Written By Cambria
Feb. 18, 2018, 12:18 p.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
There are those who are deeply sincere and well-meaning, but as I have noted elsewhere, that is precisely the problem today: There are a great many people like this, whose views derive from mere emotion, and hence make things a lot worse. Nothing could be more harmful than an approach that makes facts subordinate to how we want life to be, as if truth or what is reasonable were determined by feelings.
Written By Thena
Feb. 18, 2018, 11:53 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
I feel like we're missing something. I hope it's just my naturally pessimistic nature.
Written By Esoka
Feb. 18, 2018, 11:51 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Emily
I've been honored to become better acquainted with Lady Emily Deepwood over the past week. We spoke about ways I might aid in drilling her rangers, and other matters of military training. And, more lightly, I had much fun in the party she helped host at the Deepwood Manor. I managed to come in first in the skating race she hosted. I wasn't sure about those bladed things at first, but they're very good for speed, and I may attempt to incorporate blades into my daily travels somehow. It is good to see House Deepwood strengthened by good allies like this, and I hope we'll have many chances to work together in the future.
Written By Kenna
Feb. 18, 2018, 11:49 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianna
It probably does not help, but I am greatful for your falls as they kept my own lack of grace from anything but a raised eyebrow.
May your nose heal quickly!
May your nose heal quickly!
Written By Kenna
Feb. 18, 2018, 11:11 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
Last night I was able to attend the Deepwood party. To starts it was an absolute delight. Lady Emily and Jessa were wonderful and I would be more than pleased to spend more time in their company. The activities were amazing, and the company in general was stellar. Lord Thesarin was so very caring.
After going home and bathing my numerous bruises though I wanted to reflect a space on how important events like this are right now. A gloom hangs over the city as news grows of the upcoming conflict. We need to be reminded that there is light and laughter still. We need to remember that there are those around us to be loved, to be protected, and to support. Arx is a city fellowships made and strengthened. If we do not actively seek to make these bonds tighter we risk falling apart.
After going home and bathing my numerous bruises though I wanted to reflect a space on how important events like this are right now. A gloom hangs over the city as news grows of the upcoming conflict. We need to be reminded that there is light and laughter still. We need to remember that there are those around us to be loved, to be protected, and to support. Arx is a city fellowships made and strengthened. If we do not actively seek to make these bonds tighter we risk falling apart.
Written By Calypso
Feb. 18, 2018, 11:07 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
These journals are the keepers of our history. The tiny moments that pass by us that seem so important to keep record of at the time and often they are. It is important to mark changes and see how we have grown as individuals, as people and a collective humanity. It is with that in mind that I would like to take this Sunday, sitting here in the Shrine of Vellichor, to reflect on my service to King and Compact.
I have been called to serve the Crown and take point in the collective Defense of the Compact. That appointment was made by then Regent Dawn with, I believe, an intent to delegate and to help bolster the compact which she loved. By delegating her responsibilities she showed a great deal of trust in us, in her ministers and in the people who would fight for humanity and our values, our way of life. In this capacity, I have been granted trust to help keep our people safe. It has been my honor to take on this responsibility and in my own, flawed way to see that we are kept safe.
Though I know in my heart that what I strive for is a just and honorable cause, I know that I can only accomplish those tasks by earning and keeping sacred the trust of those around me. I have never consciously violated that trust, but I sense that it has been broken. I have no desire to continue in unwanted and I trusted service. Not for the personal pain in brings me, to live a life of unwanted service, but moreso that I know how valuable that trust is, and with out it I can not possibly serve the cause I have been tasked with.
When the King awoke to this new compact, and this new structure, he made a decision to keep Regent Dawn’s ministers in place. Moreover, he expanded on them and grew his Council of Ministers. I am grateful that he saw fit to utilize the talents of those in line with his wishes for the Compact’s future. Many hand make light work, as they say. Should the King find my administration of the Ministry of Defense unsuitable, I would hope he would replace me with someone more suited for the job. I will serve in whatever capacity my Sovereign finds me worthy of. As we all do, as we all must to ensure that our united efforts remain strong. We are blessed with wise leadership among us. Every High Lord acts with the integrity of their hearts, knowing that their actions impact those they serve. I have seen their humility, as it is their strength.
Humbly, I reflect on my actions. I can think of no changes I would have made in the past three years. Every word spoken and action taken, were made with the service of our people in mind. I am flawed, and subject to failures and though none of them have been made intentionally, I can not with a clear conscious say that they do not exist. I pray the Sentinel judges my actions justly, I pray that Vellichor records my history truthfully, I pray that Limerance has found my oaths fulfilled.
