Written By Alis
Feb. 22, 2018, 10:21 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Forgive me, Father Orazio, but I feel I must ask based on your comments about human sacrifice...
Which Prodigal Houses do you have proof of supporting such abomination? The Oathlands still strictly forbids both blood magic and human sacrifice so I would see that matter dealt with immediately.
Which Prodigal Houses do you have proof of supporting such abomination? The Oathlands still strictly forbids both blood magic and human sacrifice so I would see that matter dealt with immediately.
Written By Rue
Feb. 22, 2018, 10:08 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Every morning I have to remind myself that I'm one step closer to having my own shop. That someday I'll be done making napkins and linens for them Upper Boroughs folks.
All good things are worth waitin' for.
All good things are worth waitin' for.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 22, 2018, 9:19 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tibaltus
Reading Brother Tibaltus' journal is rather humbling, as he states the point I was trying to get across, and does it in far fewer words with far greater clarity, without diversions into random theological asides. It is a pleasure to have him weigh in on the matter.
Written By Tibaltus
Feb. 22, 2018, 7:58 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Unity is a tool used by men to forward their shared endeavors.
Where unity is used to aspire toward higher ideals, or to settle matters of justice, and mutual trust is forged before Limerance, it can appear to be virtuous. The Faith is bound by unity.
Where unity is formed by happy circumstance of shared cruel interest, it is not so virtuous. Swarms of locusts that descend upon the harvest are bound by unity.
Each Godly virtue, inherently righteous, has a sinful reflection. Unity can have no such reflection as it is not inherently righteous.
Disunity among those in virtuous aim is sinful. Unity among those in sinful endeavor is sinful. Unity is not a virtue.
Where unity is used to aspire toward higher ideals, or to settle matters of justice, and mutual trust is forged before Limerance, it can appear to be virtuous. The Faith is bound by unity.
Where unity is formed by happy circumstance of shared cruel interest, it is not so virtuous. Swarms of locusts that descend upon the harvest are bound by unity.
Each Godly virtue, inherently righteous, has a sinful reflection. Unity can have no such reflection as it is not inherently righteous.
Disunity among those in virtuous aim is sinful. Unity among those in sinful endeavor is sinful. Unity is not a virtue.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 22, 2018, 7:36 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
We do not have conflicting doctrines, Princess Ann, because the Faith takes care to ensure that doctrine involves equal consideration of all the gods' virtues, rather than championing one over the others. However, that is not the same as suppressing the expression of a god's virtue, nor does it mean that the demands of those virtues may not conflict when considering the righteous choice in a given situation, nor that each of those competing demands should not be heard and considered. Even the gods may have their debates, although we are rarely privileged to hear such, although their fundamental virtue and righteousness would prevent them from coming to direct conflict for anything other than truly irreconcilable differences. Humans, being less virtuous and righteous by definition, may come to direct conflict much earlier in the process.
To your other point, I would say first that the gods did not give us Skald, but rather Skald chose of his own will to create humanity and aid those who were in chains. I suspect he would rather not be thought of as a present to be handed out for good, or bad, behavior. That said, it may be worthwhile to study your history. The Faith has brought the worship of the gods to the continent through force in many cases, and where spiritual guidance and reason fail, may maintain it via the swords of the Templars. We are not a pacifist Church, and yet the gods stand with us. None of the Houses are pacifist, and yet the gods stand with them - or abandon them, should they fall too far from the righteous path. When two Houses go to war, both might display the virtues of the gods in their actions and deeds, although they stand apart on the source of their conflict. Likewise, two Houses may be unified in heresy and blasphemy, and the gods shall stand apart from them without hesitation, and the Church shall send Templars to settle the matter lest the corruption spread across the Compact. The gods will not continue to stand with one who violates their principles, nor will the Church, although all might hope that the wayward will abandon their misbehavior and return home. But it is not the nature of any of the gods to say, "Ah, this person commits human sacrifice to dark powers, but I'm sure they're really nice on the inside, so we should forgive them and remain unified."
Unity is not a virtue. But the righteous, by the actions they take which are righteous, are more likely (but not guaranteed) to stand together than apart.
