, 2018, 5:03 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Today I read a proclamation from The Queen of Silver.
Now, this is an odd situation, as I thought the only two Queens in the Compact were:
1. Symonesse, Queen Consort of the Compact
2. Death, Queen of Endings.
I also thought Silver would be a reference to:
1. The Knights of Solace, the descendants of The Silver Order.
2. The King's Own, started as the Queen's Own by Lord Macdon, a split from the Knights of Solace and now called The Silver Swords.
3. The Silver Consortium, which okay I haven't the slightest idea why they use "Silver".
4. Lilah Shay, who we called Silver.
But. No! This noblewoman is neither a queen, nor a goddess, nor serving the legacy of a hero of the Compact. She's Voice of a March.
You know, High Lord Victus once threatened to jail for impersonating a Prince. Wonder what the punishment is for impersonating a queen.
Now, this is an odd situation, as I thought the only two Queens in the Compact were:
1. Symonesse, Queen Consort of the Compact
2. Death, Queen of Endings.
I also thought Silver would be a reference to:
1. The Knights of Solace, the descendants of The Silver Order.
2. The King's Own, started as the Queen's Own by Lord Macdon, a split from the Knights of Solace and now called The Silver Swords.
3. The Silver Consortium, which okay I haven't the slightest idea why they use "Silver".
4. Lilah Shay, who we called Silver.
But. No! This noblewoman is neither a queen, nor a goddess, nor serving the legacy of a hero of the Compact. She's Voice of a March.
You know, High Lord Victus once threatened to jail for impersonating a Prince. Wonder what the punishment is for impersonating a queen.
Written By Mae
Aug. 11, 2018, 12:28 a.m.(5/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
It's a bit late, but I wanted to write my thanks for Duke Aiden and his Masquerade. It's so easy to see how much that man cares! Thank you, and everyone else that helped.
Written By Mae
Aug. 6, 2018, 4:02 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
It was pointed out to me that I hardly attend Death's Shrine anymore.
To be clear: I am there almost every single day, sweeping and dusting and singing songs to spiders. Only, I don't stay as I used to. And while I'd love to say it is because I am so busy (I am busy, on and off, with the Black Rose Theater), nothing I have takes up that much of my time. I've merely been reclusive.
So, starting today, I am going to make a sincere effort to be present in the Shrine of the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings, to answer questions, to advise people, or simply to keep the spiders company.
To be clear: I am there almost every single day, sweeping and dusting and singing songs to spiders. Only, I don't stay as I used to. And while I'd love to say it is because I am so busy (I am busy, on and off, with the Black Rose Theater), nothing I have takes up that much of my time. I've merely been reclusive.
So, starting today, I am going to make a sincere effort to be present in the Shrine of the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings, to answer questions, to advise people, or simply to keep the spiders company.
Written By Mae
July 16, 2018, 1:49 p.m.(3/15/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Augustus
Scholars:
I have to say that when I go to visit Grayson Manor, whether it's for work or to visit a friend or to visit my beloved patron, it was quite clean and lovely. There were no rats on the prowl, and any cat was surely treated well, and didn't need to eat rats.
That rats now crawl across princes seems to be a big change from what I know to be House Grayson! Could this be the a sign of the crumbling of a once great house?
Or has Prince Augustus gone mad with age, and as Calaudrin has already written, can someone please go check on him?
I have to say that when I go to visit Grayson Manor, whether it's for work or to visit a friend or to visit my beloved patron, it was quite clean and lovely. There were no rats on the prowl, and any cat was surely treated well, and didn't need to eat rats.
That rats now crawl across princes seems to be a big change from what I know to be House Grayson! Could this be the a sign of the crumbling of a once great house?
Or has Prince Augustus gone mad with age, and as Calaudrin has already written, can someone please go check on him?
Written By Mae
July 13, 2018, 3:34 p.m.(3/9/1009 AR)
Writing the Commoner's Bulletin was exhausting, but there are times I miss it. Like right now, when I'd love to be reporting on Thrax's painfully slow march toward ending slavery, or Grayson's masterful ability to tirelessly serve (and save) the Compact all while making themselves look so bad, or certain Blissper making her personal bedroom activities (or lack thereof) so overt (how dare a Lycene discuss such things!), or even another scathing rebuke by Father Orazio.
