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Written By Oswyn

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:17 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

I have no idea what's in my basement now but it could be very, very bad.

Written By Oswyn

June 1, 2022, 1:10 p.m.(10/2/1017 AR)

How wonderful to have a dream become reality. How fortunate to be in a position to do so. I am impossibly happy.

Written By Oswyn

March 26, 2022, 10:53 a.m.(5/8/1017 AR)

Last week a badger came lumbering into the Archives with a folded piece of paper in its mouth. The journal entry was very damp and hard to read.

The day before yesterday a junior scholar got very scratched up and bitten by a rat with a piece of paper. She thought it was someone's pet sent to deliver something. It was not.

I don't have to make a rule about this, do I?

Written By Oswyn

Feb. 16, 2022, 4:26 p.m.(2/16/1017 AR)

Having set aside thirteen hours to help those struggling with reading (some young, some less so), I find myself wondering about a problem I have seen from time to time. Sometimes, people have confided in me that they find it difficult to read because the letters 'jump around'. They can read, but it requires patience and focus. They often have difficulty spelling as well. Sometimes it helps to find smaller words in larger ones to help them remember - there is a 'hen in when'. I don't know what causes this. I do my best to help but I keep thinking there have to be better strategies for teaching.

I don't have as many occasions to teach as Archscholar. It was good to spend some time doing something I love. Helping people read - seeing them understand it - is one of my great joys. I've missed it. I just wish I wasn't so tired.

Written By Oswyn

Dec. 13, 2021, 2:26 p.m.(9/26/1016 AR)

Thanks to Whisper House and Softest Cesare, I think the Scholar's Gala for the new library project went very well. There were little candy quills and the chocolate fountain was there. (I specifically asked for it. I accidentally wandered into an event at Whisper House once and was quite taken by the chocolate fountain.) I failed to answer the single trivia question, but I learned something new.

I'm happy the reception to this project has been so positive. I would say ten of the twelve sites are finalized, which is absolutely wonderful. These public libraries will help communities come together. Libraries are the enemy of ignorance, and we have been ignorant far too long. We have forgotten so much. People will learn the stories of the Compact and the stories of each other, and hopefully that will result in the sort of familiarity that makes for strong allies. It is harder to hate someone who is not a stranger, who has not shared with you.

Several items have been supplied for auction to benefit the Scholars - a copy of the Atlas of the Northlands, which takes me months to complete; volumes one to three of the Forgotten Library series, including the only current copy of book three, Murder Masquerade; and some of my time, whether it be simply for company, or I do your taxes, or you ask me questions and I try to answer, or whatever. Bidding is still open but I believe will close in a few days, so do make your way to Whisper House to take a look soon.

Written By Oswyn

Dec. 8, 2021, 1:30 p.m.(9/16/1016 AR)

I have been told auctioning off a bit of my time at the Gala - for dinner, or something - is a good idea. I've decided to try it. I'll admit to being a bit dubious about the whole affair. What's the worst that could happen? Maybe someone could get a cheap deal on an Archscholar. I'm good at accounting. I could teach you how to use critical thinking to solve problems or solve a puzzle box for you.

Written By Oswyn

Dec. 6, 2021, 5:25 p.m.(9/13/1016 AR)

Sites for the new library initiative are slowly coming together. There's still room for one more proposal for the Lyceum as I understand it. The goal is twelve new libraries accessible to commoners across the Compact, two per fealty. I am very grateful for all the help contacting various leaders for proposals and permissions.

It's going to be a lot of paperwork. It's going to need a lot of funding, which is why I have asked Whisper House to hold a Gala on the Scholars' behalf. Come to our party and support the project. Or just dress up as a figure from a book. Or just come and enjoy the food and drink.

I'm still trying to figure out a costume. Maybe the ghostly swordsman from the Forgotten Library series. Those looking for inspiration should visit the Academy or Archives and do a bit of light reading.

Written By Oswyn

Oct. 25, 2021, 4:27 p.m.(6/13/1016 AR)

I keep thinking of people I should talk to. I'm writing it down as it comes to me. This is a big responsibility. When I was younger I used to dream of becoming Archscholar; as I got older, I realized how much work that would be, how much responsibility. I didn't think it would happen, but... here we are. I hope to prove worthy of the position.

There have been a multitude of very kind missives. Again, thank you to everyone who sent them along.