To your other point, I would say first that the gods did not give us Skald, but rather Skald chose of his own will to create humanity and aid those who were in chains. I suspect he would rather not be thought of as a present to be handed out for good, or bad, behavior. That said, it may be worthwhile to study your history. The Faith has brought the worship of the gods to the continent through force in many cases, and where spiritual guidance and reason fail, may maintain it via the swords of the Templars. We are not a pacifist Church, and yet the gods stand with us. None of the Houses are pacifist, and yet the gods stand with them - or abandon them, should they fall too far from the righteous path. When two Houses go to war, both might display the virtues of the gods in their actions and deeds, although they stand apart on the source of their conflict. Likewise, two Houses may be unified in heresy and blasphemy, and the gods shall stand apart from them without hesitation, and the Church shall send Templars to settle the matter lest the corruption spread across the Compact. The gods will not continue to stand with one who violates their principles, nor will the Church, although all might hope that the wayward will abandon their misbehavior and return home. But it is not the nature of any of the gods to say, "Ah, this person commits human sacrifice to dark powers, but I'm sure they're really nice on the inside, so we should forgive them and remain unified."
Unity is not a virtue. But the righteous, by the actions they take which are righteous, are more likely (but not guaranteed) to stand together than apart.
Written By Violet
Feb. 22, 2018, 5:29 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tobias
The Lord General took me in after the massavre of mine and my brother's village as a recruit. Helped me make sure my brother got an apprenticeship to his talents. I look up to him.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 22, 2018, 3:53 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
I owe you a response, your highness, and I've thought about how to reply.
Father Orazio is the shield of the Faith and defends it with vigor from attacks within it and outside it, he represents the gods and what he says is from them and guides the faithful with truth, love and zeal. At first it might seem that he misses something so profound due to its simplicity, but then I recall he’s one who enjoys the truth being found and shared through debate, discussion and deliberation.
The Faith of the Pantheon has existed long before the Reckoning and he is correct that the Pantheon does not have an individual god representing the concept of unity. However, I find the ancient sigil of the Faith to be a powerful message hidden in plain view: the three tetrads as three intersecting golden circles without break or flaw shows unity between the tetrads and unity within the tetrads. The Pantheon, by its very definition of that ancient sigil, represents unity upon unity.
Unity therefore cannot be an individual. Unity by definition is where individuals come together. So as above, so as below, so as in-between and all other places.
Father Orazio is the shield of the Faith and defends it with vigor from attacks within it and outside it, he represents the gods and what he says is from them and guides the faithful with truth, love and zeal. At first it might seem that he misses something so profound due to its simplicity, but then I recall he’s one who enjoys the truth being found and shared through debate, discussion and deliberation.
The Faith of the Pantheon has existed long before the Reckoning and he is correct that the Pantheon does not have an individual god representing the concept of unity. However, I find the ancient sigil of the Faith to be a powerful message hidden in plain view: the three tetrads as three intersecting golden circles without break or flaw shows unity between the tetrads and unity within the tetrads. The Pantheon, by its very definition of that ancient sigil, represents unity upon unity.
Unity therefore cannot be an individual. Unity by definition is where individuals come together. So as above, so as below, so as in-between and all other places.
Written By Ann
Feb. 22, 2018, 12:52 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
You are correct, it's not one god's purview to see to it that everything is all peace and harmony all the time. Actually, I think it is Lagoma that causes change, and change is sometimes met with resistance. When resistance turns to war, we have Gloria that guides us. Yes, we have gods of conflict. Yes, we have gods of war. Ideal concepts...
But, I think it speaks to itself that we do not have gods or spirits promoting conflicting doctrines or wars against other gods. I wonder why that is? I wonder if it is because they realize that working together they can accomplish more? Maybe because they realize they are on the same team - that is, our team?
If the spirits, or worship of spirits affronted the gods why did they give us Skald and the choice? If they were so possessive over who gets our worship why not fight wars against each other to further their own doctrine instead of the whole of the Thirteen? I'm just curious as to, if they do not represent unity, why do they display it so much?
But, I think it speaks to itself that we do not have gods or spirits promoting conflicting doctrines or wars against other gods. I wonder why that is? I wonder if it is because they realize that working together they can accomplish more? Maybe because they realize they are on the same team - that is, our team?
If the spirits, or worship of spirits affronted the gods why did they give us Skald and the choice? If they were so possessive over who gets our worship why not fight wars against each other to further their own doctrine instead of the whole of the Thirteen? I'm just curious as to, if they do not represent unity, why do they display it so much?
Written By Mae
Feb. 22, 2018, 12:40 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
I've completed my latest painting. Suppose I ought to hurry up and pick to patron, so I can work on getting a space to display this stuff.
Next up, a much less disturbing painting. Should be quick to get done and sell off.
Next up, a much less disturbing painting. Should be quick to get done and sell off.