I have been called to serve the Crown and take point in the collective Defense of the Compact. That appointment was made by then Regent Dawn with, I believe, an intent to delegate and to help bolster the compact which she loved. By delegating her responsibilities she showed a great deal of trust in us, in her ministers and in the people who would fight for humanity and our values, our way of life. In this capacity, I have been granted trust to help keep our people safe. It has been my honor to take on this responsibility and in my own, flawed way to see that we are kept safe.
Though I know in my heart that what I strive for is a just and honorable cause, I know that I can only accomplish those tasks by earning and keeping sacred the trust of those around me. I have never consciously violated that trust, but I sense that it has been broken. I have no desire to continue in unwanted and I trusted service. Not for the personal pain in brings me, to live a life of unwanted service, but moreso that I know how valuable that trust is, and with out it I can not possibly serve the cause I have been tasked with.
When the King awoke to this new compact, and this new structure, he made a decision to keep Regent Dawn’s ministers in place. Moreover, he expanded on them and grew his Council of Ministers. I am grateful that he saw fit to utilize the talents of those in line with his wishes for the Compact’s future. Many hand make light work, as they say. Should the King find my administration of the Ministry of Defense unsuitable, I would hope he would replace me with someone more suited for the job. I will serve in whatever capacity my Sovereign finds me worthy of. As we all do, as we all must to ensure that our united efforts remain strong. We are blessed with wise leadership among us. Every High Lord acts with the integrity of their hearts, knowing that their actions impact those they serve. I have seen their humility, as it is their strength.
Humbly, I reflect on my actions. I can think of no changes I would have made in the past three years. Every word spoken and action taken, were made with the service of our people in mind. I am flawed, and subject to failures and though none of them have been made intentionally, I can not with a clear conscious say that they do not exist. I pray the Sentinel judges my actions justly, I pray that Vellichor records my history truthfully, I pray that Limerance has found my oaths fulfilled.
Written By Cadenza
Feb. 18, 2018, 10:42 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Emily
Went to the Deepwood Shindig with Caspian and had a blast. Lady Emily was so kind to send me a personal invite it was nice to see her after her joining the Explorers. Hopefully we'll get to hang out more.....she's a blast....even after causing me to have sand in my hair and armor but all in good fun!
Written By Cadenza
Feb. 18, 2018, 10:38 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Luis
Giving you your test was the merriment I needed...and it cracked me up the entire time. Can't wait to see how you flourish in the Explorers.
Written By Jacque
Feb. 18, 2018, 9:26 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
On another note, I've run out of whiskey once again. Someone should send me a cask.
Written By Jacque
Feb. 18, 2018, 9:26 a.m.(3/19/1008 AR)
I don't know if I'll be able to complete all the work I've got to do before we must march for war, but the missives I've received on the meeting briefings make me rather thoughtful. I want to march North -- I'd be of greater help there -- but I'll go where the High Lord needs me at.
Written By Costas
Feb. 18, 2018, 6:15 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Between my meditations in the shrine of Vellichor I have watched countless citizens come to record their thoughts in devotion to the god of Histories. Many enter and leave scant marks upon the parchment. The banalities of their day's troubles. Their observations of the world around them. Their worries and hopes. An act of oblation often little thought of beyond the requirement that it be done. It would be easy to cast these in a critical light. I have done so myself, questioning to what point a remark about a new pet, or a vague allusion to an unnamed lover, or the back and forth of discussion about what objects bickering couples might be hurling at the heads of their spouses.
But in the making of a tapestry there is both warp and weft. The underlying threads stretched across the frame are remarkable not for their fine texture or vivid dye but the strength they lend. Mundane, but resilient. Without which our fabric under strain would tangle in a snarl of lurid color.
In this way too I am coming to believe that a life cannot be lived fully and entirely in the blacks. We were not made by the gods to exist only in shadow. To contemplate and find worthy only the secret thoughts that we dare not share with others. Suffering only our own judgment and counsel as guide. Such a threadbare existence will surely twist and unravel without the strong foundation of what is lived, even if simply, in the light.
This is a lesson Vellichor has left us. That we reflect in the black what must, necessarily, in our lives be between only us and the gods. But it is in the whites that we reflect to one another. All of us standing in the same mirror, side by side in the community of devotion. To be left out of this great, shared reflection is to put yourself outside of History. To take the first step into the corruption of isolation, from which is born the need to control, to divide, and to unmake.
