Written By Katarina
Feb. 20, 2018, 9:04 p.m.(3/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
He's disgustingly efficient at running meetings. I'm glad I took notes.
Written By Cristoph
Feb. 20, 2018, 8 p.m.(3/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I find myself humbled by Legate Orazio's journal from earlier today. I'm grown enough to admit that when I read Sir Preston's whites, my own ego was struck. I found myself offended on not only the behalf of the people who call the Oathlands home with me, but myself. My own insecurities and faults. For that I am completely guilty.
I then went out of my way, to engage in a discourse in which I wasn't fully listening to the concerns that came from a young man of the Faith. One that has already accomplished much in his time as a Godsworn and is more than allowed to have worries of his own.
My behavior was the very sort that I would disapprove of in others. To Sir Preston, I owe you a most contrite apology and I intend to make the fullest of amends to yourself and the Faith Militant as a whole.
I then went out of my way, to engage in a discourse in which I wasn't fully listening to the concerns that came from a young man of the Faith. One that has already accomplished much in his time as a Godsworn and is more than allowed to have worries of his own.
My behavior was the very sort that I would disapprove of in others. To Sir Preston, I owe you a most contrite apology and I intend to make the fullest of amends to yourself and the Faith Militant as a whole.
Written By Ignacio
Feb. 20, 2018, 5:30 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
The Dance of Duty (Week 3)
When the fire burns hot, the flame can burn itself out. This might not exactly be the case in which I experienced
with Lady Oriana, it is still true enough. While Lady Oriana was assisting me with dealing with some old problems,
I could have been making some progress with them... Maybe... I have received word that I shall be commanding the
troops from Tor in the war to come. It is an honor to be able to serve my House and my people in such a way. Lady
Oriana on that note has been recalled to her home, for that is where she is needed most. Somethings are not meant
to be. But where one door closes shut, another one opens.
When the fire burns hot, the flame can burn itself out. This might not exactly be the case in which I experienced
with Lady Oriana, it is still true enough. While Lady Oriana was assisting me with dealing with some old problems,
I could have been making some progress with them... Maybe... I have received word that I shall be commanding the
troops from Tor in the war to come. It is an honor to be able to serve my House and my people in such a way. Lady
Oriana on that note has been recalled to her home, for that is where she is needed most. Somethings are not meant
to be. But where one door closes shut, another one opens.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 20, 2018, 5:19 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Mistress Shard, thank you as well.
For someone who feared they would not be able to help, I have found your words quite helpful. For me, when I consider my worship of the gods, there is an element of submission and awe involved in how I see them, how I offer to them. We sometimes do offer up a sacrifice to show our devotion to the gods, although these are rarely physical things, but rather vows of poverty, chastity, or - as in the case of godsworn - oaths against marriage or children, and the sacrifice of our fealty to our family. These are not things demanded by the gods, however; indeed, the gods have often touched or proclaimed their love for those who have offered none of those sacrifices. It is not a transactional relationship, but then, that may be because the gods have already given us more than we can ever repay: our very souls, and our existence as a human people. There could be no equal transaction that would match that, even if the gods did nothing more on this world, so we offer up what we can, in gratitude and love.
And yet, I do understand a part of what you say - the idea of honoring something you respect by giving up something worthwhile is something that anyone of honor can relate to. And our goddess Gild is proof enough that trade is not, in and of itself, inherently wrong (although like anything, it can be exploited towards cruelty and injustice). I appreciate your willingness to share your understanding.
For someone who feared they would not be able to help, I have found your words quite helpful. For me, when I consider my worship of the gods, there is an element of submission and awe involved in how I see them, how I offer to them. We sometimes do offer up a sacrifice to show our devotion to the gods, although these are rarely physical things, but rather vows of poverty, chastity, or - as in the case of godsworn - oaths against marriage or children, and the sacrifice of our fealty to our family. These are not things demanded by the gods, however; indeed, the gods have often touched or proclaimed their love for those who have offered none of those sacrifices. It is not a transactional relationship, but then, that may be because the gods have already given us more than we can ever repay: our very souls, and our existence as a human people. There could be no equal transaction that would match that, even if the gods did nothing more on this world, so we offer up what we can, in gratitude and love.