Written By Violet
Feb. 21, 2018, 11:25 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
That which I had hoped to keep quite to spare the families has gotten out. I am not surprised but I am sad I could not prevent it. With emotions so high in the city it is no wonder. I was extremely upset to discover the betting by my fellows against the health of my squad. Sometimes soon I will need to do something about it, but the question is what. These things become dangerous if left alone.
The funeral was hard, but beautiful, and it made me glad to know if, let's be honest when, something happens to me I will get as good a send off. The Blades have become my family so I will not lie that I have shed tears. Those who question why I am the lone survivor can ask me themselves instead of spreading rumors. It is not what you would think.
At least there is some good in my life as well. But that is another journal entry entirely. It gives me strength, though, for what is to come. I will be strong and I will do Lord Tobias and my fellow Blades proud.
The funeral was hard, but beautiful, and it made me glad to know if, let's be honest when, something happens to me I will get as good a send off. The Blades have become my family so I will not lie that I have shed tears. Those who question why I am the lone survivor can ask me themselves instead of spreading rumors. It is not what you would think.
At least there is some good in my life as well. But that is another journal entry entirely. It gives me strength, though, for what is to come. I will be strong and I will do Lord Tobias and my fellow Blades proud.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 21, 2018, 11 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
First, allow me to humbly thank all of those who shared their thoughts and spiritual understandings of the gods and the spirits, both in entries posted in the white journals, and in letters sent directly to me. Although my position in some regards remains unchanged, I believe that I have a better understanding of some people’s attitudes and perceptions of the spirits, and their place in their lives. Please consider my door open for further discussion on these subjects, although it is unlikely to change the Faith’s official position on spirit worship.
However, there are other sentiments I see pointed out to me in various white journals that I feel it would be remiss of me not to address. The first of these is an appeal to ‘unity’. It should be noted that there is no god of the Pantheon who champions unity as their virtue, and for good reason. Unity is not a virtue, and even the gods do not speak, think, or believe in lockstep with one another. If Justice must be served, then the Sentinel will speak, whether its words cause consternation or not. If there is a Change which must be acknowledged and considered in that judgment, then Lagoma has no fear of raising her voice to champion that change. And even among the Pantheon, there stands Tehom, who reminds us that we cannot ignore what is uncomfortable, and that even distasteful or threatening arguments should be heard and considered, lest ill-considered unity leads us into confusion and darkness. This does not stand in opposition to love, but rather is the fulfilment of it. Remember that Limerance is the god of a purer love than the warm, fuzzy romantic feelings that bring us joy and make us smile - he is the god of Fidelity, of holding fast to one’s oaths, commitments, and to the obligations that each of us have to one another, be it liege to vassal, parent to child, or brother and sister united in Faith. To look away from the misbehavior of another is not to say, “I love you too much to hurt you,” it is instead to say, “I don’t love you, or the principles you have broken, enough to stand fast and correct you, even though it might make you angry, or sad.”
Further, there are those who will say, “Now is not the time for dissent, for we are war.” If not now, I say, then when? The Compact was forged in war, and it has been in some part at war for nearly its entire history since then - and even our children’s children are not likely to see an end to the conflict we have joined. War is our constant companion, and we train our children and our people to survive it with every generation. Gloria stands as the goddess of war and honor together, not “Honor unless it would make winning a war difficult.” If it were easy, then it would hardly be a virtue for humanity to struggle for and aspire to - it is choosing honor and righteousness when there is a /cost/ to that choice that gives it power and meaning in the world, and proves the value such sentiments hold for ourselves. A war fought without honor and without demanding honor from our allies is a war that is not in Gloria’s sight, and one that we do not deserve to win.
Remember, children of the Faith: It is not love to follow others into darkness; rather, it is love to hold the torch as high and steady as you can, so that those who are lost might always find their way back to the light, should they choose.
However, there are other sentiments I see pointed out to me in various white journals that I feel it would be remiss of me not to address. The first of these is an appeal to ‘unity’. It should be noted that there is no god of the Pantheon who champions unity as their virtue, and for good reason. Unity is not a virtue, and even the gods do not speak, think, or believe in lockstep with one another. If Justice must be served, then the Sentinel will speak, whether its words cause consternation or not. If there is a Change which must be acknowledged and considered in that judgment, then Lagoma has no fear of raising her voice to champion that change. And even among the Pantheon, there stands Tehom, who reminds us that we cannot ignore what is uncomfortable, and that even distasteful or threatening arguments should be heard and considered, lest ill-considered unity leads us into confusion and darkness. This does not stand in opposition to love, but rather is the fulfilment of it. Remember that Limerance is the god of a purer love than the warm, fuzzy romantic feelings that bring us joy and make us smile - he is the god of Fidelity, of holding fast to one’s oaths, commitments, and to the obligations that each of us have to one another, be it liege to vassal, parent to child, or brother and sister united in Faith. To look away from the misbehavior of another is not to say, “I love you too much to hurt you,” it is instead to say, “I don’t love you, or the principles you have broken, enough to stand fast and correct you, even though it might make you angry, or sad.”