Wise Vellichor, in defiance of your command I have lived a life of mistrust and division, ruled only by my own secret heart and mocking the shared history lived earnestly by those brave enough to make their own hearts seen. As you came to the people of an age past to bestow the knowledge that would see them into chapters yet unwritten, take pity on my wayward soul and grant me the strength to write my own for all to see, and let them be the judge of my place in our History.
But in the making of a tapestry there is both warp and weft. The underlying threads stretched across the frame are remarkable not for their fine texture or vivid dye but the strength they lend. Mundane, but resilient. Without which our fabric under strain would tangle in a snarl of lurid color.
In this way too I am coming to believe that a life cannot be lived fully and entirely in the blacks. We were not made by the gods to exist only in shadow. To contemplate and find worthy only the secret thoughts that we dare not share with others. Suffering only our own judgment and counsel as guide. Such a threadbare existence will surely twist and unravel without the strong foundation of what is lived, even if simply, in the light.
This is a lesson Vellichor has left us. That we reflect in the black what must, necessarily, in our lives be between only us and the gods. But it is in the whites that we reflect to one another. All of us standing in the same mirror, side by side in the community of devotion. To be left out of this great, shared reflection is to put yourself outside of History. To take the first step into the corruption of isolation, from which is born the need to control, to divide, and to unmake.
Wise Vellichor, in defiance of your command I have lived a life of mistrust and division, ruled only by my own secret heart and mocking the shared history lived earnestly by those brave enough to make their own hearts seen. As you came to the people of an age past to bestow the knowledge that would see them into chapters yet unwritten, take pity on my wayward soul and grant me the strength to write my own for all to see, and let them be the judge of my place in our History.
Written By Ann
Feb. 18, 2018, 3:37 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Why, are you going to arrest him for tree-son?
Written By Saoirse
Feb. 18, 2018, 1:09 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caith
Caith's dog ate my mother's slippers.
That is all.
That is all.
Written By Mae
Feb. 18, 2018, 12:56 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Commoners Bulletin V2N5 - 03/18/1008 AR (02/17/2018)
The Commoners Bulletin is a condensed version of the news, happenings, and proclamations given out in the past fortnight! If you have news to include in the bulletin, or you believe I've missed something, please send word! (OOC: Using mail is good!)
-Mae Grayhope, Commoners Council
NEWS:
*The forces of the Compact are rallying! I hear it's a larger force turning up than anyone expected. This is great news.
*Word has also spread that Darkwater Watch has been evacuated. That's a good thing! But, I've heard weather has been particularly bad near Darkwater Watch and it's been hard getting messages in and out of the county. Let us all pray that the weather settles.
*The Faith has increased their charity efforts, supporting education in the Compact, providing food and clothing to the poor, and opening a memorial farm which will donate fresh food to the Lowers.
*Esra Nameless, formerly Esra Wyrmguard before his denoblement, has been killed. As stated by High Inquisitor Alistair Velenosa, Costas Voducce attempted to apprehend Esra. In the process of this apprehension, Esra drew blade and was killed. To quote the High Inquisitor: "Both Costas Voducce and House Malvici recognize the error of what occurred, and in honor of the concept of Justice have agreed to pay the necessary fines to the Crown and a donation to the Scholars of Vellichor and to seek penance before Sentinel to be announced by Legate Orazio."
*High Inquisitor Alistair Velenosa has also announced any record of Esra's words will be confiscated.
*Costas Voducce has begun his penance with the Faith. Father Orazio has explained the details to me, saying, "The terms of the penance are to voluntarily give up the position and blade of the House Sword for a period of no less than thirteen weeks, and to spend each week reflecting on his actions and life and the virtues of a different god, and recording those observations in his white journals. Those journals will be reviewed by me, and if I am not satisfied that penance will be achieved, another thirteen weeks will be assigned."
*The Commoners Council is in the process of seeking more information from all parties involved in this situation.
*Posters appeared around town, objecting to the entire situation surrounding Esra's demise, and questioning that justice had been done. Father Orazio invited anyone who wishes to discuss justice to go speak to him.
*In lighter news, the Murder of Crows hosted its third Darts and Drinking contest! Princess Reese Grayson claimed victory at darts and Dame Felicia at drinking.
*Count Turo Navegant supposedly had a very bad sailing expedition. You have two newborn children, Count! Don't go on crazy missions!
