Written By Zoey
March 21, 2018, 9:03 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
I just received word that my friends are safe. I am so blessed to have all I love return to me. Many are not so lucky.
Written By Vano
March 21, 2018, 8:43 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Sent from Setarco:
To my family.
I am alive, but not unscathed. The warriors of Rivenshari proved they are still worth the tolling of the bells we had been known for in years past. I am no leader, but as Shaman of Riva, I am proud of how they did. Still, of those that went with me south, a discernible number are missing. Dead or lost. I pray the Spirits guide them to rest.
As for myself, I saw a great deal of action on the water. And things that I'm not sure I can describe with complete justice to what my eyes saw. I had told myself that after Brand, I'd be willing to give anything credit. Even saying that, it defies most notions of rational thought. Seen plenty of strange things, but never a shark made out of glass. With teeth as large as I'm tall.
My forearm hurts, but I'm sure it'll hurt months from now. I doubt the bracelet can be removed without losing my hand, fused together as they now seem to be. An ugly, inflamed mass of cooked meat and silver. A 'brand' of my own, I suppose. A reminder. As if I needed any more. The pain will subside I imagine. Though I'm not quite sure how to explain to Admiral Caelis that she may not be getting this back.
Not quite sure how it happened. But what I do know is that the Spirits do not abandon. They are here, as they always have been. As they always will be. I was only their conduit for the wrath they gave to the Gyre. I'm glad to of played my part in that. Gladder still that they answered my call. I had always wondered if I was worthy of that. Seems they have seen fit to give me an answer in regard, though it may not always be the same answer next time.
Still, I'm counting my blessing. And I have much to think on. Time to heal. And time to consider a shirt with a large sleeve on the left arm.
To my family.
I am alive, but not unscathed. The warriors of Rivenshari proved they are still worth the tolling of the bells we had been known for in years past. I am no leader, but as Shaman of Riva, I am proud of how they did. Still, of those that went with me south, a discernible number are missing. Dead or lost. I pray the Spirits guide them to rest.
As for myself, I saw a great deal of action on the water. And things that I'm not sure I can describe with complete justice to what my eyes saw. I had told myself that after Brand, I'd be willing to give anything credit. Even saying that, it defies most notions of rational thought. Seen plenty of strange things, but never a shark made out of glass. With teeth as large as I'm tall.
My forearm hurts, but I'm sure it'll hurt months from now. I doubt the bracelet can be removed without losing my hand, fused together as they now seem to be. An ugly, inflamed mass of cooked meat and silver. A 'brand' of my own, I suppose. A reminder. As if I needed any more. The pain will subside I imagine. Though I'm not quite sure how to explain to Admiral Caelis that she may not be getting this back.
Not quite sure how it happened. But what I do know is that the Spirits do not abandon. They are here, as they always have been. As they always will be. I was only their conduit for the wrath they gave to the Gyre. I'm glad to of played my part in that. Gladder still that they answered my call. I had always wondered if I was worthy of that. Seems they have seen fit to give me an answer in regard, though it may not always be the same answer next time.
Still, I'm counting my blessing. And I have much to think on. Time to heal. And time to consider a shirt with a large sleeve on the left arm.
Written By Sparte
March 21, 2018, 8:38 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
We held, but with losses. Four men and women of the hundred entrusted to me were gravely wounded. One died instantly and is perhaps fortunate for it, the others suffer still and are in critical care under the mercies. I have taken the time to get to know each of those who came to serve in Setarco under my command. They were all strangers scant weeks ago, and now we will all mourn those who fell together. Tears in our wake.
There is another who fell where I could see, an old friend named Princess Serafine Velenosa. She introduced me to many things in Arx while I was still barely learning my way around. There are others who will feel her loss more accutely than I will, for she had those who more than trusted and respected her. She was loved. I know she will be carried in their hearts and memories, and that she died fighting an honorable fight. I will be giving my prayers for her and the others fallen at the shrine of Death when we have returned to Arx.
There is another who fell where I could see, an old friend named Princess Serafine Velenosa. She introduced me to many things in Arx while I was still barely learning my way around. There are others who will feel her loss more accutely than I will, for she had those who more than trusted and respected her. She was loved. I know she will be carried in their hearts and memories, and that she died fighting an honorable fight. I will be giving my prayers for her and the others fallen at the shrine of Death when we have returned to Arx.
Written By Orazio
March 21, 2018, 7:13 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
Gods damn it.
You had potential, my young cousin, though it hurt to look at you at times - I never wished anything for you but a long and successful life protecting our people.
