Written By Rook
March 12, 2018, 4:53 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
No.
Written By Cadenza
March 12, 2018, 4:52 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
When I was at sea before my abduction...things were so easy. I won't forget the first time I left home and went out to sea....to leave all the unpleasant of my late mother behind. Maybe it was my way of coping. I met people that changed me...molded me...helped me grow in these travels. They may not be around anymore but they are with me in spirit.
At the end of my travels...well it wasn't pleasant as I got abducted but it made me a stronger person over those years of captivity. It made me strong...resilient....thick skinned. And I'm happy to say that even though it was a horrible experience that it has prepared me for things I have faced since my escape and return to Arx as well as things to come. My experiences were hard and they were harrowing....but I wouldn't change a thing about my past. I have finally come to grips with what has happened to me and I have had the support and love from some very important people in my life. Now all I can do move forward....
Alright got that shit off my chest...where's the whiskey?
At the end of my travels...well it wasn't pleasant as I got abducted but it made me a stronger person over those years of captivity. It made me strong...resilient....thick skinned. And I'm happy to say that even though it was a horrible experience that it has prepared me for things I have faced since my escape and return to Arx as well as things to come. My experiences were hard and they were harrowing....but I wouldn't change a thing about my past. I have finally come to grips with what has happened to me and I have had the support and love from some very important people in my life. Now all I can do move forward....
Alright got that shit off my chest...where's the whiskey?
Written By Skye
March 12, 2018, 4:16 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Romulius
Big brothers are heroes in the eyes of their little sisters. No matter what is thrown in your path, remember you were my ideal growing up.
Written By Khanne
March 12, 2018, 3:46 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
It is an echo of a statement heard a fair bit in regards to the recent proclamation announcing my betrothal to Lord Percephon Telmar.
Finally!
It is a sentiment that makes me smile to hear, no matter how many times I have, because it is a thought that I share.
Finally!
Finally, I am able to speak of Percephon without holding back what I feel or hopes I have for our future. Finally I am able to smile at him across a room and not care who thinks I might be flirting. Finally! Finally so many things!
Finally, I can say: Perce, you bring a smile to my face every single day, and make sure I fall asleep with one every single night. We have such a bright future before us, and I look forward to every single moment we are able to share with one another. The ties that will bind our houses will be strong and we will make formidable allies. I hope we will have decades together, full of organizing and reading books, discovering mysteries, philosophical discussions, piecing puzzles together, and deep laughs over puns... as well as all the mushy stuff that I will save for our private discussions and not put in the journal. I promise to try to ensure that your every day also begins with a smile, and that your every evening ends with one as well.
We've gone through so much, those closest to us know, and come out stronger for it. I am thankful for my stubbornness in never giving up hope. I am thankful for forgiveness. I am thankful for second chances. I am thankful for the Spirits and the Gods that smile upon us.... Most of all... I am thankful for you and can't wait to be your wife.
Finally!
It is a sentiment that makes me smile to hear, no matter how many times I have, because it is a thought that I share.
Finally!
Finally, I am able to speak of Percephon without holding back what I feel or hopes I have for our future. Finally I am able to smile at him across a room and not care who thinks I might be flirting. Finally! Finally so many things!
Finally, I can say: Perce, you bring a smile to my face every single day, and make sure I fall asleep with one every single night. We have such a bright future before us, and I look forward to every single moment we are able to share with one another. The ties that will bind our houses will be strong and we will make formidable allies. I hope we will have decades together, full of organizing and reading books, discovering mysteries, philosophical discussions, piecing puzzles together, and deep laughs over puns... as well as all the mushy stuff that I will save for our private discussions and not put in the journal. I promise to try to ensure that your every day also begins with a smile, and that your every evening ends with one as well.
We've gone through so much, those closest to us know, and come out stronger for it. I am thankful for my stubbornness in never giving up hope. I am thankful for forgiveness. I am thankful for second chances. I am thankful for the Spirits and the Gods that smile upon us.... Most of all... I am thankful for you and can't wait to be your wife.
Written By Thena
March 12, 2018, 3:43 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Agatha
I like you, Bear Princess.
Written By Joscelin
March 12, 2018, 3:41 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Agatha
Unless it's a bear, and then the bear will go 'HAH' and 'I'M A BEAR, MAIDENS!'
Right?
Right?