And yet, I do understand a part of what you say - the idea of honoring something you respect by giving up something worthwhile is something that anyone of honor can relate to. And our goddess Gild is proof enough that trade is not, in and of itself, inherently wrong (although like anything, it can be exploited towards cruelty and injustice). I appreciate your willingness to share your understanding.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 20, 2018, 5:09 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thesarin
Thank you, Count Thesarin, for your words in your journal explaining your people's beliefs and their origins. I appreciate you sharing your perspective, and I will think on it.
Written By Shard
Feb. 20, 2018, 5:06 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Thesarin makes a good point. A lot of times, the requests made of the spirits where I come from were as simple as 'help us find the herds so we can eat'.
The spirits of the animals we hunted in good times. Raven spirits in bad.
The spirits of the animals we hunted in good times. Raven spirits in bad.
Written By Saoirse
Feb. 20, 2018, 5:04 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caith
Princess Caith,
Feel awful for a moment, but not for too long, because I did not confront you with a desiccated slipper to send you tumbling into horrific guilt.
Have you perhaps considered sending Stumphrey to a tutor? We surely have seen that among the noble classes, unruly children who are given a firm hand do improve.
Or maybe just get a new pet.
Just ideas.
Feel awful for a moment, but not for too long, because I did not confront you with a desiccated slipper to send you tumbling into horrific guilt.
Have you perhaps considered sending Stumphrey to a tutor? We surely have seen that among the noble classes, unruly children who are given a firm hand do improve.
Or maybe just get a new pet.
Just ideas.
Written By Shard
Feb. 20, 2018, 4:58 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I don't think I can help you with this one, because I don't understand how the Paths here work. I don't know how they worship, and I don't really understand your worship yet. I don't know or understand the spirits here either (not that I was ever that good with the ones where I'm from, but I had someone to explain them to me there). Where I come from, worship, at least from what I've gathered since coming to the Compact, isn't the right word to use. This is probably something that's better for a conversation than a journal entry, but, shorter, where I'm from, the word to use isn't worship, at least as I understand that word.
The word to use is honor, or maybe respect. There's no prayer, there is meditation and trance. Bargains are made because spirits have desires and needs, but also because, at least where I'm from, this is a tradition, how we show respect. Everyone has needs. I don't know what word to use in Arvani for it, but when you get something, you give something. That's how it is, and it goes for neighbors as well as spirits. Maybe, if I want something from a stone, the stone doesn't actually need what I'm sacrificing to get that something, but I give it anyway, because it shows I respect the spirit enough, and what the spirit is giving enough, that I'm willing to give in return. And the greater the thing I ask for, the greater the thing I sacrifice, because it shows I understand and value what I'm asking for.
Of course, people start getting antsy whenever you start talking about this kind of thing and using the word 'sacrifice'. That's not what this is. Just think of it as a price. You pay a price, like you do with any bargain you make. Maybe that's a task in return. Maybe that's some food. Maybe it's an item you treasure. Maybe you make something. Maybe you destroy something. Maybe you protect the spirit's home. Maybe you build them a home. It's not the way gods work because spirits aren't gods. They're old things with their own ways and wisdoms.
If you're trying to compare the two, I can see the problem. That keeps tripping me up too.
The word to use is honor, or maybe respect. There's no prayer, there is meditation and trance. Bargains are made because spirits have desires and needs, but also because, at least where I'm from, this is a tradition, how we show respect. Everyone has needs. I don't know what word to use in Arvani for it, but when you get something, you give something. That's how it is, and it goes for neighbors as well as spirits. Maybe, if I want something from a stone, the stone doesn't actually need what I'm sacrificing to get that something, but I give it anyway, because it shows I respect the spirit enough, and what the spirit is giving enough, that I'm willing to give in return. And the greater the thing I ask for, the greater the thing I sacrifice, because it shows I understand and value what I'm asking for.
Of course, people start getting antsy whenever you start talking about this kind of thing and using the word 'sacrifice'. That's not what this is. Just think of it as a price. You pay a price, like you do with any bargain you make. Maybe that's a task in return. Maybe that's some food. Maybe it's an item you treasure. Maybe you make something. Maybe you destroy something. Maybe you protect the spirit's home. Maybe you build them a home. It's not the way gods work because spirits aren't gods. They're old things with their own ways and wisdoms.
If you're trying to compare the two, I can see the problem. That keeps tripping me up too.
Written By Thesarin
Feb. 20, 2018, 4:43 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
I'm sworn as Count-Consort to Riven, husband of Count Mia Riven and vassal to Marquessa Deepwood, by the light and oaths of Limerance. I serve as War Chief to our armies in the sight of Gloria.
