Written By Thorley
March 22, 2018, 6:59 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Violet
They are impossible words to say once upon a time.. but now I say them freely and easily.
You are my wife, Violet Marjawn. And I can't wait to share our lifetimes together.
You are my wife, Violet Marjawn. And I can't wait to share our lifetimes together.
Written By Shard
March 22, 2018, 6:47 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I don't think any of us were shocked. Like I said, this is extremely common. Maybe I was a little surprised that it started up before the bodies are even in the ground or on the pyre, before we've even finished notifying families, but shocked?
You both act as though you were the only ones to sacrifice out there. As if the Faith were alone in standing against the enemy, and you all did the rest of us a great big favor in doing so, as if you weren't standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the Compact, with every single House, Crownsworn, noble and commoner, Compact-born and prodigal, devout, shaman, and I guarantee you entirely faithless soldiers, every last one dying by the thousands because the Gyre's men and monsters did not give one single shit who they were killing or how brave they were or what they were worshiping or how. By all means, praise your people and the things they did, by all accounts they deserve that and more, but you don't do your dead any honor by stepping on the ones they died alongside or died to protect.
You've seen the casualty reports. The entire Compact is grieving. I watched the detachment of Valardin calvary in Setarco lose half of their entire number in a single charge, but somehow they've refrained from writing about how Setarco was unworthy of their presence. Most of the people Thesarin took north didn't return. Mercenary casualties are always high, given how we're deployed. All of Stormwall is homeless. The Seliki fleet is simply gone.
You talk about understanding, and then you talk about how shamanism 'tweaks your noses' by existing. She talks about unity, and then she says anyone who doesn't pray to the gods should be 'made to see the error of their ways'. Before I left to war, I wrote that I wasn't a crusader, and I wasn't fighting a crusade, even if I was fighting on the side of the gods. I said I didn't want to be mistaken for that if I died. This is why. You talk out of both sides of your mouths, and as soon as the real enemy is out of sight, you start eyeing up your allies, even the ones that absolutely do worship the gods and do follow your Faith, as most Compact shamans I've met do, because they don't do it exactly the way you want them to. And in the meantime, you pay bare lip service to one of your gods while completely ignoring everything he represents, since that's damned inconvenient when it comes to controlling everything around you.
You both act as though you were the only ones to sacrifice out there. As if the Faith were alone in standing against the enemy, and you all did the rest of us a great big favor in doing so, as if you weren't standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the Compact, with every single House, Crownsworn, noble and commoner, Compact-born and prodigal, devout, shaman, and I guarantee you entirely faithless soldiers, every last one dying by the thousands because the Gyre's men and monsters did not give one single shit who they were killing or how brave they were or what they were worshiping or how. By all means, praise your people and the things they did, by all accounts they deserve that and more, but you don't do your dead any honor by stepping on the ones they died alongside or died to protect.
You've seen the casualty reports. The entire Compact is grieving. I watched the detachment of Valardin calvary in Setarco lose half of their entire number in a single charge, but somehow they've refrained from writing about how Setarco was unworthy of their presence. Most of the people Thesarin took north didn't return. Mercenary casualties are always high, given how we're deployed. All of Stormwall is homeless. The Seliki fleet is simply gone.
You talk about understanding, and then you talk about how shamanism 'tweaks your noses' by existing. She talks about unity, and then she says anyone who doesn't pray to the gods should be 'made to see the error of their ways'. Before I left to war, I wrote that I wasn't a crusader, and I wasn't fighting a crusade, even if I was fighting on the side of the gods. I said I didn't want to be mistaken for that if I died. This is why. You talk out of both sides of your mouths, and as soon as the real enemy is out of sight, you start eyeing up your allies, even the ones that absolutely do worship the gods and do follow your Faith, as most Compact shamans I've met do, because they don't do it exactly the way you want them to. And in the meantime, you pay bare lip service to one of your gods while completely ignoring everything he represents, since that's damned inconvenient when it comes to controlling everything around you.
Written By Preston
March 22, 2018, 5:46 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Terese
I am surprised that what Princess Terese said shocked so many. Was it some secret that the Faith does not think errant worship to be, well, errant? And that we class shamanism, the worship of spirits, to be that? Look closely at the treaties - we grant toleration but not acceptance of those practices. Nor blessing. Where you see the lightning from the spirits, we see the work of Mangata to rid her waves of the enemy. Where you see the work of the spirits of the forest, we see the blessed touch of Petrichor, guiding and warding over his flock just as he tends to the forest. Where shamanism seeks harmony with the Faith, it will find it - but that learning and bending must go both ways. It cannot always expect compromise when its proponents so quickly jump to offense and aggression and revel in their 'otherness'.