And it's not that Derobai cannot handle it! But does he really capture the tawdry drama behind it all? But, then, could I?
I should see about hiring Prince Niklas to put this drama to paper, so it might show at the Black Rose.
Suppose I will settle for adding to the growing stack of whites this incident has provoked.
And it's not that Derobai cannot handle it! But does he really capture the tawdry drama behind it all? But, then, could I?
I should see about hiring Prince Niklas to put this drama to paper, so it might show at the Black Rose.
Suppose I will settle for adding to the growing stack of whites this incident has provoked.
Written By Mae
July 2, 2018, 1:12 p.m.(2/14/1009 AR)
I was told today that Harlequin's History of Arx wasn't worth very much. I clearly didn't put much effort into it, so it wasn't worth trading for. That instead, the book I wanted to trade for, would be sold with a very expensive price tag.
I suppose that is how things go here in Arx. And who am I to resist?
As such, I will be selling a copy of my Harlequin's History of Arx Volume 3 for 50,000 silver.
But, oh right, I am me! So I'll also be giving away one copy of the entire series (Volume 1, 2, and 3) for anyone who writes me and explain why they cannot afford nice things.
Warning to anyone who writes: Volume 3 isn't worth very much. I didn't put much effort into it.
I suppose that is how things go here in Arx. And who am I to resist?
As such, I will be selling a copy of my Harlequin's History of Arx Volume 3 for 50,000 silver.
But, oh right, I am me! So I'll also be giving away one copy of the entire series (Volume 1, 2, and 3) for anyone who writes me and explain why they cannot afford nice things.
Warning to anyone who writes: Volume 3 isn't worth very much. I didn't put much effort into it.
Written By Mae
June 22, 2018, 10:52 a.m.(1/22/1009 AR)
Murder of Crows Darts and Drinking Winter 1009!
Can you believe it's already 1009?
In the world of darts! Melody Nameless bested Sir Jeffeth in the final round with a score of 145 to 144! So close! The top throw of the night was from Melody herself, earlier in the tournament, with 146 points.
The drinking tournament was won by Princess Reese Grayson! She put down more Brother Winston's Winter Wry Whiskey* than even Sir Jeffeth! Congratulations Princess Reese!
A big thanks to everyone that showed up, and everyone who donated more than needed to partake. All the profits go to keeping the Crow Soup Kitchens (yes, we have two now!) running.
*In small text at the bottom.*
*Not endorsed by, supported by, or approved by the Faith of the Pantheon.
Can you believe it's already 1009?
In the world of darts! Melody Nameless bested Sir Jeffeth in the final round with a score of 145 to 144! So close! The top throw of the night was from Melody herself, earlier in the tournament, with 146 points.
The drinking tournament was won by Princess Reese Grayson! She put down more Brother Winston's Winter Wry Whiskey* than even Sir Jeffeth! Congratulations Princess Reese!
A big thanks to everyone that showed up, and everyone who donated more than needed to partake. All the profits go to keeping the Crow Soup Kitchens (yes, we have two now!) running.
*In small text at the bottom.*
*Not endorsed by, supported by, or approved by the Faith of the Pantheon.
Written By Mae
June 18, 2018, 10:02 a.m.(1/14/1009 AR)
Dear Vellichor,
I witnessed last night the dumbest thing in all of aion. It involved men and their egos. Really, is there anything dumber?
<3 Mae
I witnessed last night the dumbest thing in all of aion. It involved men and their egos. Really, is there anything dumber?
<3 Mae
Written By Mae
June 8, 2018, 9:51 a.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
While I cannot echo Prince Edain's words that we are all unique - being someone marginally responsible for soul, I try not to make claims like that - I can say without a doubt each and every soul is a piece of Death, created by Her, beloved by Her. And while I just said I won't take guesses, I will make this one: Death doesn't put in all that effort to creating us, She doesn't invest a piece of Herself into this world, without reason.