But if you'd ask why folk give worship to the woods, the rivers, the rains and the skies...
Moral virtue and love without question are fine things, but if the skies don't rain, the nets sit empty, and the woods turn up no game, folk can't fill their bellies with virtue.
A second point, far meaner, was that the spirits of a people was the spitits of that people. If Grayson and Thrax make war, can be hoped both go with Gloria, fight with honor and courage. But even she can't give both sides victory.
I'm sworn to the Twelve and One, and if I were otherwise, still couldn't talk for ten thousand of peoples pray to a thousand thousand Old Gods ten thousand thousand ways.
But that was the heart of it, where I came from. Folk treating and begging with the wind, sky, and waters that their children didn't starve.
But if you'd ask why folk give worship to the woods, the rivers, the rains and the skies...
Moral virtue and love without question are fine things, but if the skies don't rain, the nets sit empty, and the woods turn up no game, folk can't fill their bellies with virtue.
A second point, far meaner, was that the spirits of a people was the spitits of that people. If Grayson and Thrax make war, can be hoped both go with Gloria, fight with honor and courage. But even she can't give both sides victory.
I'm sworn to the Twelve and One, and if I were otherwise, still couldn't talk for ten thousand of peoples pray to a thousand thousand Old Gods ten thousand thousand ways.
But that was the heart of it, where I came from. Folk treating and begging with the wind, sky, and waters that their children didn't starve.
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 20, 2018, 3:37 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
I've put several earrings up in my shop, bronze, instead of the silver and gold I normally work with. It lends a quality to the pieces that's warm, the patina of the metal changing with time, effected by the air as much as copper, or even human skin. Amethysts, aquamarines, topazes ... Set in these Prodigal-inspired designs, from a tribe to the East, it's definitely very different, but still quite beautiful.
I write about them here rather than in the boards. I don't know why.
I write about them here rather than in the boards. I don't know why.
Written By Vayne
Feb. 20, 2018, 3:09 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
Highness, these are good words. Balance is key. One of the foremost precepts of Tehom is balance - to not be overruled by virtue or vice, but to hold both equal and use them to accomplish one's good ends.
I am so pleased to see you strive to embrace this ideal.
I am so pleased to see you strive to embrace this ideal.
Written By Marian
Feb. 20, 2018, 2:59 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
In the matter of Faith, there can be no reason or judgement that forces one's hand. We can be pushed and pulled in certain directions but such changes do not stay with us as we lean back towards what speaks to our hearts. I caution both sides to consider the damage that can be done when faith is forced.
When I married into House Valardin, taking my husband's name. I observed his Faith, while still honoring the Elders and Nature. I walked two paths for many years, spending time in the shrines, speaking with the Faithful. Spending time with my former house's shamans, honoring the spirits. I am grateful for the support that High Lord Radley, High Lord Edain, their Seraph and the Faithful gave to me to make my own choice. My heart led me to the Faith. Those in the Church were merely guides along the way.
When I remarried into House Redrain, taking my husband's name, I chose to hold onto my Faith rather than return to the spirits. I still give thanks to the ancestors that came before me. When I walk the earth, I do not take for granted the sun that shines on my face, the wind that blows through my hair or the ground that is beneath my feet. But my prayers still go to the Gods. Those that stand beside me respect my choice. Just as I carry a deep respect for those that still hear the call of the spirits.
I beseech both sides to seek a mutual understanding. May I see you true and be seen in kind. May our words reveal more than they obscure. May our mind, eyes and tongues be guided by our hearts to find our own paths. As long as the Crown and Compact are honored, as long as we stand together, I believe we will push back the darkness that threatens all of us.
When I married into House Valardin, taking my husband's name. I observed his Faith, while still honoring the Elders and Nature. I walked two paths for many years, spending time in the shrines, speaking with the Faithful. Spending time with my former house's shamans, honoring the spirits. I am grateful for the support that High Lord Radley, High Lord Edain, their Seraph and the Faithful gave to me to make my own choice. My heart led me to the Faith. Those in the Church were merely guides along the way.
When I remarried into House Redrain, taking my husband's name, I chose to hold onto my Faith rather than return to the spirits. I still give thanks to the ancestors that came before me. When I walk the earth, I do not take for granted the sun that shines on my face, the wind that blows through my hair or the ground that is beneath my feet. But my prayers still go to the Gods. Those that stand beside me respect my choice. Just as I carry a deep respect for those that still hear the call of the spirits.