Terese did not call out Shamanism by name, that is something others took from it - so clearly to read that into her comments, even if she did not intend it (and I do not know for I have not spoken to her), they knew of views when they accepted the help, and death, of fully half of the Templar order to preserve their lands. Perhaps it was crass, but there is sorrow driving that - a Princess in her first command saw three quarters of its number gone. Each of those faces, those names, will be seared on her heart. Each a small dagger that seems to wound her again with each beat of that heart. I know because I bear 50,000 such wounds.
Let none of us pretend we do not know the others view of us - that is the politics of children. There is no love lost between the Oathlands Orthodoxy, between the whole Faith, and the shamans. That goes both ways, Shamans in Arx have always enjoyed tweaking the nose of Legates and Archlectors with their difference and protections - certainly something that can be entertaining for those of us who grew up under the robes of the Archlectors and who ourselves enjoyed thinking up creative obstinancies and obscure points of theology to annoy them. But hardly an approach that will build understanding. So, let us see Stormwall as a new chance for that, and if in sorrow people show that we are not yet there, then let us try to be understanding.
As for the rest, yes Prince Edain advances toleration, but unless I missed a small coup, he has not declared himself Seraph of Sanctum yet. The treaty signed after the Northern Crusade grants toleration to those shamans of the Redrain. The toleration shown to those who have moved into other fealties is something that has been quietly allowed by then-Dominus Fawkuhl and Dominus Aldwin. It will come with growing pains, and obviously I hope they will bend to our culture, and accept true worship. The rest is policy, which is far beyond my station.
Terese did not call out Shamanism by name, that is something others took from it - so clearly to read that into her comments, even if she did not intend it (and I do not know for I have not spoken to her), they knew of views when they accepted the help, and death, of fully half of the Templar order to preserve their lands. Perhaps it was crass, but there is sorrow driving that - a Princess in her first command saw three quarters of its number gone. Each of those faces, those names, will be seared on her heart. Each a small dagger that seems to wound her again with each beat of that heart. I know because I bear 50,000 such wounds.
Let none of us pretend we do not know the others view of us - that is the politics of children. There is no love lost between the Oathlands Orthodoxy, between the whole Faith, and the shamans. That goes both ways, Shamans in Arx have always enjoyed tweaking the nose of Legates and Archlectors with their difference and protections - certainly something that can be entertaining for those of us who grew up under the robes of the Archlectors and who ourselves enjoyed thinking up creative obstinancies and obscure points of theology to annoy them. But hardly an approach that will build understanding. So, let us see Stormwall as a new chance for that, and if in sorrow people show that we are not yet there, then let us try to be understanding.
As for the rest, yes Prince Edain advances toleration, but unless I missed a small coup, he has not declared himself Seraph of Sanctum yet. The treaty signed after the Northern Crusade grants toleration to those shamans of the Redrain. The toleration shown to those who have moved into other fealties is something that has been quietly allowed by then-Dominus Fawkuhl and Dominus Aldwin. It will come with growing pains, and obviously I hope they will bend to our culture, and accept true worship. The rest is policy, which is far beyond my station.
Written By Petra
March 22, 2018, 5:23 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
I came across a pair of underpants in the street. Arx .. is a strange place. These dryfeets have odd customs, discarding such things in public like this.
Anyway, I picked them up with a stick and carried them home to be washed thoroughly. I am quite curious as to what the story is behind these undergarments. We will see if anyone claims them.
Anyway, I picked them up with a stick and carried them home to be washed thoroughly. I am quite curious as to what the story is behind these undergarments. We will see if anyone claims them.
Written By Marian
March 22, 2018, 4:39 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Armel
Grandmaster Armel, I did not know you as well as I would have liked. A measure of a man is the people he cultivates in his inner circle. Lady Eirene and Dame Thena are two warriors I hold in high regard. That is how I know I missed an amazing opportunity to know a great man. Thank you for your service. Your knights made a difference.
Written By Joscelin
March 22, 2018, 3:02 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
I'm reading about people beloved and lost, those left behind, the mourning that goes with it, the intense grief that is the price of loving someone.