You had potential, my young cousin, though it hurt to look at you at times - I never wished anything for you but a long and successful life protecting our people.
Written By Driskell
March 21, 2018, 6:23 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Stormwall. Setarco. Southport. Darkwater. Arx. Many other places that you my friend aren't aware of.
I could not have asked for a better show of what makes humanity so dear to me than the displays of mortals who ignored at their own personal peril and set aside a vast amount of grievances and issues between each other to join together against the Abyss. I witnessed them use their most powerful ability...a free choice made by a soul; a choice made specifically and willingly to make the world better than it currently is no matter if they themselves wouldn’t be able to see that change take place. That is true sacrifice.
What did I see when I looked on the plains outside of Setarco down to the shore when I stood on the wall? You were most likely too busy to focus, friend, but I’ll describe what I saw. Imagine seeing tens of thousands of stars twinkling in the dark sky, a darkest sky. At first, one star begins to shine, and then another. Some of the stars shining so brightly it makes you have to squint. And then more shine brighter still as you can see a soul spark of hope light another’s by some action, some word…some choice. And then I saw some exploding in a dazzling shine of prismatic sparks like a falling star before it snuffed out. But as one began to glow, another beside it started shining brighter and where one was snuffed out, four or more began to dazzle.
Souls that are freely exercising their highest form of power, their choice is the most beautifulest sight to behold. No matter what the shell looks like on the outside, humanity when one looks at the inner core of their soul full of hope is inspiring and beautiful.
What a dead, dark and cold world it would be if hope didn’t exist.
May balance be maintained.
I could not have asked for a better show of what makes humanity so dear to me than the displays of mortals who ignored at their own personal peril and set aside a vast amount of grievances and issues between each other to join together against the Abyss. I witnessed them use their most powerful ability...a free choice made by a soul; a choice made specifically and willingly to make the world better than it currently is no matter if they themselves wouldn’t be able to see that change take place. That is true sacrifice.
What did I see when I looked on the plains outside of Setarco down to the shore when I stood on the wall? You were most likely too busy to focus, friend, but I’ll describe what I saw. Imagine seeing tens of thousands of stars twinkling in the dark sky, a darkest sky. At first, one star begins to shine, and then another. Some of the stars shining so brightly it makes you have to squint. And then more shine brighter still as you can see a soul spark of hope light another’s by some action, some word…some choice. And then I saw some exploding in a dazzling shine of prismatic sparks like a falling star before it snuffed out. But as one began to glow, another beside it started shining brighter and where one was snuffed out, four or more began to dazzle.
Souls that are freely exercising their highest form of power, their choice is the most beautifulest sight to behold. No matter what the shell looks like on the outside, humanity when one looks at the inner core of their soul full of hope is inspiring and beautiful.
What a dead, dark and cold world it would be if hope didn’t exist.
May balance be maintained.
Written By Reese
March 21, 2018, 3:12 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
Baron Estaban Saik died in battle while commanding Southport Fleet as part of the Untied Fleet of Compact as we battled the sea beast’s ships, minions and Reveka Tyde. I give the details because I was there and because Estaban is a friend of mine. He fought bravely against the first wave and in the first naval battle, defeating many of our enemies. He sailed to Setarco to defend Compact, knowing that he might die and yet he put us all before his own safety. When the second and much big wave of enemies came, Estaban didn’t even think about backing down and once again he fought bravely and defeated many of our enemies. After the giant glass abyss shark exploded, Estaban was hit in the neck with a large piece of glass. He died very quickly and I do not believe that he suffered, but that is only a small comfort for those of us who suffer knowing he is gone.
I have many memories of Estaban. The fights with him on the sparing grounds, the long talks about my trouble with women (he was so understanding and insightful), his work with the Iron Guard, his heroism at the siege of silence, his work on Gray Forest missions, his loyalty to his friends, his caring nature, the hard work he put into his fighting and so much more. He saved my cousin’s life, Aiden. Prince Aiden did great work at the battle of Stormwall, but he wouldn’t be here to do that work if i wasn’t for Estaban. Esteban beloved and is beloved by Baroness Lucita. My thoughts and prayers are with her and their child. He choose an exceptional wife, but he is an exceptional man. Lucita was also bravely at the battle, risking her own life as well and doing great work to help protect us all.
My pain at losing Estaban is nothing compared to what Baroness Lucita and Prince Aiden most be feeling and yet it is still a deep pain. When I got back into the forest and start our missions once again, they will not be the same without Estaban. I have a painting I made for him, of a black panther in the gray forest. I gave him one copy and kept another for myself. I will treasure it always.