I beseech both sides to seek a mutual understanding. May I see you true and be seen in kind. May our words reveal more than they obscure. May our mind, eyes and tongues be guided by our hearts to find our own paths. As long as the Crown and Compact are honored, as long as we stand together, I believe we will push back the darkness that threatens all of us.
Written By Sophie
Feb. 20, 2018, 2:13 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Opening a chrysalis before a butterfly is ready to be a butterfly results in no butterfly at all.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 20, 2018, 2:13 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
That is a sensible and practical concern. Nor do I fully reject the concept of spirits nor that they can be helpful (or harmful) in the rare occasions they choose to interact with humanity. I admit that I do struggle with the concept of worshiping such beings. I understand why one worships the Pantheon. The gods are the greatest virtues of humanity and the higher powers of the world. They love us without asking anything in return, without bargaining or demands. And even were they not to respond at all to our prayers, they remain the representation of everything a human being should aspire to. Fidelity, Love, Justice, Choice, Wisdom, Honor, Charity, the willingness to Change, Dominion and Stewardship, Creation, the proper cycle of life and Death, the giving of sustenance, the willingness to recognize our own darkness and overcome it.
These are things worth championing, worth worshiping, worth giving up my family and my hope of children to serve, now and for always. I remain uncertain of the purpose of worship of spirits. How do they make the world, or humanity, a better place? What love and regard do they have for us who are creations of the gods?
Please don't take this as a demand for an answer, although I would be interested in the thoughts of those who have chosen a shamanistic path. I simply don't truly understand the appeal, I suppose.
These are things worth championing, worth worshiping, worth giving up my family and my hope of children to serve, now and for always. I remain uncertain of the purpose of worship of spirits. How do they make the world, or humanity, a better place? What love and regard do they have for us who are creations of the gods?
Please don't take this as a demand for an answer, although I would be interested in the thoughts of those who have chosen a shamanistic path. I simply don't truly understand the appeal, I suppose.
Written By Vayne
Feb. 20, 2018, 2:12 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Sister Rinel, I'm concerned there's a significant misspelling in your recent journal entry. You said "Twelve," but I'm certain you meant "Thirteen" as there are, after all, more than twelve in the Pantheon.
You might want to consider correcting the oversight.
You might want to consider correcting the oversight.
Written By Rinel
Feb. 20, 2018, 2:09 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
I have neglected our Lord's commands to record our thoughts for too long. It is fitting that I return to the task with my thoughts on theology.
Certainly it is preferable that all in the Compact worship the Twelve as They should properly be worshipped. Yet we must not condemn those who have fallen into confusion and worshipped what should merely be recognized as powerful. The belief that strength alone grants a being the right to praise is an inherent flaw of humanity. The Gods should be praised, then, for leading House Rivenshari to House Valardin. As ever in matters of the Faith, the Oathlands stands ready to guide its errant brothers and sisters to propriety and devotion.
This is, of course, hardly limited to newcomers to the Compact.
Certainly it is preferable that all in the Compact worship the Twelve as They should properly be worshipped. Yet we must not condemn those who have fallen into confusion and worshipped what should merely be recognized as powerful. The belief that strength alone grants a being the right to praise is an inherent flaw of humanity. The Gods should be praised, then, for leading House Rivenshari to House Valardin. As ever in matters of the Faith, the Oathlands stands ready to guide its errant brothers and sisters to propriety and devotion.
This is, of course, hardly limited to newcomers to the Compact.
Written By Eshra
Feb. 20, 2018, 1:33 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
I would like to clear something up.
Rivenshari has not come into the Compact and rejected the Pantheon. Prince Edain did not take a house in and say that this was acceptable.
Lord Vano, like many of my people, myself included, are struggling with finding their balance after the devastation that swept through our people. The Compact, the Pantheon, they are new ways of life. And to a people that has everything stripped from them, identity is the hardest thing to hold on to.
My people are finding their place, as individuals as well as a house. We are a young house by anyone's terms, I ask simply that you have patience as we sort out and work through those pains of childhood that all must face. We are a passionate people and those of us in a position to lead are wanting to bring that passion to the Compact as it is one of our greatest attributes. But to do that, we need to heal and we need to help our people heal.
But we will heal, we are. And in doing so we are learning and growing. Some parts we will hold on to, some we will let go and others we will adopt or meld together. That is the way of it. And let me assure you, The House Valardin has been nothing but helpful and supportive in our growth.