Further, there are those who will say, “Now is not the time for dissent, for we are war.” If not now, I say, then when? The Compact was forged in war, and it has been in some part at war for nearly its entire history since then - and even our children’s children are not likely to see an end to the conflict we have joined. War is our constant companion, and we train our children and our people to survive it with every generation. Gloria stands as the goddess of war and honor together, not “Honor unless it would make winning a war difficult.” If it were easy, then it would hardly be a virtue for humanity to struggle for and aspire to - it is choosing honor and righteousness when there is a /cost/ to that choice that gives it power and meaning in the world, and proves the value such sentiments hold for ourselves. A war fought without honor and without demanding honor from our allies is a war that is not in Gloria’s sight, and one that we do not deserve to win.
Remember, children of the Faith: It is not love to follow others into darkness; rather, it is love to hold the torch as high and steady as you can, so that those who are lost might always find their way back to the light, should they choose.
Written By Peri
Feb. 21, 2018, 10:53 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
He has developed some kind of deep (or shallow?) interest with me, or perhaps my hair. Given I saw him hitting on Lady Zoey right before noticing me, my guess is this is something passing. I have already replied to his message to explain why I am not entertaining anything.
Written By Peri
Feb. 21, 2018, 10:51 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
I pray to Mangata each day that Lady Samantha's trust in me will not be misplaced. She has chosen me to lead Deepwood's naval forces in the upcoming engagements. It's not on my shoulders alone. There will be other more capable and experienced naval commanders out in the waters, but I do plan to assist a pivotal action instead of being the crux of one. I think I will seek out one of Mangata's disciples before departing. There are things I need to do before putting myself at risk in any kind of way.
My father has been so preoccupied, it has been difficult for me to spend time with him. I was hoping coming to Arx would make it slightly easier for us to spend time together. I guess I just miss him. I hope we have time to do something besides go over matters of house before we go to battle. I was expecting to be with him in Crovane. I will need to leave a message for him so he knows plans have changed.
My father has been so preoccupied, it has been difficult for me to spend time with him. I was hoping coming to Arx would make it slightly easier for us to spend time together. I guess I just miss him. I hope we have time to do something besides go over matters of house before we go to battle. I was expecting to be with him in Crovane. I will need to leave a message for him so he knows plans have changed.
Written By Violet
Feb. 21, 2018, 10:44 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
Today was quite a rough day. It is no secret now about what happened. Sir Jeffeth was kind enough to offer let me blow off some steam in a spar. But I fear I overtaxed myself. No fault of the good knight he knocked me silly. But he did me a kindness and brought me to the Mercies at the House of Solace. And though I've a mighty bruise on my noggin, I am grateful to him. I hope to be better prepared in a few days to spar again. Yes, I am a glutton for punishment.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 21, 2018, 9:42 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
Aye, now this be a man who be knowing how to do business.
Reckon he be knowing the value of supply when it be in demand.
Reckon folk should be dealing with him. Aye.
Reckon he be knowing the value of supply when it be in demand.
Reckon folk should be dealing with him. Aye.
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 21, 2018, 9:06 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Gods bless Lycenes.
Written By Eleanor
Feb. 21, 2018, 8:19 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
I'm still visiting Lagoma's shrine each day. Some days I don't want to, for one reason or another, but I'm always glad I made myself go. Today I worked on my second assignment. It was harder than the first. It's hard not to feel like every change is momentous or difficult or both. I spoke to Fortunato for a while, and he helped. He's a very thoughtful person. So I think I've found an answer, even if it's maybe not a straightforward response to the question.
Day 2. What is a moment of personal growth or change that came far easier to you than you thought it would be?
I thought being knighted to feel like the most important day of my life. I thought my whole life would be in two parts: before I was a knight, and after I was a knight. I thought it would fundamentally change who I was as a person. But you know? It wasn't any of those things. It was a good day. I was proud and honored. I look back on it fondly. But even though my daily life changed some that day, I don't feel like I changed. I was still the same Eleanor from the day before.
