Written By Piccola
July 19, 2020, 8:28 p.m.(9/8/1013 AR)
The true warrior honors her virtuous nature, and maintains constant inquiry and study. She seeks to carry her nature out to its breadth and greatness, so as to omit none of the more exquisite and minute points which it embraces. She desires only to raise it to its greatest height and brilliancy, so as to serve the Nation for which she swears all oaths.
The true warrior cherishes old knowledge, and is continually acquiring the new. She exerts an honest, generous earnestness, in the esteem and practice of all propriety. Thus, when occupying a high situation she is not proud, and in a low situation she is not insubordinate. When the Nation is well governed, she is sure by her words to rise; and when it is ill-governed, she is sure by her silence to command forbearance to herself.
It is the way of the true warrior to prefer the concealment of her virtue, while it daily becomes more illustrious; it is the way of the craven to seek notoriety, while he daily goes more and more to ruin. She knows how what is distant lies in what is near. She knows where the wind proceeds from. And she knows how what is minute becomes manifested.
The true warrior examines her heart, that there may be nothing wrong there, and that she may have no cause for dissatisfaction with herself. That wherein the true warrior cannot be equaled is simply this: her work which other people cannot see.
The true warrior cherishes old knowledge, and is continually acquiring the new. She exerts an honest, generous earnestness, in the esteem and practice of all propriety. Thus, when occupying a high situation she is not proud, and in a low situation she is not insubordinate. When the Nation is well governed, she is sure by her words to rise; and when it is ill-governed, she is sure by her silence to command forbearance to herself.
It is the way of the true warrior to prefer the concealment of her virtue, while it daily becomes more illustrious; it is the way of the craven to seek notoriety, while he daily goes more and more to ruin. She knows how what is distant lies in what is near. She knows where the wind proceeds from. And she knows how what is minute becomes manifested.
The true warrior examines her heart, that there may be nothing wrong there, and that she may have no cause for dissatisfaction with herself. That wherein the true warrior cannot be equaled is simply this: her work which other people cannot see.
Written By Piccola
July 18, 2020, 2:09 a.m.(9/5/1013 AR)
The way which a warrior pursues, reaches wide and far, and yet is secret. Common men and women, however ignorant, may meddle with the knowledge of it; yet in its utmost reaches, there is that which even the wisest sage does not know. Common men and women, however much below the ordinary standard of character, can carry it into practice; yet in its utmost reaches, there is that which even the wisest sage is not able to carry into practice. As great as their faith may be, men still find some things in them with which to be dissatisfied.
Consequently, were the warrior to speak of his way in all its greatness, nothing in the world would be found able to embrace it, and were she to speak of it in its minuteness, nothing in the world would be found able to split it.
Consequently, were the warrior to speak of his way in all its greatness, nothing in the world would be found able to embrace it, and were she to speak of it in its minuteness, nothing in the world would be found able to split it.
Written By Piccola
July 16, 2020, 10:38 a.m.(9/1/1013 AR)
When a warrior eats she should not try to stuff herself. At rest she does not seek perfect comfort. In speech and work she is diligent and careful. But, most importantly, when she is in error she immediately corrects herself.
So it is in archery: when the archer misses the center of the target, she turns round and seeks for the cause of her failure in herself.
So it is in archery: when the archer misses the center of the target, she turns round and seeks for the cause of her failure in herself.
Written By Piccola
July 14, 2020, 8:17 a.m.(8/25/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Esme
The victor always gets to write history.
Written By Piccola
July 12, 2020, 7:59 p.m.(8/22/1013 AR)
War is but an attempt to establish new relations among states, and through the destruction or at least the dismemberment of all them to create new political bodies. These cannot, either internally or externally, maintain themselves and must suffer revolution and change until finally, through the best possible civic constitution and common agreement and legislation in external affairs, a state is created that can maintain itself automatically.
By mutual interest, people unite against violence and war. The spirit of trade cannot coexist with war, and sooner or later this spirit dominates every people. For among all those powers that belong to a nation, financial power may be the most reliable in forcing nations to pursue the noble cause of peace and wherever in the world war threatens to break out, they will try to head it off through mediation, just as if they were permanently allied for this purpose.