And I am reminded that in it all, it's worth it to love these people. Beautiful souls, kind hearts, smiles that just... you live for. A shoulder squeeze, a kiss, a warm word, memories of laughter and joy. And you trust these people.
You heart that? You damn-
TRUST. TRUUUUUST. [underlined, wobbly letters; looks like this was written without dictation]
Like, when you trust someone's word that they will LET YOU KNOW before they run off and do REALLY STUPID THINGS BUT OH NO. NO I had to learn it second hand and even -then- I just got lucky.
Oh my-
I am going to throw so many things at your ridiculous silvery golden haired head when I see you. I'm going to. You hear me? You better -duck- when you see me coming.
And I am reminded that in it all, it's worth it to love these people. Beautiful souls, kind hearts, smiles that just... you live for. A shoulder squeeze, a kiss, a warm word, memories of laughter and joy. And you trust these people.
You heart that? You damn-
TRUST. TRUUUUUST. [underlined, wobbly letters; looks like this was written without dictation]
Like, when you trust someone's word that they will LET YOU KNOW before they run off and do REALLY STUPID THINGS BUT OH NO. NO I had to learn it second hand and even -then- I just got lucky.
Oh my-
I am going to throw so many things at your ridiculous silvery golden haired head when I see you. I'm going to. You hear me? You better -duck- when you see me coming.
Written By Peri
March 22, 2018, 3 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Oona
My Yaya,
When I am with you, I feel as though I am back in Pearlspire. A living bit of home. I do not like that one of your many first topics, marriage was one of them. Still, I have missed you so.
When I am with you, I feel as though I am back in Pearlspire. A living bit of home. I do not like that one of your many first topics, marriage was one of them. Still, I have missed you so.
Written By Silas
March 22, 2018, 2:43 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Serafine
It took me a bit to register it when I got the news that you had fallen. When I became the Lord Commander of a tattered Iron Guard in the wake of Everard's betrayal, I relied on you heavily in the weeks that followed to maintain order because I knew your strength. I knew I could throw you at something with confidence that it will be handled, because you weren't just someone who fought extremely well but you also understood people and could easily adapt. You were someone who was fun to hang out with and didn't take yourself too seriously.
We will miss you, Serafine. I will miss you.
We will miss you, Serafine. I will miss you.
Written By Silas
March 22, 2018, 2:32 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
You, too, have come a long way from an eager young man man I met in the Malvici study -- and we still had much more to do. I regret not keeping in touch as much as I wanted to as both of our fortunes changed, and I will succinctly feel what we have lost when I finally get around to consuming that birthday wine you sent me.
I look forward to the day we meet again. I have no doubt that we will... but I still wish you were still here.
I look forward to the day we meet again. I have no doubt that we will... but I still wish you were still here.
Written By Silas
March 22, 2018, 2:26 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
I'm immensely proud of you. You have come a long, long way from the shy young man I found in the park - but you always had a griffon in you, even then. Even when those around you didn't seem to see it. It breaks my heart to know that your resounding success as a commander - the first time you have been given such a heavy responsibility - has been quickly eclipsed by the news of the death of your best friend when you came home. If you need me, you know where to find me... or I'll find you. Whichever comes first.
Written By Marian
March 22, 2018, 12:46 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
You were taken from us too soon my friend. I celebrate your contributions both on and off the battlefield. I mourn the loss of your company. If your family should ever need my sword in defense, they should call on me. Should your fellow Iron Guard need training, they have only to ask.
Written By Luca
March 22, 2018, 12:32 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
Dear Esta,
I've been staring at this page for a while now, not really knowing how to start it. I tried to pay a drunk poet with pretty eyes I met at the Silk to write it for me, but when I told her who it was about, she started crying. My mistake. I should have known you'd charmed every heart in Setarco. You were good at doing that, even when we were younger. So I thought I would just write it.. to you. I never wrote you while you were alive, did I? I didn't need to. I could go months and months without seeing you, and the second we were back in the same room it was like we'd just been drinking together the night before.
You were ferocious in the first battle down here. I bragged on you so much. And what better person to share in the celebrations after we thought we'd won? I'm going to embarrass Saoirse with the story of how she ripped that arrow out of you at every dinner we have together. It's going to be a classic. But, because you were a man of your word, I'll make sure she gets the new dress you promised her too. I'll do that, and you can consider us squared. A dress against part of a lifetime's worth of owing you drinks you were too much of a gentleman to collect on.