*Rumor is Lady Arianna Stonewood is trying to make amends for her previous uncouth actions. Forgiveness should be given to any that truly seek it! And remember, she's still young. Let's hope this is a good change for Lady Arianna.
*More rumors spread in the wake of Princess Isolde marrying Prince Alistair. The Peerage is upset! The man was a Prodigal Inquisitor, now a Lycene prince! Sounds very Lycene to me. Which might exactly be the problem!
*Baron Edward became a brief topic of conversation. He has an illegitimate child! Though he's taken responsibility for the child, I can't help but wonder if he'll be ennobled. And will Marshall's mother, Alarie Harall?
PROCLAMATIONS:
*The Master of Questions, Laric Grayson, has announced that the old morgue has been rediscovered. Apparently the doorway had been blocked some time ago! The morgue will be used for temporarily storing bodies until they can be properly laid to rest. Questions? Write Prince Laric Grayson!
*Count Turo Navegant and Countess Consort Arcelia Navegant have given birth to twins! Please join me in welcoming Lady Davina and Lord Kaax. I think that's about the hundredth set of twins born this year!
*King Alaric named High Lord Victus Thrax as the Grand Admiral of the combined fleet of the Compact. Gods bless Grand Admiral Victus in this upcoming war!
*Archlector Aureth announced a contest: The Faith is seeking out Passion Plays in honor of the rediscovered Gods: Death, First Choice, and Aion. Any that want more information should write Archlector Aureth.
*Sparte Fatchforth announced a series of debates to be held on behalf of The Salon. The topics vary. Write Sparte at the Iron Guard barracks for more information.
*In the world of challenges... Princess Tikva Grayson challenged Princess Cadenza Velenosa, for stealing an idea of hers. Princess Cadenza agreed to the duel, with an added "I'm sorry you feel that way". Prince Luca Grayson will be fighting on behalf of Princess Tikva, and Caspian Wild on behalf of Princess Cadenza.
*Archlector Aleksei challenged Magpie Grayhope, for proof that Archlector Aureth is Aleksei's best friend, and not Magpie's. Take note, people! Aleksei is certain people can only have one best friend. Magpie accepted the duel, and Prince Luca Grayson will be fighting on behalf of Aleksei, and Caspian Wild on behalf of Magpie. Rumor is there will be oil involved.
*Master of Questions Laric Grayson challenged a guy called Skald to a duel, over papercuts. Skald has accepted. I have no further details.
*Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax challenged Prince Rook Valardin to a duel, over who has the prettiest armor. I have not seen a response from Prince Rook.
*Dame Thena Grayhope and Lieutenant Calaudrin Estardes challenged each other to something for some reason. I think the matter is resolved.
The Commoners Bulletin is a condensed version of the news, happenings, and proclamations given out in the past fortnight! If you have news to include in the bulletin, or you believe I've missed something, please send word! (OOC: Using mail is good!)
-Mae Grayhope, Commoners Council
NEWS:
*The forces of the Compact are rallying! I hear it's a larger force turning up than anyone expected. This is great news.
*Word has also spread that Darkwater Watch has been evacuated. That's a good thing! But, I've heard weather has been particularly bad near Darkwater Watch and it's been hard getting messages in and out of the county. Let us all pray that the weather settles.
*The Faith has increased their charity efforts, supporting education in the Compact, providing food and clothing to the poor, and opening a memorial farm which will donate fresh food to the Lowers.
*Esra Nameless, formerly Esra Wyrmguard before his denoblement, has been killed. As stated by High Inquisitor Alistair Velenosa, Costas Voducce attempted to apprehend Esra. In the process of this apprehension, Esra drew blade and was killed. To quote the High Inquisitor: "Both Costas Voducce and House Malvici recognize the error of what occurred, and in honor of the concept of Justice have agreed to pay the necessary fines to the Crown and a donation to the Scholars of Vellichor and to seek penance before Sentinel to be announced by Legate Orazio."
*High Inquisitor Alistair Velenosa has also announced any record of Esra's words will be confiscated.
*Costas Voducce has begun his penance with the Faith. Father Orazio has explained the details to me, saying, "The terms of the penance are to voluntarily give up the position and blade of the House Sword for a period of no less than thirteen weeks, and to spend each week reflecting on his actions and life and the virtues of a different god, and recording those observations in his white journals. Those journals will be reviewed by me, and if I am not satisfied that penance will be achieved, another thirteen weeks will be assigned."