Written By Agatha
March 12, 2018, 3:22 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
I do not know about you, Goodman Voss, but sometimes I fight people I've lost against many times again and again because it helps me remember to try and be a better loser. Not a lot of people win all the time! Sure, I try to learn and get better. But one of the ways I get better is by being a great sis* about when I don't do well. Or trying to be.
I'm still pretty bad at it. I just wanna fight again and get it right the next time.
Sorry. I think I had a point. BUT! Keep fighting! I will try to teach you how to be bad at falling down if you like!
*scholar suggests it might be gracious.
I'm still pretty bad at it. I just wanna fight again and get it right the next time.
Sorry. I think I had a point. BUT! Keep fighting! I will try to teach you how to be bad at falling down if you like!
*scholar suggests it might be gracious.
Written By Agatha
March 12, 2018, 3:16 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
And some bears will never shut up about it. HAH!
((Yes, I am talking about myself, scholar. I can admit I like being called Bear!))
((Yes, I am talking about myself, scholar. I can admit I like being called Bear!))
Written By Thena
March 12, 2018, 2:13 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
A lion will never have to tell you it's a lion.
Written By Turo
March 12, 2018, 1:46 p.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
I'm glad you're pleased with the match, Eirene. You deserve nothing but the best.
Also, it's been too long - we should get drinks sometime.
Also, it's been too long - we should get drinks sometime.
Written By Vayne
March 12, 2018, noon(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
A fine sentiment, Master Voss. For whatever it's worth, I agree with you.
I'll let you decide whether that validates or invalidates your position...
I'll let you decide whether that validates or invalidates your position...
Written By Lisebet
March 12, 2018, 11:01 a.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
I went to the debate on why we fight not too long ago. It is fascinating to hear all the reasons that people fight and why they think others might. Hopefully others found my own words thought inspiring at the least. And I have been given a recommendation on some good history books, to be found at the Gilded Page. Must remember to stop by and look for the books by Wynna Blackwing.
Written By Eirene
March 12, 2018, 10:41 a.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cicero
My husband. Two words I had thought I'd never say. We get along perfectly and that's probably because we don't spend every waking moment together. I trust him like family which is why I made him one.
Written By Aureth
March 12, 2018, 9:11 a.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
I regret my hasty words in regards of the privileges of the excommunicate, Abbas Crownsworn. The Faith does not deny the sacrament of recording history to anyone. Not even him.
I apologize to him and to the Archscholar for overstepping my bounds.
Despicable he may be, but a human being he remains. Death spun all our souls, even that of the worst human being alive.
I apologize to him and to the Archscholar for overstepping my bounds.
Despicable he may be, but a human being he remains. Death spun all our souls, even that of the worst human being alive.
Written By Drea
March 12, 2018, 8:48 a.m.(5/7/1008 AR)
In an effort to address the frequently misunderstood tenants, practices, and traditions of shamanism, I am setting my experience and beliefs in ink for all to read and understand. These records will serve not just as a transcription of a High Shaman on her view of shamanism, but also as an invitation for enlightened debate and a welcome to those with similar views who wish to join in the community of the Spirit Walkers – regardless of the principality that they call their own.
First, I want to address what shamanism is not. We do not gather to perform blood sacrifices to the spirits. This may be practiced by some shav’arvani tribes, but it is neither the mainstream practice, nor is it one welcomed by the shamanic practitioners of the Compact. More importantly, blood sacrifice is more abhorrent to the spirits we honor than it is to those of us that call ourselves Arvani. Ours is a path that seeks a measure of harmony with nature, not one that spills blood to work magic. Should such be found, and the one claiming to be shaman fail to repent, then I promise we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Templars of the Faith of the Pantheon to see such profane practices stopped. This is among our oldest laws, and one we will not violate.
Shamanism as practiced by the Compact of Arvum is also not incompatible with the Faith of the Pantheon. It would be fair to say that this point is as often misunderstood as frequently as the first. Whether it is was due to barriers of language and the gradual mutation of the same over centuries, a purposeful campaign of maligning the paths of shamanism, or some other cause, there has been a gradual strengthening of the idea that one must choose to dedicate themselves to the Gods of the Pantheon, or honor of the spirits, and that you cannot do both at the same time.
Quite frankly, I say this is a lie.
Some of our oldest records of shamans aiding the Compact did so with a blend of the two. Pena Stormrider, called the Last Hierophant, honored the spirits of nature while calling on the Gods of the Compact. She and her Druids fought the evils of the world, and did so with prayers to Mangata and Lagoma and boons from the Spirits of the land.