By mutual interest, people unite against violence and war. The spirit of trade cannot coexist with war, and sooner or later this spirit dominates every people. For among all those powers that belong to a nation, financial power may be the most reliable in forcing nations to pursue the noble cause of peace and wherever in the world war threatens to break out, they will try to head it off through mediation, just as if they were permanently allied for this purpose.
Written By Piccola
July 11, 2020, 3:35 p.m.(8/20/1013 AR)
We are not born for ourselves alone, but for our nation and our friends. As everything which a nation produces is for the benefit of its people, so to is everyone born to the wealth of the nation. Consequently, we should as much serve ourselves as we do others, and to interchange acts of giving and kindness, by our skill, our industry, and our talents, thus creating a foundation on which the Compact may rest forever.
Written By Piccola
July 10, 2020, 8:26 p.m.(8/18/1013 AR)
A House that perseveres in war beyond a certain limit ought to know the consequences. Others with less pertinacity have been wiped out of existence. Survive and persevere. That is the focus of war.
My knowledge of pain taught me not to be afraid. And just as in dueling when you must concentrate on your enemy's cheek, so, too, in war. You cannot waste time on feinting and sidestepping. You must decide on your target and go in.
For our enemies, war they have chosen. Other simpler remedies were within their choice. They wanted war, and I say let us give them all they want; not a word of argument, not a sign of let up, no cave in till we are destroyed or they are.
My knowledge of pain taught me not to be afraid. And just as in dueling when you must concentrate on your enemy's cheek, so, too, in war. You cannot waste time on feinting and sidestepping. You must decide on your target and go in.
For our enemies, war they have chosen. Other simpler remedies were within their choice. They wanted war, and I say let us give them all they want; not a word of argument, not a sign of let up, no cave in till we are destroyed or they are.
Written By Piccola
July 4, 2020, 7:30 p.m.(8/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Magnus
If what you say is true, Lord Marquis, then it serves all to remember the baseness of war.
War is the true nurse of a noble's self-aggrandizement. For a nation in war: an army is to be created and directed by its lord's will; the public treasures are unlocked and used by its lord's will; the honors and emoluments of office are multiplied and subject to its lord's will; and the patronage and spoils for the victorious are reaped and enjoyed at its lord's will. In war, by our praise and beliefs, laurels are gathered and bestowed to whom prevails. And so, it is obvious that the strongest passions and most dangerous weaknesses -- ambition, avarice, vanity, pride -- are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace.
When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men and woman observe no bounds of moderation. Any suggestion of wounded pride or instigation of resentment will carry a nation to any extremes necessary to avenge the affront or to avoid the disgrace of submission. For those in the Compact who bend to the Thirteen's traditions is there a fragile peace in the form of honorable resolution, but outside of the same boundaries there is no such satisfaction. And for so long as there are those who will not follow such paths the art of war shall always be an important element of statesmanship, one that is often forgotten in the intrigues of politics in peace-time.
Peace or war will not always be left to our option, and however moderate or unambitious we may be, we cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the ambition, of others.
War is the true nurse of a noble's self-aggrandizement. For a nation in war: an army is to be created and directed by its lord's will; the public treasures are unlocked and used by its lord's will; the honors and emoluments of office are multiplied and subject to its lord's will; and the patronage and spoils for the victorious are reaped and enjoyed at its lord's will. In war, by our praise and beliefs, laurels are gathered and bestowed to whom prevails. And so, it is obvious that the strongest passions and most dangerous weaknesses -- ambition, avarice, vanity, pride -- are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace.
When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men and woman observe no bounds of moderation. Any suggestion of wounded pride or instigation of resentment will carry a nation to any extremes necessary to avenge the affront or to avoid the disgrace of submission. For those in the Compact who bend to the Thirteen's traditions is there a fragile peace in the form of honorable resolution, but outside of the same boundaries there is no such satisfaction. And for so long as there are those who will not follow such paths the art of war shall always be an important element of statesmanship, one that is often forgotten in the intrigues of politics in peace-time.
Peace or war will not always be left to our option, and however moderate or unambitious we may be, we cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the ambition, of others.
