Written By Rohran
Sept. 24, 2022, 12:30 a.m.(6/10/1018 AR)
"You know. I can pour my own tea." I will never forget these words until the day I die.
Written By Rohran
June 15, 2022, 1:25 p.m.(11/2/1017 AR)
Can naval tactics influence land warfare? Is the reverse true? Training the next generation of Compact military officers is an important duty, and one that we will perform at the Academy of War. While it is wisdom to say that there is nothing new under the sun, things evolve. We must evolve with them. We must instill the ability for officers to question the status quo, if they are to evolve.
Written By Rohran
June 13, 2022, 7:12 p.m.(10/27/1017 AR)
It is completed! I set a goal of personally crafting a set of armor fit for the glory of the Triad of Art and Science. I have succeeded! With Raja Culler's help, I have managed to create something truly special. Now all that is left is the consecration....
Written By Rohran
June 11, 2022, 1:51 p.m.(10/22/1017 AR)
A productive week.
With the nascent hostilities in the Mourning Isles, I fear that a contagion will spread. This contagion will take the form of banditry, supply issues, morale problems, and a general decay of good discipline and order. And then fighting. Small at first.
Then it will grow, like wildfire. That is my fear. I prepare the Hounds. I prepare myself.
With the nascent hostilities in the Mourning Isles, I fear that a contagion will spread. This contagion will take the form of banditry, supply issues, morale problems, and a general decay of good discipline and order. And then fighting. Small at first.
Then it will grow, like wildfire. That is my fear. I prepare the Hounds. I prepare myself.
Written By Rohran
June 7, 2022, 1:24 p.m.(10/14/1017 AR)
I just witnessed one of the most impressive (albeit bloodless) displays of martial ability I've seen, on or off the battlefield. I know, battle is not always about martial might. I know, my place is to lead, not engage in single combat. But I cannot help but be inspired to work harder. I will work to be a leader to be respected. Sweat. Blood. Toil. Those are the keys to leadership.
Written By Rohran
May 31, 2022, 4:30 p.m.(9/28/1017 AR)
I scribe this in honor of Marquessa Reigna Keaton. Her life was an inspiration to us all. Her loss is unimaginable pain.
Yearning and yearning in the hallowed halls
Noble grace of the house descends forlorn
Grave words spoken of dark ignoble deeds
Steadfast the house rises, to face lament
Our torn hearts of stone beat with love and loss
Yet mourning is not the end for us all
Grief fades to the sweet pure tone of a horn
A life well-lived transforms unto a seed
Carried by kin through a baleful fire, spent
To lay dormant and survive the cold frost
Yearning and yearning in the hallowed halls
Noble grace of the house descends forlorn
Grave words spoken of dark ignoble deeds
Steadfast the house rises, to face lament
Our torn hearts of stone beat with love and loss
Yet mourning is not the end for us all
Grief fades to the sweet pure tone of a horn
A life well-lived transforms unto a seed
Carried by kin through a baleful fire, spent
To lay dormant and survive the cold frost
Written By Rohran
May 30, 2022, 11:11 a.m.(9/26/1017 AR)
I awoke several days whence from a dream. Not feverish, but one of intense inspiration. The sign of the Triad of Arts and Science faded from my vision as my eyes adjusted. And then I saw it -- a vision of something to inspire all who see it -- a suit of armor.
Crimson armor, finished to represent the blood of all those who sacrifice. Fine inscriptions, art that walks with me, for Jayus. And in that art, images of illumination, books, learning, for Vellichor. It will be glorious.
I have found the proper smith to assist me in this. I will build it. With my own hands.
Crimson armor, finished to represent the blood of all those who sacrifice. Fine inscriptions, art that walks with me, for Jayus. And in that art, images of illumination, books, learning, for Vellichor. It will be glorious.
I have found the proper smith to assist me in this. I will build it. With my own hands.
Written By Rohran
May 28, 2022, 7:42 p.m.(9/23/1017 AR)
I had met Lady Tesha in passing before, but we shared a lovely meal and conversation today. Something she said inspired me to pen this:
Swimming in Moonlight
Bright silken moonlight coldy burns
Onto the courtyard of her desolation
In a perfect frozen circle
Shivering, yearning for warmth
Icy winter water waits for spring’s heat
When cold silver fire gives way to sun
Serene golden scales glimmer
Sleepy peace awakens to live
Swimming in Moonlight
Bright silken moonlight coldy burns
Onto the courtyard of her desolation
In a perfect frozen circle
Shivering, yearning for warmth
Icy winter water waits for spring’s heat
When cold silver fire gives way to sun
Serene golden scales glimmer
Sleepy peace awakens to live
Written By Rohran
May 27, 2022, 4:55 p.m.(9/20/1017 AR)
Two entries on one day! I should find pore productive uses of my time.
I had a fantastic chat today with Lord Cahal yesterday over tea. He reminded of something I had jotted down whilst in the Oathlands...oh, a year ago, now. A scrap of a poetic verse. But I had never penned it, until now. It seems relevant, as I talk to the people of Arx about the past, and what we've lost.
On Seeking Knowledge
The bin of knowledge bloats
Dark gods suck it dry
Mankind cannot yield
Mankind cannot fall
To thirst, to strive, to drink, to thrive!
To seek, to learn, for new knowledge burns!
The bin of knowledge shrinks
Dark Gods’ bellies full
Mankind cannot dwell
Mankind cannot gain
To thirst, to strive, to drink, to thrive!
To seek, to learn, for lost knowledge burns!
I had a fantastic chat today with Lord Cahal yesterday over tea. He reminded of something I had jotted down whilst in the Oathlands...oh, a year ago, now. A scrap of a poetic verse. But I had never penned it, until now. It seems relevant, as I talk to the people of Arx about the past, and what we've lost.
