Written By Sparte
July 26, 2018, 4:42 p.m.(4/8/1009 AR)
Spent some time traveling in between all the madness to clear my mind, get a handle on what is important to me. I feel the vow I took to uphold the virtues of a knight is one of the three most important vows I've made in my life. It is an oath I will gladly carry until the end of my life, and that will require me to struggle with who I am so that I can be true to it. A struggle that will also be life long, but there is a certain peace in that acceptance.
I also had time to work on more awful puns and jokes. Apparently those are the two halves of my brain of late, duty and comedy.
I also had time to work on more awful puns and jokes. Apparently those are the two halves of my brain of late, duty and comedy.
Written By Sparte
July 25, 2018, 1:44 p.m.(4/6/1009 AR)
This week has left me with an ill wind. I feel as though I've tried to accomplish too much and too little. Have seen both too much success and too much failure. It draws attention, but it doesn't satisfy. It helps people, but the people hurt are more obvious.
It feels like a thousand stories all broken into lines and me with just one book to lay them out. If this week were a page it would be one jarring in the differences between the lines. Not a single line from my own ink.
Yet the book is mine, I allowed it to be written that way. Now it is my responsibility to make sense of it in the chapters to come.
It feels like a thousand stories all broken into lines and me with just one book to lay them out. If this week were a page it would be one jarring in the differences between the lines. Not a single line from my own ink.
Yet the book is mine, I allowed it to be written that way. Now it is my responsibility to make sense of it in the chapters to come.
Written By Sparte
July 23, 2018, 11:09 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Wylla
Am I doing this right? Will this show up in Archlector Wylla's journals? Alright, well, I usually write these myself. Should I - no? You have it? Okay then.
Tell her that I'm not really sure if the craftsmen can build a box into a wall or not. What? No, not a window Wilhelm, a box. Like a jewelry box. No I don't think there are any jewels inside of it.
Maybe they can just leave it at the shrine... Wilhelm, take a message for Wylla suggesting she accept it as a regular offering. I mean she asked for my advice, though it feels a bit like I'm out of my depth on what is or isn't a good offering.
Yes, Wilhelm. I'm sure. What do you - why are you still writing?!
Tell her that I'm not really sure if the craftsmen can build a box into a wall or not. What? No, not a window Wilhelm, a box. Like a jewelry box. No I don't think there are any jewels inside of it.
Maybe they can just leave it at the shrine... Wilhelm, take a message for Wylla suggesting she accept it as a regular offering. I mean she asked for my advice, though it feels a bit like I'm out of my depth on what is or isn't a good offering.
Yes, Wilhelm. I'm sure. What do you - why are you still writing?!
Written By Sparte
July 22, 2018, 11:04 p.m.(4/1/1009 AR)
Working on a revision to the Sigils collection. It is easier the second time, and the sigils are crisp and better formed than when I did it the first. The benefit of practice. I don't think this particular artistry will win me any accolades, but the books do need to be kept current to be of value.
Written By Sparte
July 21, 2018, 11:27 p.m.(3/27/1009 AR)
Tonight I fought Lady Joslyn in the Champions Tournament as people watched on. She with her hairpins, myself with my staff. The victory was my own, and I am officially in the finals of this tournament that Grandmaster Caspian has organized.
The final match is against Sir Jeffeth, whom I've had the pleasure of losing to once before. I will be honored to fight him again whatever the outcome. May this tournament be an honor to Gloria, and the tradition of the champions left stronger by it.
The final match is against Sir Jeffeth, whom I've had the pleasure of losing to once before. I will be honored to fight him again whatever the outcome. May this tournament be an honor to Gloria, and the tradition of the champions left stronger by it.
Written By Sparte
July 15, 2018, 2:09 p.m.(3/13/1009 AR)
New challenges bring new assignments. With the shift of authority for the safety of the lodge towards the Iron Guard, I went and opened my mouth. In military that is paramount to volunteering, so I was sumarily voluntold to organize efforts.
When those efforts became organized and it was clear it would be primarily mounted patrols of the surrounding regions of the Crownlands, I was moved from command of the Pike to command of the Calvary.
I am not at all troubled by these new duties, but it is a learning curve. The logistics involved in ensuring not just men but horses are well trained and supplied is a notably higher challenge. I gladly accept the guidance and experience of those veteran commanders used to working with mounted forces, should any wish to provide me such. I want to do my best for the men and women, and horses, under my new command.
When those efforts became organized and it was clear it would be primarily mounted patrols of the surrounding regions of the Crownlands, I was moved from command of the Pike to command of the Calvary.
I am not at all troubled by these new duties, but it is a learning curve. The logistics involved in ensuring not just men but horses are well trained and supplied is a notably higher challenge. I gladly accept the guidance and experience of those veteran commanders used to working with mounted forces, should any wish to provide me such. I want to do my best for the men and women, and horses, under my new command.