Written By Mae
June 6, 2018, 12:50 a.m.(12/4/1008 AR)
Dear Itzal Culler,
What's a bard?
Sincerely,
Mae Culler
Executive Director
Black Rose Theater
What's a bard?
Sincerely,
Mae Culler
Executive Director
Black Rose Theater
Written By Mae
May 30, 2018, 10:39 a.m.(11/16/1008 AR)
Is Arx set on doing the "last will and testament" thing again? Really?
Okay, here we go...
I wrote a very long letter, to my friends, to my loved ones, to my family. I listed out, item by item, everything I owned, and to whom it should go to. I submitted it to the blacks. But now as I see talk of wills reappearing in the whites, and as I asked the scholars to pull my own from the archives, I have to wonder what I was doing. What was the point of all that? To make myself cry? To make others cry? I don't know. I don't really understand.
So, I want to make things simple. Should I die, everything goes to Itzal. There's a safe place I put stuff - Magpie has a key. There's some letters in there, along with a lot of junk. Do as you wish with all of it, baby brother (though my recommendation is to burn it, especially the artwork).
Signed and made official,
<3 MAE CULLER <3
PS, Sorry, Itzal!
Okay, here we go...
I wrote a very long letter, to my friends, to my loved ones, to my family. I listed out, item by item, everything I owned, and to whom it should go to. I submitted it to the blacks. But now as I see talk of wills reappearing in the whites, and as I asked the scholars to pull my own from the archives, I have to wonder what I was doing. What was the point of all that? To make myself cry? To make others cry? I don't know. I don't really understand.
So, I want to make things simple. Should I die, everything goes to Itzal. There's a safe place I put stuff - Magpie has a key. There's some letters in there, along with a lot of junk. Do as you wish with all of it, baby brother (though my recommendation is to burn it, especially the artwork).
Signed and made official,
<3 MAE CULLER <3
PS, Sorry, Itzal!
Written By Mae
May 24, 2018, 12:15 p.m.(10/24/1008 AR)
I released a book titled "A HARLEQUIN'S TALE: QUEEN TRISCALI THE BOLD". It is the story of a strong woman who stood up for freedom, who defended the Compact, and who liberated Arvum. It is the story of how 800 years ago, slavery was common place in the Compact, and it was Triscali, the Black Rose, that ended it.
When Triscali decried an end to slavery, there was chaos. There was disaster. The Compact's economy was in tatters. Considering the war that was still simmering in Arx, and the foreign forces that were attacking on and off, most of Triscali's peers thought her action was madness. They hated her. It is terribly obvious why Triscali was never enshrined in the Hall of Heroes: She flipped the Compact upside down and there was much damage done.
Yet, in the end, because of her, we know freedom.
I had hoped that by releasing this book more individuals would see how our present circumstances were not that much different than hers. We have Thralls. We know freeing them will be a disaster. Yet, would Triscali do it? Even if there is damage done and lives lost? I believe the answer is yes.
It was Triscali who said, "Be bold - and be smart." Taking tiny steps to promote slow change is not being bold. Letting fear stop you from action is not smart.
I say to everyone that has seen this book or gazed upon Triscali's painting in the Hall of Heroes: BE BOLD.
For those with the very literal power to free their Thralls and finish what Triscali started: BE BOLD.
When Triscali decried an end to slavery, there was chaos. There was disaster. The Compact's economy was in tatters. Considering the war that was still simmering in Arx, and the foreign forces that were attacking on and off, most of Triscali's peers thought her action was madness. They hated her. It is terribly obvious why Triscali was never enshrined in the Hall of Heroes: She flipped the Compact upside down and there was much damage done.
Yet, in the end, because of her, we know freedom.
I had hoped that by releasing this book more individuals would see how our present circumstances were not that much different than hers. We have Thralls. We know freeing them will be a disaster. Yet, would Triscali do it? Even if there is damage done and lives lost? I believe the answer is yes.
It was Triscali who said, "Be bold - and be smart." Taking tiny steps to promote slow change is not being bold. Letting fear stop you from action is not smart.