On Seeking Knowledge
The bin of knowledge bloats
Dark gods suck it dry
Mankind cannot yield
Mankind cannot fall
To thirst, to strive, to drink, to thrive!
To seek, to learn, for new knowledge burns!
The bin of knowledge shrinks
Dark Gods’ bellies full
Mankind cannot dwell
Mankind cannot gain
To thirst, to strive, to drink, to thrive!
To seek, to learn, for lost knowledge burns!
Written By Rohran
May 27, 2022, 4:50 p.m.(9/20/1017 AR)
My return to Arx and Keaton Hall has been both more busy than I had anticipated and more consequential. I leave my army encamped outside the city and after spending so much time with them over the past two years, it feels odd to be moving about without armor. To not be constantly worried about an ambush. To sleep in Keaton Hall instead of whatever quarters (or tent) I happen to occupy that night.
People have changed in my absence. Or, perhaps, I am the one who has changed.
The river Time flows swiftly past
Men change; whither shall they flee
For memory’s loss we lament
Mind cast back to youth we see
People have changed in my absence. Or, perhaps, I am the one who has changed.
The river Time flows swiftly past
Men change; whither shall they flee
For memory’s loss we lament
Mind cast back to youth we see
Written By Rohran
June 24, 2018, 5:39 p.m.(1/26/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
As sure as Sir Norwood Clement is one of the most dutiful and capable men I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing take to the field of battle, so too is Marie the finest cook I have ever had the pleasure of dining under. I second this honorable man's assessment of her skill in the kitchen. No matter the day, I am made whole once more after she feeds me.
I could go on and on, but I won't, for the sake of saving myself some embarrassment.
I could go on and on, but I won't, for the sake of saving myself some embarrassment.
Written By Rohran
June 24, 2018, 3:32 p.m.(1/26/1009 AR)
There is something to be said for having your family close to you, people you can depend on, that you can trust, even when the enemies of the Compact seem to be surfacing in greater numbers, as the world grows stranger and stranger than you ever could have imagined it is. That is saying something, considering how strange a place the world can feel, sometimes.
I count myself thankful for being a Keaton, for knowing the strong bonds of trust that are shared in this family.
Yes, there is something to be said for having your family close to you.
I count myself thankful for being a Keaton, for knowing the strong bonds of trust that are shared in this family.
Yes, there is something to be said for having your family close to you.
Written By Rohran
June 10, 2018, 8:28 p.m.(12/18/1008 AR)
There is no season I appreciate more than this season. Though life, as will tend to happen, has been full of rises and falls, there is always something distinct about this time of the year, for me. Something that invokes the sort of nostalgia which warms the heart, but also the sort of wonder which intrigues it.
It almost escapes me for words, though I try.
I can say, thankfully, that life has been more rise than fall as of late. Taking a permanent residence in Arx, closer to family, was a good decision. I should never have vacillated so long on it.
There are difficulties ahead. I would be remiss to forget that, but none which hold weight against the potential for happiness I have found, both in relationships with others and with myself.
It almost escapes me for words, though I try.
I can say, thankfully, that life has been more rise than fall as of late. Taking a permanent residence in Arx, closer to family, was a good decision. I should never have vacillated so long on it.
There are difficulties ahead. I would be remiss to forget that, but none which hold weight against the potential for happiness I have found, both in relationships with others and with myself.
Written By Rohran
June 3, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
If you could only leave one piece of advice for your children, what would you tell them?
Written By Rohran
May 27, 2018, 6:47 p.m.(11/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
As long as we're still in the same month, I would say it isn't too late to guilt Veronica into a nice dress and tea. I say this, of course, only in the interest of your birthday being celebrated just as you would wish it, cousin. There is no ulterior motive here, to see my sister sitting uncomfortably in a dress and having tea.
Written By Rohran
May 21, 2018, 2:57 p.m.(10/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I'm not even pregnant and I feel as if I could put away a plate of fried potatoes with goat cheese and plum preserves.
I really have been out of touch with food for too long.
I just stopped in to copy down a few missives for posterity's sake, and now I'm hungry.
I really have been out of touch with food for too long.
I just stopped in to copy down a few missives for posterity's sake, and now I'm hungry.
Written By Rohran
May 20, 2018, 1:13 p.m.(10/11/1008 AR)
What do you wish for your children?
I find myself often reflecting on this question.
I find myself often reflecting on this question.
Written By Rohran
May 19, 2018, 11:10 a.m.(10/9/1008 AR)
Though I struggled against going, at first, the Sailor's Ball was a wonderful thing. My first outing since having returned to Arx, not so long ago. The games were fun to watch, the quality of the conversation was worth a whole conversation unto itself, and the company I kept was by and far the best in the room. If the other gatherings in this city have as much character as this one did, I may actually end up being far more social than I'd ever intended. Time will tell.
Written By Rohran
May 17, 2018, 10:46 a.m.(10/5/1008 AR)
I have come to Arx, finally, for something lengthier than just a short visit. I've seen that much has changed since my last visit, which was before Keaton Hall was built. I am proud of the place that Count Kael and Countess Reigna have carved out of this city for their family. Hearing of it in missives does not do it the justice it deserves. That I have arrived on the cusp of Autumn no doubt enhances the experience, as I always find my spirits rise higher in the season.
My road was long, but my welcome has been warm. I look forward to seeing what unusual adventures await me here, but most of all I look forward to growing closer to family I have mostly known through missives for so long now.
Now if only I could find that sister of mine..
My road was long, but my welcome has been warm. I look forward to seeing what unusual adventures await me here, but most of all I look forward to growing closer to family I have mostly known through missives for so long now.
Now if only I could find that sister of mine..
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.