Written By Sparte
July 12, 2018, 12:09 p.m.(3/6/1009 AR)
For Skald - A rock's potential
A rock is at home when it rests
A calm existance, that might yet dream
Of sailing through the bright sky
Or being a castle's proud foundation
Stacked at the tip of a tall mountain
Or covered in moss in a beautiful canyon
A person uncaring might say it is just a rock
To be someting more takes but a moment
When it is something more to you
Written By Sparte
July 11, 2018, 3:11 p.m.(3/5/1009 AR)
After a his time in training as my understudy, Gene is finally ready. It was a pleasure having him as my student and I know we'll still be friends. I'll need to find someone else to help on their journey, I asked Wilhelm if he wanted to be a proper guardsman finally, but the thought of combat still makes the man light headed. It'll need to be someone else, or perhaps something else.
Written By Sparte
July 1, 2018, 10:34 p.m.(2/13/1009 AR)
I've been looking forward to this for some time, but it is strange to admit it is actually happening. I've met my mother's family, and they are good and true people by my measure. Now I travel to meet my father's. I'm uncertain how they will respond to me, or if they even knew of my birth. I'm determined to see it through and fortunate to have friends who will assist me.
I will also be taking one last trip to the Fatchforth farms, to see that family and give them the news. To show them thanks for all they've done to help me over the years. I know they'll understand, I just hope I can do them the kindness they deserve while I'm there.
I will also be taking one last trip to the Fatchforth farms, to see that family and give them the news. To show them thanks for all they've done to help me over the years. I know they'll understand, I just hope I can do them the kindness they deserve while I'm there.
Written By Sparte
June 30, 2018, 10:06 a.m.(2/10/1009 AR)
I write to reflect on myself as often as I write for any other reason. It has been a strange path my life has taken. I have friends I never expected to find, and enemies that were equally beyond my imagining a scant few years ago. I have found family and lost people I thought were unbreakable.
The bittersweet feeling of loss is profound some days, like this one. I just wake up with my mind on those who arn't here anymore, that I'd like to share with. Or worse, those who are still here but whose story has brought them to a far different place. Tears well up and want to escape, want to carry that pain away like the first tears did. Yet my tears do not carry my memories away with them. Those memories remain, and I must find a way to carry them in grace.
There are other times I find my eyes dry, my hands calm. In the face of loss or horrible things, I do not waver. Yet is that better? That numbness never happened until after the Silent War, and it grew more common after the Pirate War. I feel it is something to be frightened of, for what if one day I am numb entirely?
I talk to old soldiers, to veterans who've served as long as I've drawn breath. My struggle, my feelings, they arn't unique. They're painfully common. Most days are a balance between those two extremes, and I hope one day I will learn to keep my balance.
The bittersweet feeling of loss is profound some days, like this one. I just wake up with my mind on those who arn't here anymore, that I'd like to share with. Or worse, those who are still here but whose story has brought them to a far different place. Tears well up and want to escape, want to carry that pain away like the first tears did. Yet my tears do not carry my memories away with them. Those memories remain, and I must find a way to carry them in grace.
There are other times I find my eyes dry, my hands calm. In the face of loss or horrible things, I do not waver. Yet is that better? That numbness never happened until after the Silent War, and it grew more common after the Pirate War. I feel it is something to be frightened of, for what if one day I am numb entirely?
I talk to old soldiers, to veterans who've served as long as I've drawn breath. My struggle, my feelings, they arn't unique. They're painfully common. Most days are a balance between those two extremes, and I hope one day I will learn to keep my balance.
Written By Sparte
June 25, 2018, 2:39 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
I don't mind when people take some of the maps I've worked on and go exploring. I love it, I encourage it, there is so much in the world worth seeing and I certainly won't see it all myself.
If I could ask just one thing though, it would be to at least be told if my maps were right afterwards. Simple details, so I can improve my maps for the future and confirm things I havn't seen with my own eyes. To the benefit of other explorers.
If I could ask just one thing though, it would be to at least be told if my maps were right afterwards. Simple details, so I can improve my maps for the future and confirm things I havn't seen with my own eyes. To the benefit of other explorers.
Written By Sparte
June 23, 2018, 5:47 p.m.(1/24/1009 AR)
Tiny Tom took off to try to hunt down Highlord Victus' cat, best as I can tell. I caught her before she could actually make it to The Maw. This is getting really frustrating to deal with, I hope she gets over whatever rivalry the two have going on soon.
Written By Sparte
June 20, 2018, 11:30 a.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
What is the value of a stone, a prayer, a simple mark on rock?
It is the value it has been given, by those who make it and those who see it. By those who pray, who dream, who believe, and who doubt.
I hope. I am disinclined to believe hope gives any value, but I do it anyway. I wonder why that is? Is isn't quite belief, it isn't quite doubt. Hope is uncertainty without denial of possibility. Hope is potential.
I want these rocks, however small and varied, to have potential. I hope others will want the same.