If anyone would like to talk about the Scholars with me, please let me know. I'm still rearranging the office but I'll make the time.

Written By Oswyn

Sept. 24, 2021, 2:16 p.m.(4/7/1016 AR)

So I'm going to scout at Bastion. I am perhaps not the most likely person to go, but my intent is to take care of those more robust than myself as a physician. Usually I try to keep out of the way in a fight. I hope I'm not a detriment to my team. Time to bring out the leathers again --- and a bandana? I look strange in a bandana but I'm sure I would look stranger with no head at all.

Written By Oswyn

Aug. 27, 2021, 2:11 p.m.(2/7/1016 AR)

With another Assembly drawing near I realize I have no idea what Godsworn wear to those. Regular clothes? Formal clothing? I have been living in my winter sweaters and they're so comfortable.

Written By Oswyn

July 11, 2021, 12:25 p.m.(10/25/1015 AR)

To do:
* Get a new hood made.
* Make another batch of soothing ointment.
* Avoid strenuous activity.
* Never sleep again.

Alright, maybe not that last part. But there are dreams I'm not looking forward to.

Written By Oswyn

Dec. 28, 2020, 1:33 p.m.(8/24/1014 AR)

I have decided to spend a bit of time at each of the thirteen shrines to meditate and talk to people visiting, if they don't mind humouring me. I've thought about taking Godsworn vows for some time. It's time to really dedicate some time to consideration.

Written By Oswyn

July 11, 2020, 7:05 a.m.(8/19/1013 AR)

I'm settling back into life in Arx well after my time spent teaching at Twinbridge. Shopkeeping is a delight. I had not quite forgotten the appeal of the rows of quills and inks and blank books and listening to the world go by from the counter as I work, catching glimpses through the open door.

And the people! While Twinbridge had no shortage of students, the passersby who stop at Scribing Supplies in Arx are many and varied. Subjects of conversation are similarly diverse. Someone often emerges having learned something new. Often that person is me.

Milton has done an excellent job with the shop in my absence and I am very grateful to him and his hard work. The shop has kept people supplied with affordable wares and will continue to do so. I look forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones.

Written By Oswyn

April 20, 2019, 6:26 a.m.(12/15/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Luca

Nox'alfar follies are certainly aptly named. Prince Luca was a help during dark times, and I will always be grateful for that.

Written By Oswyn

April 4, 2019, 9:53 a.m.(11/11/1010 AR)

I had a birthday recently; my nephew threw up on me, which is a thing babies do. It was quiet, which I liked.

The last year has been... interesting. There's always something new to learn. The shop is a quiet place to work and makes enough silver to function and then some. My assistants are all talented, dedicated people. I've gone on some expeditions. I became a Senior Scholar. I've made new friends.

Written By Oswyn

Feb. 11, 2019, 1:04 p.m.(7/20/1010 AR)

Welcome to the world, Barnabas Weaver. I shall try to be a very good uncle to you. Such books you'll have!

My sister Muriel is being forced to rest and is otherwise doing well. Sister, you just had a baby. You don't have to get back to it right away.

Written By Oswyn

Jan. 13, 2019, 9:59 p.m.(5/9/1010 AR)

I knew some of those scholars. I trusted some of those scholars.

I'm stunned. And shocked. And hurt.

I feel sick to my core.

Written By Oswyn

Dec. 12, 2018, 9:49 a.m.(2/28/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Arthen

It wouldn't be the first time I've heard that sentiment. Thank you! I'm not sure I would have delved so far if you weren't with me.

I started doing push-ups the not-on-your-knees way, too.

Written By Oswyn

Nov. 18, 2018, 8:29 p.m.(1/8/1010 AR)

I'm almost finished with the maps of the Northlands. I'm just going over them for the last time before I start binding them into the book. I'm a little tired of all the drawing and copying, to be honest, and I'll be glad when I'm finished. At least it was a break from copying Principia's Anatomy again.

Written By Oswyn

Nov. 17, 2018, 7:27 p.m.(1/6/1010 AR)

Scholar Leopold Daltius wrote a book about chivalric code and duty called Lonely Hearts: An Anthropological Study of Romance and Duty in the Oathlands. The other evening, I thought he was in Arx and holding an event to meet people. I went to get my book signed. I was very wrong. The chocolate fountain was very nice, though.

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