I don't know if it shows, but I'm trying hard not to feel.. sad, or angry about this. I feel robbed of you. When the tides of that second battle started to turn, I was already envisioning our return to port, imagining how we could top the first celebration. It would have been hard, but a couple old hands at making trouble like us could have managed it, I think. Together.
We were all robbed of you, my friend. Too soon.
Your heart was equal parts love and adventure (and mischief, I remember well. Don't do the math on that). So I will do my best to grin like I would if you were still here. If this had all worked out differently. If we were set up in the Silk again for the second time, after another hard-won battle. You would be working hard right now to make sure Ribbons was incensed with me when she inevitably found me passed out somewhere, too drunk to make it back to the ship. I'd be working harder to make sure she found both of us there, because I was the better fighter, but you were always the better drinker.
You were also the better friend.
The better person, really.
I meant what I said. No one may harm us unpunished. You know the motto well. And I have been struck a grievous wound by your passing. So I can't grin away all the anger I'm feeling, not like I know you would want. I promise you, if anyone yet remains who had a hand in the circumstances that led to your early return to the Queen's embrace, I will remind them of why you were the better person. And why I am not.
Consider this my first, and last letter to you. Save me a bottle, won't you? And a seat.
Your Friend,
Luca
P.S. - Don't worry overly about Arcelia. I will try and check in on her, from time to time. If anyone harms one hair on her head, they'll suffer.
I've been staring at this page for a while now, not really knowing how to start it. I tried to pay a drunk poet with pretty eyes I met at the Silk to write it for me, but when I told her who it was about, she started crying. My mistake. I should have known you'd charmed every heart in Setarco. You were good at doing that, even when we were younger. So I thought I would just write it.. to you. I never wrote you while you were alive, did I? I didn't need to. I could go months and months without seeing you, and the second we were back in the same room it was like we'd just been drinking together the night before.
You were ferocious in the first battle down here. I bragged on you so much. And what better person to share in the celebrations after we thought we'd won? I'm going to embarrass Saoirse with the story of how she ripped that arrow out of you at every dinner we have together. It's going to be a classic. But, because you were a man of your word, I'll make sure she gets the new dress you promised her too. I'll do that, and you can consider us squared. A dress against part of a lifetime's worth of owing you drinks you were too much of a gentleman to collect on.
I don't know if it shows, but I'm trying hard not to feel.. sad, or angry about this. I feel robbed of you. When the tides of that second battle started to turn, I was already envisioning our return to port, imagining how we could top the first celebration. It would have been hard, but a couple old hands at making trouble like us could have managed it, I think. Together.
We were all robbed of you, my friend. Too soon.
Your heart was equal parts love and adventure (and mischief, I remember well. Don't do the math on that). So I will do my best to grin like I would if you were still here. If this had all worked out differently. If we were set up in the Silk again for the second time, after another hard-won battle. You would be working hard right now to make sure Ribbons was incensed with me when she inevitably found me passed out somewhere, too drunk to make it back to the ship. I'd be working harder to make sure she found both of us there, because I was the better fighter, but you were always the better drinker.
You were also the better friend.
The better person, really.
I meant what I said. No one may harm us unpunished. You know the motto well. And I have been struck a grievous wound by your passing. So I can't grin away all the anger I'm feeling, not like I know you would want. I promise you, if anyone yet remains who had a hand in the circumstances that led to your early return to the Queen's embrace, I will remind them of why you were the better person. And why I am not.
Consider this my first, and last letter to you. Save me a bottle, won't you? And a seat.
Your Friend,
Luca
P.S. - Don't worry overly about Arcelia. I will try and check in on her, from time to time. If anyone harms one hair on her head, they'll suffer.
Written By Violet
March 22, 2018, 12:07 a.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thorley
Growing up in a village outside of Whitehold the idea of needing to get the approval of a Priest seems silly. But when in Arx...
Written By Orathy
March 21, 2018, 11:51 p.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
Fuckin shame. Aye, make it a lesson, if ya cannot beat a commoner in a spar, aye don't be fuckin trying to take on what the fuck where eh? Glass fuckin sharks? Oy. Some fuckin monsters that I ain't afraid to walk away from. Fuuuuuuuck that. Just be a shame that it be you goin down. Gunna fuckin miss rousing yer ire, boy. Taunt ya in the next life eh?