It is the value it has been given, by those who make it and those who see it. By those who pray, who dream, who believe, and who doubt.
I hope. I am disinclined to believe hope gives any value, but I do it anyway. I wonder why that is? Is isn't quite belief, it isn't quite doubt. Hope is uncertainty without denial of possibility. Hope is potential.
I want these rocks, however small and varied, to have potential. I hope others will want the same.
Written By Sparte
June 18, 2018, 9:18 a.m.(1/14/1009 AR)
The stoat no longer outranks me.
I think that may be why she is pouting at me and trying to eat my quills today.
I think that may be why she is pouting at me and trying to eat my quills today.
Written By Sparte
June 17, 2018, 12:58 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
After some difficult consideration of the tasks I've taken on and the duties I carry, I have decided I need to step away from the Arvum Philosophical society, better known as The Salon.
I wish the organization success and growth, and I hope it becomes what I envisioned for it. Yet getting behind a group to push only goes so far if even the members don't feel it should be something greater. I will invest my efforts elsewhere.
I wish the organization success and growth, and I hope it becomes what I envisioned for it. Yet getting behind a group to push only goes so far if even the members don't feel it should be something greater. I will invest my efforts elsewhere.
Written By Sparte
June 17, 2018, 9:44 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Seasilk. I have no idea how you wash seasilk. Do you have to keep it out of the sun while drying? Does it matter if you scrub it, does it lose shape or discolor? Not what I expected to be learning.
Written By Sparte
June 14, 2018, 12:29 p.m.(12/25/1008 AR)
In the event of my death, I leave Deputy Commander Calaudrin the following.
All of my incomplete paperwork
All of my unfiled complete paperwork
My kitchens detail
All of Deputy Commander Calaudrin's incomplete paperwork that ended up on my desk
Three crates of unpeeled turnips
All of my incomplete paperwork
All of my unfiled complete paperwork
My kitchens detail
All of Deputy Commander Calaudrin's incomplete paperwork that ended up on my desk
Three crates of unpeeled turnips
Written By Sparte
June 8, 2018, 12:05 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Carnifex.
Whenever people talk about the Orthodoxy, they remember Carnifex Alor Valardin as the founder.
What does Carnifex mean, though? It doesn't seem to be a first name, it is placed in the name like a title. A title for what?
It feels like maybe I should already know this, but for some reason I keep drawing a blank.
Whenever people talk about the Orthodoxy, they remember Carnifex Alor Valardin as the founder.
What does Carnifex mean, though? It doesn't seem to be a first name, it is placed in the name like a title. A title for what?
It feels like maybe I should already know this, but for some reason I keep drawing a blank.
Written By Sparte
May 29, 2018, 1:03 p.m.(11/14/1008 AR)
Two of the senior members of the Iron Guard and various other important people around Arx are all leaving on a vacation. I understand several are leaving last wills in case they don't return.
I will be quite cross with all of those leaving if they don't make it back. I wish them safe travels, fair winds, and a wonderful story to bring back.
I will be quite cross with all of those leaving if they don't make it back. I wish them safe travels, fair winds, and a wonderful story to bring back.
Written By Sparte
May 28, 2018, 11:48 a.m.(11/12/1008 AR)
The Salon is an organization with many interpretations, like any other in Arx. It can be a force for enlightenment as much as ignorance.
I was recently accused of being an optimist to the point of foolishness, because I believe the efforts of The Salon were achieving their better self. That we were empowering people to ask questions, to seek answers, to recognize that the absence of an easy answer is not the same as there being no answer. Just not an answer we yet have, something worthy of more questions. Perhaps better questions.
Instead what was cited to me were events where people were shouted down for daring to disagree, where people declared 'winners' rather than acknowledging the value of the questions and perspectives posed. A notion that the results of the debates shouldn't be shared.
I find this troubling. I want to see The Salon be a force for the betterment of discussion in Arx and abroad, something that draws us together and pushes us forward.
I have not succeeded by myself at achieving those ends. I openly seek the help of others, both directly and through advice and guidance. I do not promise to follow the ideas of others, but I promise to listen.
I was recently accused of being an optimist to the point of foolishness, because I believe the efforts of The Salon were achieving their better self. That we were empowering people to ask questions, to seek answers, to recognize that the absence of an easy answer is not the same as there being no answer. Just not an answer we yet have, something worthy of more questions. Perhaps better questions.
Instead what was cited to me were events where people were shouted down for daring to disagree, where people declared 'winners' rather than acknowledging the value of the questions and perspectives posed. A notion that the results of the debates shouldn't be shared.
I find this troubling. I want to see The Salon be a force for the betterment of discussion in Arx and abroad, something that draws us together and pushes us forward.
I have not succeeded by myself at achieving those ends. I openly seek the help of others, both directly and through advice and guidance. I do not promise to follow the ideas of others, but I promise to listen.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.