Fortunato and I wondered if maybe that's because the change already happened. I may not have been a knight in the eyes of the Compact, but in my heart I already was. So was there a day, earlier than that, where it switched over? Was that day difficult? I can't remember it, so I have to think not. Training was hard, of course, but it's not the same thing. Was it just such a gradual change that it was too hard to notice, like the change between when your clean clothes are wet and then dry again?
Or was it because my heart was already too full of change, that day. I was still mourning my father's loss so keenly. Maybe there wasn't enough room in me to deal with two changes at once, so the lesser was pushed aside.
Or maybe it was because I knew in my bones that I was born to be a knight of the King's Own. Maybe it just felt like becoming who I was meant to be.
This has become more questions than answers. I guess I'll go back again tomorrow.
Day 2. What is a moment of personal growth or change that came far easier to you than you thought it would be?
I thought being knighted to feel like the most important day of my life. I thought my whole life would be in two parts: before I was a knight, and after I was a knight. I thought it would fundamentally change who I was as a person. But you know? It wasn't any of those things. It was a good day. I was proud and honored. I look back on it fondly. But even though my daily life changed some that day, I don't feel like I changed. I was still the same Eleanor from the day before.
Fortunato and I wondered if maybe that's because the change already happened. I may not have been a knight in the eyes of the Compact, but in my heart I already was. So was there a day, earlier than that, where it switched over? Was that day difficult? I can't remember it, so I have to think not. Training was hard, of course, but it's not the same thing. Was it just such a gradual change that it was too hard to notice, like the change between when your clean clothes are wet and then dry again?
Or was it because my heart was already too full of change, that day. I was still mourning my father's loss so keenly. Maybe there wasn't enough room in me to deal with two changes at once, so the lesser was pushed aside.
Or maybe it was because I knew in my bones that I was born to be a knight of the King's Own. Maybe it just felt like becoming who I was meant to be.
This has become more questions than answers. I guess I'll go back again tomorrow.
Written By Adalyn
Feb. 21, 2018, 6:39 p.m.(3/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaerith
Lord Jaerith Keaton is trouble.
But what amusing trouble to find oneself in!
But what amusing trouble to find oneself in!
Written By Bastien
Feb. 21, 2018, 6:34 p.m.(3/25/1008 AR)
I love watching nobles make unwarranted demands of their lieges that they would never extend to their own vassals. While apparently underpaying their taxes.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 21, 2018, 6:06 p.m.(3/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Oy. Reckon this rich Silky Princess be treating the common man shit like. YE BE WARNED:
Common man reaches out to be respondin to her offer for military writs, cause he be having some aye.
He - ME - be listin his price at 350 each.
She be reckoning she be collecting those writs for Thrax 'n for the war efforts and only do be paying 275, an excuse to be negotiatin - aye that be fair.
I be tellin her I be having orphans to feed, tellin her 325.
She be counterin proper like with no more excuses, to 300 each.
I be denyin it, sayin I can be findin buyers elsewhere - cause there be need for it all the work 'n writs I be securin, aye? It be the end of it, as I were thinking.
Then she be reachin out and saying she be taking them, for 325... and I be agreein!
But aye, then she be saying too much time has passed and it ain't needed no more. She ain't be needing to keep to her agreements. Aye fuck. I ain't be fuckin walkin around with me writs in my pocket, it be taking times to arrange it all.
Tis all ya gotta know about the woman. If she be finding a better deal elsewhere, she be spittin on ya to do it, even after givin ya bloody hopes up. Fucking silks.
Common man reaches out to be respondin to her offer for military writs, cause he be having some aye.
He - ME - be listin his price at 350 each.
She be reckoning she be collecting those writs for Thrax 'n for the war efforts and only do be paying 275, an excuse to be negotiatin - aye that be fair.
I be tellin her I be having orphans to feed, tellin her 325.
She be counterin proper like with no more excuses, to 300 each.
I be denyin it, sayin I can be findin buyers elsewhere - cause there be need for it all the work 'n writs I be securin, aye? It be the end of it, as I were thinking.
Then she be reachin out and saying she be taking them, for 325... and I be agreein!
But aye, then she be saying too much time has passed and it ain't needed no more. She ain't be needing to keep to her agreements. Aye fuck. I ain't be fuckin walkin around with me writs in my pocket, it be taking times to arrange it all.
Tis all ya gotta know about the woman. If she be finding a better deal elsewhere, she be spittin on ya to do it, even after givin ya bloody hopes up. Fucking silks.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.