Written By Piccola
July 3, 2020, 6:58 p.m.(8/4/1013 AR)
War is a biological necessity of the first importance, a regulative element in the life of mankind which cannot be dispensed with. It is not only a biological law but a moral obligation and, as such, an indispensable factor in civilization. It automatically sets in motion throughout society those irresistible forces seeking progress and perfection as a defense against the barbarous ends our foes seek for us.
Written By Piccola
July 3, 2020, 6:52 p.m.(8/4/1013 AR)
To take something from a person and keep it for oneself is robbery.
To take something from one person and then turn it over to another in exchange for as much money as you can get is business.
Robbery is stupid because it is satisfied with a single, frequently dangerous profit; whereas in business it can be doubled without danger.
To take something from one person and then turn it over to another in exchange for as much money as you can get is business.
Robbery is stupid because it is satisfied with a single, frequently dangerous profit; whereas in business it can be doubled without danger.
Written By Piccola
July 1, 2020, 3:21 p.m.(7/28/1013 AR)
A noble is best when people barely know that she exist; not so good when people obey and acclaim her; and worst when people despise her. A noble who fails to honor people shall never be honored. For the nation is most prosperous when the work is done, the aims fulfilled, and the people will take all the credit, not when its nobles scramble for the acknowledgment of having done their duty.
Written By Piccola
June 30, 2020, 9:05 p.m.(7/26/1013 AR)
Monsters often make their victims believe that they are somehow responsible for their own fate.
The danger of tolerating any hurtful behavior is that it can all too quickly become the norm. If we allow ourselves to get away with anything we know to be destructive without taking responsibility for the gravity of what we have done, we are that much more likely to minimize the offense. And once the actions are justified, they are more likely to be repeated.
And not just by us, the violent; by them, the victim. Angry remarks or aggressive actions can both provoke and be used to justify retaliatory actions that may be more dangerous, like pushing and shoving someone down the stairs. And when that violence cannot be aimed at another, it is aimed at ourselves, until we are but a shell of what we once were.
I hate monsters.
The danger of tolerating any hurtful behavior is that it can all too quickly become the norm. If we allow ourselves to get away with anything we know to be destructive without taking responsibility for the gravity of what we have done, we are that much more likely to minimize the offense. And once the actions are justified, they are more likely to be repeated.
And not just by us, the violent; by them, the victim. Angry remarks or aggressive actions can both provoke and be used to justify retaliatory actions that may be more dangerous, like pushing and shoving someone down the stairs. And when that violence cannot be aimed at another, it is aimed at ourselves, until we are but a shell of what we once were.
I hate monsters.
Written By Piccola
June 28, 2020, 1:06 p.m.(7/22/1013 AR)
In my travels, I met a man who told me of three rules:
1. The more prohibitions that are imposed on the people, the poorer they become.
2. The more laws that exist, the more thieves shall arise.
3. The more tightly you hold onto things, the more things will slip through your fingers.
So it is that the freedom of every individual is only the reflection of their own humanity, but that humanity strains and yearns for release from bondage.
1. The more prohibitions that are imposed on the people, the poorer they become.
2. The more laws that exist, the more thieves shall arise.
3. The more tightly you hold onto things, the more things will slip through your fingers.
So it is that the freedom of every individual is only the reflection of their own humanity, but that humanity strains and yearns for release from bondage.
Written By Piccola
June 27, 2020, 12:21 p.m.(7/20/1013 AR)
I met a man who, by his personal drive and industry, seeks to make a comfortable life for himself, and I immediately admired him.
It occurred to me that the source of the misery of human life arises from over-rating the difference between one situation and another. Avarice over-rates the difference between poverty and riches; ambition, that between a private and a public station; vain-glory, that between obscurity and extensive reputation. Anyone under the influence of any of those extravagant passions is not only miserable in his actual situation, but is often disposed to disturb the peace of society in order to arrive at that which he so foolishly admires. However, the slightest observation might satisfy him, that, in all the ordinary situations of human life, a well-disposed mind may be equally calm, equally cheerful, and equally contented. Some of those situations may, no doubt, deserve to be preferred to others; however, none can deserve to be pursued with that passionate ardor which drives us to violate the rules either of prudence or of justice.