Written By Leta
March 21, 2018, 11:34 p.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
I don't know why I write. I do not expect future Scholars to care, for why should they? I cannot give my account of the battle. There were keener minds and keener eyes there who can write down what they saw with better words than I ever could, and discuss the whys and the why nots and argue over tactics and such things as folk argue over.
The house is quiet. I feed the kittens and I tend to her garden. It was always her garden.
Written By Adalyn
March 21, 2018, 11:14 p.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
I feel like I should write an account of the monstrous creature taller than a building, whose flailing tentacles nearly knocked the life from me in a single blow. There I was, standing upon the wall at Setarco alongside the Valorous Few and others... Now, don't you give me that look, scribe. You don't believe me? I'm not making this up! I know, I was supposed to bring back an eyeball or something to show around, but there weren't any left! You want to see my scars from it? Look-
(Here the ink trails off the page, then continues in a different handwriting.)
All right, fine. Let's see if /you/ do any better, Scribe Number Two. Let me also say I was delighted to return to Arx, more or less in one piece, where my father Norwood also returned hale and whole, along with many others in the family and household, even though the calvary and others lost many. I was relieved to see Duke Cristoph return as well, considering the tales I heard. He looks perhaps a bit less hale at the moment, but better every day. Our house and family were lucky, and many others were not so.
And lastly, let me swear upon the whites that I haven't been the one dropping coppers on the floor throughout the Laurent manse. I mean, not this time, I wasn't.
(Here the ink trails off the page, then continues in a different handwriting.)
All right, fine. Let's see if /you/ do any better, Scribe Number Two. Let me also say I was delighted to return to Arx, more or less in one piece, where my father Norwood also returned hale and whole, along with many others in the family and household, even though the calvary and others lost many. I was relieved to see Duke Cristoph return as well, considering the tales I heard. He looks perhaps a bit less hale at the moment, but better every day. Our house and family were lucky, and many others were not so.
And lastly, let me swear upon the whites that I haven't been the one dropping coppers on the floor throughout the Laurent manse. I mean, not this time, I wasn't.
Written By Catalana
March 21, 2018, 11:10 p.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Thank you for your perspective. I was simply referring to all things I have seen in the whites as of late. It was simply a perspective of all the back and forth I have seen.
Written By Ignacio
March 21, 2018, 11:07 p.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
The battle for Setarco, something dark and terrible. Those that dream of glory on the battlefield never would have dreamed of this battle, unless it was their nightmares. I was very impressed with Princess Cadenza's actions on the battlefield. When the tide of battle looked as it may go against us, the Princess moved forward and I left my position to support her advance. In that moment I could see what makes the Velenosan House great runs in her veins without the slightest doubt. I did take a blow in the process of defending her advance, but I would shed blood whether it is my own or my enemies for her.
With the battles won, we are safe for now. While I grieve for the fallen, I can not help but my mind to go to my dear love Cadenza. We finally can announce our engagement and make plans for our future together. I would be lying if I said I am not excited for us. Not only are we serving our Houses, but we are serving our hearts as well.
With the battles won, we are safe for now. While I grieve for the fallen, I can not help but my mind to go to my dear love Cadenza. We finally can announce our engagement and make plans for our future together. I would be lying if I said I am not excited for us. Not only are we serving our Houses, but we are serving our hearts as well.
Written By Thena
March 21, 2018, 10:48 p.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Catalana
I wasn’t there. I don’t know what happened.
But I’d argue that there’s some difference between ‘not saying anything nice’ and pointing out that someone may have endangered and even cost the lives of the fighters.
But I’d argue that there’s some difference between ‘not saying anything nice’ and pointing out that someone may have endangered and even cost the lives of the fighters.
Written By Magpie
March 21, 2018, 10:43 p.m.(5/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mayir
I don't know how much weight my opinions carry. I mean, I doubt it's much because I make a habit of being ridiculous. However, I can say in all seriousness, Mayir Grayhope was the real hero out there in that battle. He's the one that saw the trap of the shark. He's the one that called for us not to attack it and focus on the fleet instead. High Lord Victus Thrax heeded his words.
If you run into my cousin, Mayir, you buy that man a drink and tell him that if he hadn't been there, I truly believe the entire fleet and Setarco would have been lost. Mayir is a fucking hero. I'll punch anyone that denies it.
If you run into my cousin, Mayir, you buy that man a drink and tell him that if he hadn't been there, I truly believe the entire fleet and Setarco would have been lost. Mayir is a fucking hero. I'll punch anyone that denies it.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.