I have many memories of Estaban. The fights with him on the sparing grounds, the long talks about my trouble with women (he was so understanding and insightful), his work with the Iron Guard, his heroism at the siege of silence, his work on Gray Forest missions, his loyalty to his friends, his caring nature, the hard work he put into his fighting and so much more. He saved my cousin’s life, Aiden. Prince Aiden did great work at the battle of Stormwall, but he wouldn’t be here to do that work if i wasn’t for Estaban. Esteban beloved and is beloved by Baroness Lucita. My thoughts and prayers are with her and their child. He choose an exceptional wife, but he is an exceptional man. Lucita was also bravely at the battle, risking her own life as well and doing great work to help protect us all.
My pain at losing Estaban is nothing compared to what Baroness Lucita and Prince Aiden most be feeling and yet it is still a deep pain. When I got back into the forest and start our missions once again, they will not be the same without Estaban. I have a painting I made for him, of a black panther in the gray forest. I gave him one copy and kept another for myself. I will treasure it always.
Written By Felix
March 21, 2018, 2:50 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
For those who may not read the Classifieds, for those who have fallen in battle - Seaborn Weaponry is offering to craft Memorial Weapons crafted to the specifics of those who wielded them. These will be done free of charge, and done at a priority over any order that isn't for someone going out to the field for battle.
Written By Vanora
March 21, 2018, 2:27 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Thank you.
To all who risked their safety and security to defend Setarco from this ancient enemy. I realize that it was for the good of the Compact and not out of generosity to the Silken City for generosities sake, and yet still wish to express my deepest appreciation.
Not on behalf of my former house, for I am sure that more eloquently than I they will express similar sentiments.
But on my own behalf, because I wished to say it too.
Thank you.
To all who risked their safety and security to defend Setarco from this ancient enemy. I realize that it was for the good of the Compact and not out of generosity to the Silken City for generosities sake, and yet still wish to express my deepest appreciation.
Not on behalf of my former house, for I am sure that more eloquently than I they will express similar sentiments.
But on my own behalf, because I wished to say it too.
Thank you.
Written By Aiden
March 21, 2018, 2:22 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
I thought I knew loss. I thought I knew pain. I thought I was strong enough to bear what war brings, what the path of the sword brings for those who rise to the call. I thought I was ready to accept that those who I love, could meet their end. And then... I received word of ... Estaban Saik.
My lungs gave out... I knew no breathlessness as this. The very cavity of my chest drew in on itself, my ribs a prison for my breath, that the appeal of clawing fingers did not ease. I fell to my knees, the water streaming from my face a river beneath me, becoming the ocean of my sorrows which came to drown me in their currents of despairing grief. I closed my eyes and I saw a shadow. For a moment, I heard his laugh and saw him come to me with the sweetest smile, before he passed across my gaze. The caress of his memories was but the gentle breeze of the ocean wind, as I crumbled to the earth and lifted my rage to the skies.
For many long hours I bellowed profanities up to the Queen of Endings, not knowing where else and who else would hear my anguish with such grace as the Goddess who gathers us when our time is up. The Queen of Endings may have heard my anger and received my sorrows, but that does not replace the hole in my heart for my departed friend... Estaban... a man who I called my brother.
I ask for time to grieve, for the selfless man who saved my life two years ago upon the ramparts of Arx. I ask for time to grieve over a man who came to walk by my side as a brother, a friend that I shared laughter with as we drank, and the lion who aided my rise to a griffon. I ask for time to give him what he deserves of me; time to honor him, his memories, and our story together.
I will remain humbly bowed before the statue of Mangata, in silence and prayer, until this weight of loss... ..............................................................
[journal ends with ink blotches of unfinished thoughts]
My lungs gave out... I knew no breathlessness as this. The very cavity of my chest drew in on itself, my ribs a prison for my breath, that the appeal of clawing fingers did not ease. I fell to my knees, the water streaming from my face a river beneath me, becoming the ocean of my sorrows which came to drown me in their currents of despairing grief. I closed my eyes and I saw a shadow. For a moment, I heard his laugh and saw him come to me with the sweetest smile, before he passed across my gaze. The caress of his memories was but the gentle breeze of the ocean wind, as I crumbled to the earth and lifted my rage to the skies.
For many long hours I bellowed profanities up to the Queen of Endings, not knowing where else and who else would hear my anguish with such grace as the Goddess who gathers us when our time is up. The Queen of Endings may have heard my anger and received my sorrows, but that does not replace the hole in my heart for my departed friend... Estaban... a man who I called my brother.