So it was that this man, who had neither title nor even patron to recommend him, came to me by invitation, and provided to me the theory above. He sought neither riches nor station nor reputation beyond his own skill. And while I await the quality of his work, scholar, it was his desire for self-determination that caught my eye and ear.
May Gild bless him.
It occurred to me that the source of the misery of human life arises from over-rating the difference between one situation and another. Avarice over-rates the difference between poverty and riches; ambition, that between a private and a public station; vain-glory, that between obscurity and extensive reputation. Anyone under the influence of any of those extravagant passions is not only miserable in his actual situation, but is often disposed to disturb the peace of society in order to arrive at that which he so foolishly admires. However, the slightest observation might satisfy him, that, in all the ordinary situations of human life, a well-disposed mind may be equally calm, equally cheerful, and equally contented. Some of those situations may, no doubt, deserve to be preferred to others; however, none can deserve to be pursued with that passionate ardor which drives us to violate the rules either of prudence or of justice.
So it was that this man, who had neither title nor even patron to recommend him, came to me by invitation, and provided to me the theory above. He sought neither riches nor station nor reputation beyond his own skill. And while I await the quality of his work, scholar, it was his desire for self-determination that caught my eye and ear.
May Gild bless him.
Written By Piccola
June 25, 2020, 12:54 a.m.(7/15/1013 AR)
Some people think they can find satisfaction in good food, fine clothes, lively music, and sexual pleasure; what happens when all these are provided?
Unsatisfied, they realize happiness is not simply having their material needs met. So, they create a system of rewards that go beyond material goods: titles, prestige, status, and political power, all of which are put into a basket known as self-fulfillment. Seeking to possess this by lucre and social pressure, they spend their short lives tiring body and mind to chase after these goals.
And in the end, they can no longer act, feel, or think for themselves; how different is this from the life of a prisoner?
Unsatisfied, they realize happiness is not simply having their material needs met. So, they create a system of rewards that go beyond material goods: titles, prestige, status, and political power, all of which are put into a basket known as self-fulfillment. Seeking to possess this by lucre and social pressure, they spend their short lives tiring body and mind to chase after these goals.
And in the end, they can no longer act, feel, or think for themselves; how different is this from the life of a prisoner?
Written By Piccola
June 21, 2020, 8:35 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
In response to the venerable Sword of the Faith, I acknowledge and respect that there is always an element of risk with every battle. But when I write that a successful general has already won her battle before taking the field, I mean that such general has prepared and positioned herself to the fullest extent so as to minimize that risk. I concede that her experience in battle may outstrip my own, and that her prowess at arms may be unparalleled; however, my words come not from thoughts or conjecture, but from my own experience, as modest and humble as it may be.
In response to the valiant Warchief of House Redrain, I acknowledge and respect that all victories are hard-won. But when I write that a victory with ease is the acme of a general's skill, I mean that such victories come to a general as if easy. To say that any battle is easy is so clearly erroneous that I would not think any would believe it so; however, I have seen myself the most successful generals seem to win battle after battle with such grace and composure that it seemed to me very much that it came easy to them.
And in response to the majestic Grandmaster of the Templars, I acknowledge and respect that Gloria demands that we face our enemies with courage and honesty. But when I write that all warfare is deception, I mean that the art of war requires a good general to keep close her the tactics by which she intends to defeat her enemy, lest her enemy prepare itself. It is all well and good to announce one's intention to take an enemy's camp; however, the method by which a general intends to take it is a secret whose truth risks the lives of her men, and therefore must be cloaked and concealed.
I will say plainly that I have never had the honor or pleasure to have ever ridden with any of these luminaries onto the field. What advice could I give to them which would make them consider what I have to say? I only know and believe that which I have seen, smelled, and heard. I have tasted the mud and blood more times than I care to remember. I have cut short screams of pain and surprise in the fading twilight. I have run from battle more often than I have engaged in it, for I find no honor in letting my men die to satisfy my pride; however, when I choose to fight, I do so only when I have done everything I can to safeguard the lives of those who fight for me.
A wiser person than I once told me that a good general never suggests war as a means of peace, but because war will always come it is the duty of a general to constantly prepare. It is in that spirit of preparation that I hope to be able to discuss matters of warfare with others in the future.