*The Commoners Council is in the process of seeking more information from all parties involved in this situation.
*Posters appeared around town, objecting to the entire situation surrounding Esra's demise, and questioning that justice had been done. Father Orazio invited anyone who wishes to discuss justice to go speak to him.
*In lighter news, the Murder of Crows hosted its third Darts and Drinking contest! Princess Reese Grayson claimed victory at darts and Dame Felicia at drinking.
*Count Turo Navegant supposedly had a very bad sailing expedition. You have two newborn children, Count! Don't go on crazy missions!
*Rumor is Lady Arianna Stonewood is trying to make amends for her previous uncouth actions. Forgiveness should be given to any that truly seek it! And remember, she's still young. Let's hope this is a good change for Lady Arianna.
*More rumors spread in the wake of Princess Isolde marrying Prince Alistair. The Peerage is upset! The man was a Prodigal Inquisitor, now a Lycene prince! Sounds very Lycene to me. Which might exactly be the problem!
*Baron Edward became a brief topic of conversation. He has an illegitimate child! Though he's taken responsibility for the child, I can't help but wonder if he'll be ennobled. And will Marshall's mother, Alarie Harall?
PROCLAMATIONS:
*The Master of Questions, Laric Grayson, has announced that the old morgue has been rediscovered. Apparently the doorway had been blocked some time ago! The morgue will be used for temporarily storing bodies until they can be properly laid to rest. Questions? Write Prince Laric Grayson!
*Count Turo Navegant and Countess Consort Arcelia Navegant have given birth to twins! Please join me in welcoming Lady Davina and Lord Kaax. I think that's about the hundredth set of twins born this year!
*King Alaric named High Lord Victus Thrax as the Grand Admiral of the combined fleet of the Compact. Gods bless Grand Admiral Victus in this upcoming war!
*Archlector Aureth announced a contest: The Faith is seeking out Passion Plays in honor of the rediscovered Gods: Death, First Choice, and Aion. Any that want more information should write Archlector Aureth.
*Sparte Fatchforth announced a series of debates to be held on behalf of The Salon. The topics vary. Write Sparte at the Iron Guard barracks for more information.
*In the world of challenges... Princess Tikva Grayson challenged Princess Cadenza Velenosa, for stealing an idea of hers. Princess Cadenza agreed to the duel, with an added "I'm sorry you feel that way". Prince Luca Grayson will be fighting on behalf of Princess Tikva, and Caspian Wild on behalf of Princess Cadenza.
*Archlector Aleksei challenged Magpie Grayhope, for proof that Archlector Aureth is Aleksei's best friend, and not Magpie's. Take note, people! Aleksei is certain people can only have one best friend. Magpie accepted the duel, and Prince Luca Grayson will be fighting on behalf of Aleksei, and Caspian Wild on behalf of Magpie. Rumor is there will be oil involved.
*Master of Questions Laric Grayson challenged a guy called Skald to a duel, over papercuts. Skald has accepted. I have no further details.
*Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax challenged Prince Rook Valardin to a duel, over who has the prettiest armor. I have not seen a response from Prince Rook.
*Dame Thena Grayhope and Lieutenant Calaudrin Estardes challenged each other to something for some reason. I think the matter is resolved.
Written By Emily
Feb. 18, 2018, 12:32 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
The Shindig was a success, a few injured and bloody (Sorry Lady Ianna!) but all came right in the end. I have never seen the manor look so lively or the Marquis Rymarr look more graceful or resplendent! And the Princess Caith, well won your highness and Dame Esoka. I think we will need another one of these after all that is to come.
Written By Emily
Feb. 18, 2018, 12:29 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Margerie
Lady Margerie, how to explain her in one sentence - you can not really. So little time have we had together to speak but I already find I am rather inclined to enjoy her company and she has humor, quite a bit of it and can stand toe to toe with Luis. She is already won marks for that let alone just who she is. I look forward to drinks with her and whatever mischief we can discuss.
Written By Rymarr
Feb. 18, 2018, 12:28 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Go right to the root of the problem. A sound strategy.
Written By Victus
Feb. 18, 2018, 12:24 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Cease
And
Fucking
Desist
With these Tree puns.
And
Fucking
Desist
With these Tree puns.
Written By Fairen
Feb. 18, 2018, 12:23 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
I was wondering what they wood say.
Written By Rymarr
Feb. 18, 2018, 12:20 a.m.(3/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
At least he's branching out in his studies.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.