I ask for time to grieve, for the selfless man who saved my life two years ago upon the ramparts of Arx. I ask for time to grieve over a man who came to walk by my side as a brother, a friend that I shared laughter with as we drank, and the lion who aided my rise to a griffon. I ask for time to give him what he deserves of me; time to honor him, his memories, and our story together.
I will remain humbly bowed before the statue of Mangata, in silence and prayer, until this weight of loss... ..............................................................
[journal ends with ink blotches of unfinished thoughts]
Written By Cadenza
March 21, 2018, 2:04 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
I have lost cousins....
My words fail me at this time now that I can....breathe and let out all of these emotions.
I saw things from my nightmares. I did things that I said I wouldn't do per my loved ones....but I had people that watched my back. I will have those thanks but for now....I mourn.
My words fail me at this time now that I can....breathe and let out all of these emotions.
I saw things from my nightmares. I did things that I said I wouldn't do per my loved ones....but I had people that watched my back. I will have those thanks but for now....I mourn.
Written By Grazia
March 21, 2018, 2:04 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Theron
I am waiting for you, Theron Mazetti.
Written By Sorrel
March 21, 2018, 1:58 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
I have sung every note that can be sung, at this point, at least twice. Always by my side were Lucita and Tikva. We are a team, a choir, and together we serve. It is strange, in many ways, to be a military asset and thus a military target. Ian had a good plan, and he protected us admirably. I am glad that Galen put him in charge of our safety. Without Ian, we might have lost a chorister. Without the choir, we might have had many more dead. We almost lost Tikva in the first skirmish, but she pulled through. Dark resonances.
As it is, we are weighted with the news that Baron Estaban, Lucita's beloved husband, was killed in combat at sea. He is not the only one, of course, but he is the one that is most personal for us, the one that hits our company the hardest. They were still newlyweds, not even a year married. And she's expecting. The baron's heir will be posthumous.
Exhaustion overwhelms.
As it is, we are weighted with the news that Baron Estaban, Lucita's beloved husband, was killed in combat at sea. He is not the only one, of course, but he is the one that is most personal for us, the one that hits our company the hardest. They were still newlyweds, not even a year married. And she's expecting. The baron's heir will be posthumous.
Exhaustion overwhelms.
Written By Wash
March 21, 2018, 1:49 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
The ships rose up from the waters. I swear they were the same ships we sunk yesterday, back again. Somehow, the enemy has found a way to bring back not just those who had been taken by the sea but the vessels that carried them.
This time they brought reinforcements. Perhaps they found those reinforcements in the waters around Setarco, who can say? It was a mystery how they were sustained outside the Darkwaters. What happened when the storm blew away the darkwaters around Maelstrom? The enemy dispersed. Not so here.
Then the Red Serpent exploded. I have never seen something burn so quickly. It boiled the water, pushing it out over the enemy fleet like a burst of lava spewing forth from the ocean. That was not enough to end our foe, but it did provoke their master to show himself.
A shark. Armored entirely in glass. Eighty foot long. We have long believed there are monsters in the sea. The sea doesn't need monsters, there is room enough for everyday creatures to grow to such enormous size.
My first instinct was to destroy the beast. I dropped my anchor and hoped to entangle the creature, then winch it up against my hull and cut it in half with the leverage of my capstan. But the High Lord issued orders to focus on the enemy, ignore the shark. Unfortunately, he did not ignore me.
So we sailed away from it, dodging, tacking, jibing. Eventually it did catch us, no cog, not even the Bounty can match the natural grace of a shark in its element. But it caught us by the anchor, which I severed. We had one last chance to run before it. At least this way it did not devour any other ships in the meantime.
Something went wrong however. I believe Mangata must have favored us. The shark died, whatever held it's mirrored armor to its body relaxed and the glass shards scattered over the entire fleet. No one was unscathed. Then the darkwaters poured out of the shark. They must have been inside the beast all along, sustaining our enemies. They did not last long, though their parting blow was almost as painful as the glass explosion.
We will face such threats again. I hope that Mangata favors us then as well.
This time they brought reinforcements. Perhaps they found those reinforcements in the waters around Setarco, who can say? It was a mystery how they were sustained outside the Darkwaters. What happened when the storm blew away the darkwaters around Maelstrom? The enemy dispersed. Not so here.
Then the Red Serpent exploded. I have never seen something burn so quickly. It boiled the water, pushing it out over the enemy fleet like a burst of lava spewing forth from the ocean. That was not enough to end our foe, but it did provoke their master to show himself.