In response to the valiant Warchief of House Redrain, I acknowledge and respect that all victories are hard-won. But when I write that a victory with ease is the acme of a general's skill, I mean that such victories come to a general as if easy. To say that any battle is easy is so clearly erroneous that I would not think any would believe it so; however, I have seen myself the most successful generals seem to win battle after battle with such grace and composure that it seemed to me very much that it came easy to them.
And in response to the majestic Grandmaster of the Templars, I acknowledge and respect that Gloria demands that we face our enemies with courage and honesty. But when I write that all warfare is deception, I mean that the art of war requires a good general to keep close her the tactics by which she intends to defeat her enemy, lest her enemy prepare itself. It is all well and good to announce one's intention to take an enemy's camp; however, the method by which a general intends to take it is a secret whose truth risks the lives of her men, and therefore must be cloaked and concealed.
I will say plainly that I have never had the honor or pleasure to have ever ridden with any of these luminaries onto the field. What advice could I give to them which would make them consider what I have to say? I only know and believe that which I have seen, smelled, and heard. I have tasted the mud and blood more times than I care to remember. I have cut short screams of pain and surprise in the fading twilight. I have run from battle more often than I have engaged in it, for I find no honor in letting my men die to satisfy my pride; however, when I choose to fight, I do so only when I have done everything I can to safeguard the lives of those who fight for me.
A wiser person than I once told me that a good general never suggests war as a means of peace, but because war will always come it is the duty of a general to constantly prepare. It is in that spirit of preparation that I hope to be able to discuss matters of warfare with others in the future.
Written By Piccola
June 19, 2020, 9:41 p.m.(7/4/1013 AR)
I have taken a couple of days, after having spoken with a Princess of House Valardin, to think about honor.
All warfare is deception. A successful general has already won the battle before taking the field. Victory with ease is the acme of a general's skill.
I am electing to remain silent as to my thoughts on the truth of honor.
All warfare is deception. A successful general has already won the battle before taking the field. Victory with ease is the acme of a general's skill.
I am electing to remain silent as to my thoughts on the truth of honor.
Written By Piccola
June 17, 2020, 8:17 a.m.(6/27/1013 AR)
I spent years walking through life without any family. Now that I have reconnected with them, however, I cannot imagine how I got by without them. And hearing that another must do the same, I can feel the terror from so many years ago come down upon me.
Written By Piccola
June 13, 2020, 9:12 p.m.(6/20/1013 AR)
The general that treats her soldiers as if they were her family will find them following her into the deepest valley.
This is one of the basic tenets of leadership for those who have stepped on the battlefield, but it is not always applied away from it. Those who play as leaders on paper can be tyrants behind villa gates. Those obligated to lead often do so through force instead of example, and expect their people to follow out of fear rather than inspiration.
And in the Compact, leaders rise through blood or tradition, neither of which matter in war.
This is one of the basic tenets of leadership for those who have stepped on the battlefield, but it is not always applied away from it. Those who play as leaders on paper can be tyrants behind villa gates. Those obligated to lead often do so through force instead of example, and expect their people to follow out of fear rather than inspiration.
And in the Compact, leaders rise through blood or tradition, neither of which matter in war.
Written By Piccola
June 11, 2020, 8:28 p.m.(6/16/1013 AR)
Today is the day that my brother returned.
He was not around when our father was murdered. Or when our mother lost her mind. Or when I was turned out of the court. Or when I had to scrap and fight for fallen crumbs. Or when I took my first job. Or when I took my first lover. Or when I lost my first friend.
He was never there. I hated him for it, but I learned to bear it. I figured he was gone to another land or dead; either way, he would never be there, and I could never rely upon him.
And then he shows up at my doorstep, and all of the walls I put up to keep my thoughts away have broken.
He was not around when our father was murdered. Or when our mother lost her mind. Or when I was turned out of the court. Or when I had to scrap and fight for fallen crumbs. Or when I took my first job. Or when I took my first lover. Or when I lost my first friend.
He was never there. I hated him for it, but I learned to bear it. I figured he was gone to another land or dead; either way, he would never be there, and I could never rely upon him.
And then he shows up at my doorstep, and all of the walls I put up to keep my thoughts away have broken.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.