We have to understand that while the oldest and strongest of the land’s spirits are called Old Gods, this may well be due to the change of language or a mistranslation of an older tongue. The majority of Shamans, especially those on the Path of Elders, do not view the Spirits in the same manner a Southerner would view the Gods. It’s important to understand this distinction. We honor and respect the Spirits; we offer them gifts and sometimes ask them for boons in return. This is done in much the same way that you might offer your liege a gift and occasionally ask him for a boon. We recognize, however, that the Gods are something else entirely. I will write more on this soon.
Having touched on what shamanism is not, let us turn to a brief look at what shamanism is.
Shamanism is a collection of philosophies and traditions seeking to align the soul of humankind with the soul of Creation itself. Seeking paths of harmony with the world around us, shamans strive to live their lives in accordance with the Dream. We are fierce defenders of the Dream when we have need to be – many of you have stood beside us as we sought to aid the battles against those that would destroy the Dream. We are guides, storytellers, keepers of memory and records, healers, and intermediaries.
Shamans are forgers of paths that lead to truths, spending their lives looking for that which brings their twin souls into unity and that which offers them truths that have been veiled from their eyes before. Some follow the paths others have started, others blaze their own. We’ll take a look at these Paths soon, don’t worry.
Princess Drea Redrain
High Shaman of the Spirit Walkers
First, I want to address what shamanism is not. We do not gather to perform blood sacrifices to the spirits. This may be practiced by some shav’arvani tribes, but it is neither the mainstream practice, nor is it one welcomed by the shamanic practitioners of the Compact. More importantly, blood sacrifice is more abhorrent to the spirits we honor than it is to those of us that call ourselves Arvani. Ours is a path that seeks a measure of harmony with nature, not one that spills blood to work magic. Should such be found, and the one claiming to be shaman fail to repent, then I promise we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Templars of the Faith of the Pantheon to see such profane practices stopped. This is among our oldest laws, and one we will not violate.
Shamanism as practiced by the Compact of Arvum is also not incompatible with the Faith of the Pantheon. It would be fair to say that this point is as often misunderstood as frequently as the first. Whether it is was due to barriers of language and the gradual mutation of the same over centuries, a purposeful campaign of maligning the paths of shamanism, or some other cause, there has been a gradual strengthening of the idea that one must choose to dedicate themselves to the Gods of the Pantheon, or honor of the spirits, and that you cannot do both at the same time.
Quite frankly, I say this is a lie.
Some of our oldest records of shamans aiding the Compact did so with a blend of the two. Pena Stormrider, called the Last Hierophant, honored the spirits of nature while calling on the Gods of the Compact. She and her Druids fought the evils of the world, and did so with prayers to Mangata and Lagoma and boons from the Spirits of the land.
We have to understand that while the oldest and strongest of the land’s spirits are called Old Gods, this may well be due to the change of language or a mistranslation of an older tongue. The majority of Shamans, especially those on the Path of Elders, do not view the Spirits in the same manner a Southerner would view the Gods. It’s important to understand this distinction. We honor and respect the Spirits; we offer them gifts and sometimes ask them for boons in return. This is done in much the same way that you might offer your liege a gift and occasionally ask him for a boon. We recognize, however, that the Gods are something else entirely. I will write more on this soon.
Having touched on what shamanism is not, let us turn to a brief look at what shamanism is.
Shamanism is a collection of philosophies and traditions seeking to align the soul of humankind with the soul of Creation itself. Seeking paths of harmony with the world around us, shamans strive to live their lives in accordance with the Dream. We are fierce defenders of the Dream when we have need to be – many of you have stood beside us as we sought to aid the battles against those that would destroy the Dream. We are guides, storytellers, keepers of memory and records, healers, and intermediaries.
Shamans are forgers of paths that lead to truths, spending their lives looking for that which brings their twin souls into unity and that which offers them truths that have been veiled from their eyes before. Some follow the paths others have started, others blaze their own. We’ll take a look at these Paths soon, don’t worry.
Princess Drea Redrain
High Shaman of the Spirit Walkers
Written By Tobias
March 12, 2018, 7:17 a.m.(5/6/1008 AR)
I forgot how much I hated handling winter warfare logistics.
Finding enough winterwear and fur cloaks for new Crimson Blades who have never gone as far north as Stormwall is a real time killer.
Finding enough winterwear and fur cloaks for new Crimson Blades who have never gone as far north as Stormwall is a real time killer.