A shark. Armored entirely in glass. Eighty foot long. We have long believed there are monsters in the sea. The sea doesn't need monsters, there is room enough for everyday creatures to grow to such enormous size.
My first instinct was to destroy the beast. I dropped my anchor and hoped to entangle the creature, then winch it up against my hull and cut it in half with the leverage of my capstan. But the High Lord issued orders to focus on the enemy, ignore the shark. Unfortunately, he did not ignore me.
So we sailed away from it, dodging, tacking, jibing. Eventually it did catch us, no cog, not even the Bounty can match the natural grace of a shark in its element. But it caught us by the anchor, which I severed. We had one last chance to run before it. At least this way it did not devour any other ships in the meantime.
Something went wrong however. I believe Mangata must have favored us. The shark died, whatever held it's mirrored armor to its body relaxed and the glass shards scattered over the entire fleet. No one was unscathed. Then the darkwaters poured out of the shark. They must have been inside the beast all along, sustaining our enemies. They did not last long, though their parting blow was almost as painful as the glass explosion.
We will face such threats again. I hope that Mangata favors us then as well.
Written By Merek
March 21, 2018, 1:30 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
I marched into the battle, one much like the Silent War, with many enemies. We marched back out, and the number of friends that have left us to be with the Queen is too many. I wish them the best on their turn of the Wheel.
[The handwriting is different, as if the one writing it was emotional.]
[The handwriting is different, as if the one writing it was emotional.]
Written By Serafine
March 21, 2018, 1:25 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Let it be that upon my death, my blacks are to be released to my sister, Eleyna Velenosa, with an equal copy going to Leta Broadbent. Between the both of them, they can decide what gets made public and what does not. This entry, however, will be made public.
I want it known in the history of our people, in these pages we keep for the generations to come, that would it not further divide the Compact and stress out my family, I would marry Leta Broadbent. As I understand that political climes are not accepting of it, and my beloved cares not for such things, I care.
I care that the woman I love, though many find the fault in her birth as commoner, she shines to me more glorious than any Queen, King, Princess, or Star; that I love her, and in my heart and in my home, I call her 'wife', because she is to me in all the ways that matter.
I invoke Vellichor to keep this singular fact true, that the world will remember, that Serafine Athalie Velenosa loved Leta Broadbent until the very end of her days, with every inch of her soul.
Queen of Endings, if you could stall my turn on the Wheel to have me meet her again in the next life, that we might love again, I would be your servant.
I want it known in the history of our people, in these pages we keep for the generations to come, that would it not further divide the Compact and stress out my family, I would marry Leta Broadbent. As I understand that political climes are not accepting of it, and my beloved cares not for such things, I care.
I care that the woman I love, though many find the fault in her birth as commoner, she shines to me more glorious than any Queen, King, Princess, or Star; that I love her, and in my heart and in my home, I call her 'wife', because she is to me in all the ways that matter.
I invoke Vellichor to keep this singular fact true, that the world will remember, that Serafine Athalie Velenosa loved Leta Broadbent until the very end of her days, with every inch of her soul.
Queen of Endings, if you could stall my turn on the Wheel to have me meet her again in the next life, that we might love again, I would be your servant.
Written By Theron
March 21, 2018, 1:24 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Grazia
I am coming home, Grazia Rubino.
Written By Eleyna
March 21, 2018, 1:23 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Lord Cicero Malvici.
Baron Estaban Saik.
Princess Serafine Velenosa.
Again, the Lyceum bleeds. Again, the Lyceum grieves.
Baron Estaban Saik.
Princess Serafine Velenosa.
Again, the Lyceum bleeds. Again, the Lyceum grieves.
Written By Ian
March 21, 2018, 12:29 a.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
Forwarded from Setarco.
I'm not dead.
Messengers aren't practical, so I hope this will do.
I'm not dead.
Messengers aren't practical, so I hope this will do.
Written By Isidora
March 20, 2018, 11:32 p.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
I lay in a forest clearing
I watched the sky peek through the boughs of maple trees
The fragrance of the earth lulls me into serenity
The sounds of the forest beckon me deeper
I remain.
My heart swells with the blessing of life from the gods
while it also aches for those who have been lost to battle.
Written By Ven
March 20, 2018, 10:53 p.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
"Our thoughts on those found far away,
yet safely here we must stay,
listen well and hear me say,
hold fast your hope, ere come the day."
yet safely here we must stay,
listen well and hear me say,
hold fast your hope, ere come the day."
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.