I say to everyone that has seen this book or gazed upon Triscali's painting in the Hall of Heroes: BE BOLD.
For those with the very literal power to free their Thralls and finish what Triscali started: BE BOLD.
Written By Mae
May 23, 2018, 10:19 a.m.(10/17/1008 AR)
The Crow Soup Kitchen has been fully funded for the next year. We will continue to offer one bowl of soup per day to everyone and anyone that asks for it.
In addition to funding the existing endeavor, we've also collected enough silver to open a second soup kitchen, on the other end of the Lowers (OOC note: No build on grid for this, just there for story sake).
A big thanks go out to everyone that helped with this, everyone that attended Darts and Drinking, everyone that sent me support and encouragement, everyone that overpaid at the events, and the Crown itself, which continues to send silver every week to keep things operating. Everyone!
And a special thanks to Princess Marian Redrain and Princess Donella Redrain who send large sums of silver and resources. Some may have heard me say it before, that the Northerners are not concerned with the Lowers. Let me say loudly, with Princess Marian, Princess Donella, Duchess Ann, Lady Khanne, Princess Echo, and Princess Astraea working so very hard to support not only their own people who suffer in this world, but also the people of Arx, and especially the people of the Lowers, I am confident that Redrain and their vassals are just as invested in this city flourishing as anyone else is.
Next year, I am aiming to keep both kitchens running strong, as well as fully fund a permanent team of workers to walk the streets and tend to any that cannot, due to age, illness, or anything else, make it to one of my soup kitchens. I'll not say anything about ending poverty, or guaranteeing work, or make any grand promises, but in the years to come there will be no one in Arx that dies due to lack of food or shelter.
In addition to funding the existing endeavor, we've also collected enough silver to open a second soup kitchen, on the other end of the Lowers (OOC note: No build on grid for this, just there for story sake).
A big thanks go out to everyone that helped with this, everyone that attended Darts and Drinking, everyone that sent me support and encouragement, everyone that overpaid at the events, and the Crown itself, which continues to send silver every week to keep things operating. Everyone!
And a special thanks to Princess Marian Redrain and Princess Donella Redrain who send large sums of silver and resources. Some may have heard me say it before, that the Northerners are not concerned with the Lowers. Let me say loudly, with Princess Marian, Princess Donella, Duchess Ann, Lady Khanne, Princess Echo, and Princess Astraea working so very hard to support not only their own people who suffer in this world, but also the people of Arx, and especially the people of the Lowers, I am confident that Redrain and their vassals are just as invested in this city flourishing as anyone else is.
Next year, I am aiming to keep both kitchens running strong, as well as fully fund a permanent team of workers to walk the streets and tend to any that cannot, due to age, illness, or anything else, make it to one of my soup kitchens. I'll not say anything about ending poverty, or guaranteeing work, or make any grand promises, but in the years to come there will be no one in Arx that dies due to lack of food or shelter.
Written By Mae
May 22, 2018, 10:40 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
In the wake of my Commoners Bulletin, and my declaration that House Pravus has not offered support nor reward in the investigation of Duke Cassius Pravus' death, I received a letter from Lady Vanora Grimhall "born of House Pravus". She encouraged me to offer a correction to my bulletin, as House Pravus was offering support and/or reward for information about Duke Cassius' death, by way of alliance through House Grimhall (and presumably her own efforts). As I worry there might be others that misunderstood my point, and as Lady Vanora has already taken to the whites about this, I'll offer my response in the form of a public letter to her.
Lady Vanora,
I am very sorry for any offense I've caused. I did not mean to suggest that you or anyone else of Pravus blood was not grieving or not helping in the investigation of Duke Cassius' death. I am well aware that Pravus' allies and Pravus' vassals and Pravus' extended family has offered help and silver.
What I meant was that in the many, many open displays of grief and investment into finding out what happened to Duke Cassius and his soldiers and the Knights of Solace with him, House Pravus itself, officially, was oddly silent.