All that said, the point that needed to be understood with Lord Vano's words is, we hurt.. yes. Our beliefs are new and still learning to stand, yes. But we are here. We stand up beside those we fell in front of only two years past because what is out there, is something no one. No one. Should have to face alone. I beseech you, do not let pettiness or house politics to allow that to happen. Standing together is the only way to face the storm of nightmares that come towards us.
I invite any who need to speak to me about this to do contact me.
Rivenshari has not come into the Compact and rejected the Pantheon. Prince Edain did not take a house in and say that this was acceptable.
Lord Vano, like many of my people, myself included, are struggling with finding their balance after the devastation that swept through our people. The Compact, the Pantheon, they are new ways of life. And to a people that has everything stripped from them, identity is the hardest thing to hold on to.
My people are finding their place, as individuals as well as a house. We are a young house by anyone's terms, I ask simply that you have patience as we sort out and work through those pains of childhood that all must face. We are a passionate people and those of us in a position to lead are wanting to bring that passion to the Compact as it is one of our greatest attributes. But to do that, we need to heal and we need to help our people heal.
But we will heal, we are. And in doing so we are learning and growing. Some parts we will hold on to, some we will let go and others we will adopt or meld together. That is the way of it. And let me assure you, The House Valardin has been nothing but helpful and supportive in our growth.
All that said, the point that needed to be understood with Lord Vano's words is, we hurt.. yes. Our beliefs are new and still learning to stand, yes. But we are here. We stand up beside those we fell in front of only two years past because what is out there, is something no one. No one. Should have to face alone. I beseech you, do not let pettiness or house politics to allow that to happen. Standing together is the only way to face the storm of nightmares that come towards us.
I invite any who need to speak to me about this to do contact me.
Written By Shard
Feb. 20, 2018, 1:29 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I can't speak to the politics between the Faith and the Peerage. I also can't really speak to the way that Arx shamans might deal with the spirits; we've talked about this, I'm pretty ignorant on it. Perhaps it's the exact same way the gods are worshiped here.
That said, I should point out that, in your example, behaving that way only works until you piss off the spirit of the rock formation by ignoring what the spirit actually wants and asks for. Maybe the nobles you're talking about don't realize it either, but if a spirit wants to act, and it can act, it will act. It's not the power of a god, but that doesn't really matter too much when the spirit you've annoyed happens to be a living hill intent on crushing you (something that happened to us last year when the Grayson forces were in the Gray Forest until Khanne realized what we were dealing with and was able to communicate with it). People thinking about how shamanism is easier might want to consider that spirits are neither obligated to be friendly nor required to be helpful nor necessarily understandable to humanity at all. A rock is a rock, after all. If you form a relationship with it, you'd best hold up your end.
I've seen spirits. I've had a drink with a god. This world's too weird a place to ignore either.
That said, I should point out that, in your example, behaving that way only works until you piss off the spirit of the rock formation by ignoring what the spirit actually wants and asks for. Maybe the nobles you're talking about don't realize it either, but if a spirit wants to act, and it can act, it will act. It's not the power of a god, but that doesn't really matter too much when the spirit you've annoyed happens to be a living hill intent on crushing you (something that happened to us last year when the Grayson forces were in the Gray Forest until Khanne realized what we were dealing with and was able to communicate with it). People thinking about how shamanism is easier might want to consider that spirits are neither obligated to be friendly nor required to be helpful nor necessarily understandable to humanity at all. A rock is a rock, after all. If you form a relationship with it, you'd best hold up your end.
I've seen spirits. I've had a drink with a god. This world's too weird a place to ignore either.
Written By Thesarin
Feb. 20, 2018, 12:07 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Speaking for me.
Days coming, I'll take swords and blessings from any House and god who'll send them, and call it welcome.
Days coming, I'll take swords and blessings from any House and god who'll send them, and call it welcome.
Written By Brigida
Feb. 20, 2018, 11:51 a.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
We’re taught as youths that the soil beneath our feet, the rock formations and thick towering trees that inspire awe and imagination in our fickle mortal hearts, are ours by the grace and generosity of the Gods. It is in their good opinion that a grounded individual, one concerned with quality of home and hearth, ought be concerned.
As surely as the field is the farmer’s to sow, it once belonged to another.
As surely as the field is the farmer’s to sow, it once belonged to another.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.