Written By Violet
March 12, 2018, 4:34 a.m.(5/6/1008 AR)
This evenings Sip and Spar was as enjoyable as the last and the one before. Lord Brogan did an excellent job playing host. Dame Felicia Harrow took on Lord Alban Farshaw and myself for the first match. Despite some fairly hard hits, we were able to take her down eventually. I always enjoy bouts against Dame Felicia and am glad to call her a friend.
And I do owe Lord Alban an apology. I hope I didn't bruise your cheek too badly. If you like I can make them match.
And I do owe Lord Alban an apology. I hope I didn't bruise your cheek too badly. If you like I can make them match.
Written By Derovai
March 12, 2018, 2:25 a.m.(5/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
So Your Lordship, my new acquaintance the Marquessa informed me that perhaps you considered me a coward for declining to answer your question about what motivated me to spar when I knew I'd get beaten. I don't entirely agree with her impression, but in the interests of proving my mettle and explaining my thoughts:
I spar though I know I'll get beaten not to drive myself towards being able to vanquish others or to avoid visiting the same fate on myself. That's the answer of someone who doesn't look further. I spar though I know I'll get beaten because, like I did with the Foolsbane, I need to know. I need to ascertain: can I win out this way? Can I improve myself? Refinement, I suppose, would be the word, although I note I use it only in the sense of purifying, of strengthening, not in the sense of good taste and etiquette -- Gods know I have neither of those at my disposal.
As I said in an earlier post in the Whites, I look forward, not backward. If I am to be tested at any time in my life, I want to be very sure that my abilities are as good as they can be. I'll never be a duelist or a Champion -- but I need to stand as ready as I can. I've got no particular love for fighting, as I hope I expressed clearly enough in the debate, but I now pursue it as avidly as I might pursue knowledge or information, because a gap in one area is a danger, and I shore up whatever gaps I might, building bulwarks where there once were weakening tunnels.
That said: if you do decide you want to spar, I accept. I know it will end with me landing in the sand, worse for wear, but I don't need to win to know I've achieved some small victory and improved my competence. My wits don't need sharpening, but my weaponry still does.
I spar though I know I'll get beaten not to drive myself towards being able to vanquish others or to avoid visiting the same fate on myself. That's the answer of someone who doesn't look further. I spar though I know I'll get beaten because, like I did with the Foolsbane, I need to know. I need to ascertain: can I win out this way? Can I improve myself? Refinement, I suppose, would be the word, although I note I use it only in the sense of purifying, of strengthening, not in the sense of good taste and etiquette -- Gods know I have neither of those at my disposal.
As I said in an earlier post in the Whites, I look forward, not backward. If I am to be tested at any time in my life, I want to be very sure that my abilities are as good as they can be. I'll never be a duelist or a Champion -- but I need to stand as ready as I can. I've got no particular love for fighting, as I hope I expressed clearly enough in the debate, but I now pursue it as avidly as I might pursue knowledge or information, because a gap in one area is a danger, and I shore up whatever gaps I might, building bulwarks where there once were weakening tunnels.
That said: if you do decide you want to spar, I accept. I know it will end with me landing in the sand, worse for wear, but I don't need to win to know I've achieved some small victory and improved my competence. My wits don't need sharpening, but my weaponry still does.
Written By Veronica
March 12, 2018, 2:23 a.m.(5/6/1008 AR)
After weeks of planning and debates, the time has come for action. I don't relish the thought of my family scattering to the different fronts, but as always we Keatons do what is needed: we answer our liege's call and so my lord and cousin head to Setarco; the Countess heads north to Stormwall to aid the besieged, and I am to ride to Southport to render aid before returning to Oakhaven to prepare our defenses. Others of my family remain in the relative safety of Arx, but this is war against a great evil, and nowhere is truly safe.
Family is important, and we all do what we can to protect them. Someone ought to kick this Pirate King's watery arse and teach him why he should never bother the Compact ever again.
Family is important, and we all do what we can to protect them. Someone ought to kick this Pirate King's watery arse and teach him why he should never bother the Compact ever again.
Written By Isidora
March 12, 2018, 1:21 a.m.(5/6/1008 AR)
I am having a hard time finding my place in Arx. What tasks can I do for my family and guild? Most of my time is spent reading or preparing medicines. I have decided that it will be a goal to reach out and do more for Valardin, for the guild, and for the people of Arx. I dread being considered 'just another Princess' and wish to prove that there is more than meets the eye.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.