I know you are Voice of House Grimhall. I do not think you are a Voice of House Pravus. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, the only Voice of House Pravus is Marquessa Lianne Malespero, who did openly offer her support, but she did so as House Malespero, not House Pravus. Knowing the Marquessa as I do, I am quite sure she had her reasons for not speaking on behalf of House Pravus. She is nothing if not methodical.
Now, I am a Harlequin of Death. I know sometimes grief is a strange thing. Sometimes it is silent or distant. If Duchess Belladonna were either, I would understand entirely. Yet she took to the white journals to write: "Much as I hate to admit it, he was always destined for a young and violent death, and you well know why. Death surrounds some of us. We cannot control it, we cannot stop it. We must simply learn to bear up under the burden and keep going." It is true: in the end, we all die. But to say we cannot control or stop it is crazy talk. Thousands and thousands of men and women have died in service to the Compact and the Faith to save lives. We work tirelessly to make sure lives are lived long and full, as the Mother of Beginnings would wish them.
And, really? Taking the time to declare one's husband "destined to die young", but being unable to make any sort of public declaration of grief? It seems very odd to me.
Duchess Belladonna's other public words since the death - captured in the whites - were to bemoan Duke Cassius' little sister having a wake for the man without her consent, and to pun alongside Lord Percephon. (Yes, I checked. It is my job to inform the Commoners and to take the pulse of the city. A dead duke in the Lowers has hearts racing and warranted my digging.)
Again, I am sorry if I've caused you grief. It wasn't my intent. And I am sorry if I am wrote, and you do speak as Voice of House Pravus.
I hope this clarifies my words in the Commoners Bulletin.
Mae Culler, Commoners' Councilor
Lady Vanora,
I am very sorry for any offense I've caused. I did not mean to suggest that you or anyone else of Pravus blood was not grieving or not helping in the investigation of Duke Cassius' death. I am well aware that Pravus' allies and Pravus' vassals and Pravus' extended family has offered help and silver.
What I meant was that in the many, many open displays of grief and investment into finding out what happened to Duke Cassius and his soldiers and the Knights of Solace with him, House Pravus itself, officially, was oddly silent.
I know you are Voice of House Grimhall. I do not think you are a Voice of House Pravus. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, the only Voice of House Pravus is Marquessa Lianne Malespero, who did openly offer her support, but she did so as House Malespero, not House Pravus. Knowing the Marquessa as I do, I am quite sure she had her reasons for not speaking on behalf of House Pravus. She is nothing if not methodical.
Now, I am a Harlequin of Death. I know sometimes grief is a strange thing. Sometimes it is silent or distant. If Duchess Belladonna were either, I would understand entirely. Yet she took to the white journals to write: "Much as I hate to admit it, he was always destined for a young and violent death, and you well know why. Death surrounds some of us. We cannot control it, we cannot stop it. We must simply learn to bear up under the burden and keep going." It is true: in the end, we all die. But to say we cannot control or stop it is crazy talk. Thousands and thousands of men and women have died in service to the Compact and the Faith to save lives. We work tirelessly to make sure lives are lived long and full, as the Mother of Beginnings would wish them.
And, really? Taking the time to declare one's husband "destined to die young", but being unable to make any sort of public declaration of grief? It seems very odd to me.
Duchess Belladonna's other public words since the death - captured in the whites - were to bemoan Duke Cassius' little sister having a wake for the man without her consent, and to pun alongside Lord Percephon. (Yes, I checked. It is my job to inform the Commoners and to take the pulse of the city. A dead duke in the Lowers has hearts racing and warranted my digging.)
Again, I am sorry if I've caused you grief. It wasn't my intent. And I am sorry if I am wrote, and you do speak as Voice of House Pravus.
I hope this clarifies my words in the Commoners Bulletin.
Mae Culler, Commoners' Councilor
Written By Mae
May 21, 2018, 11:45 a.m.(10/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
It is my firm belief that Death adores both rainbows and jingling bells. The darkness we cover Her in (that She covers herself in?) is to only better allow the colors of this world to compliment Her.
Of course, I am no Godsworn, nor am I Death's Voice. But I stand behind my belief!
Of course, I am no Godsworn, nor am I Death's Voice. But I stand behind my belief!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.