Written By Preston
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:34 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
As father Orazio indicates, it is perfectly easy to both disagree with the actions that led to Esra's death, and also see no virtue in Esra either. Ultimately the crimes he committed were against the Faith - whatever it is he said, or we heard, we can agree that it was an attack on the Faith. It is true, an attack on the Faith is in many ways an assault on our traditions, an assault on all good people of Arvum. But, if any had the right to pursue this to such an end as Esra met, it was the Faith and few else. I can understand the events, indeed had my Templars found Esra first and he chose to resist I cannot say a similar fate would not have found him, but it would not have been I as Guard of the Dominus who was there, because the Dominus must have that distance, and it would not have been Banisher that I drew, the blade given to me by the last Dominus to defend his sacred position and Arvum.
Written By Magpie
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:33 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
I'm a little hungover, but let me see if I have this right.
Noble gets kicked out of noble family for being a loon. Easiest way for nobles to deal with it.
Loon gets thrown out of the Faith.
Loon is then cut down dead by 'honorable noble' in 'self-defense'.
The man was a *scholar*! I mean, I don't know about the rest of you but have you seen my cousin Aureth? He's a man of the Faith and not a scholar and you could beat him up with a pinky.
But I'm sure Costas was just shaking in his boots over the loon possibly hurting him.
Yeah, seems pretty clear-cut case of murder to me. Remember that time a bunch of shav were wholesale murderered before being captured for proper ques-.. oh wait, I'm not allowed to talk about that. I'm not a noble. No one is going to smooth over my transgressions for me.
Can I be a House Sword? I'd love to have the freedom to cut down my enemies and call it self-defense too. Anyone? Magpie for House Sword?
Noble gets kicked out of noble family for being a loon. Easiest way for nobles to deal with it.
Loon gets thrown out of the Faith.
Loon is then cut down dead by 'honorable noble' in 'self-defense'.
The man was a *scholar*! I mean, I don't know about the rest of you but have you seen my cousin Aureth? He's a man of the Faith and not a scholar and you could beat him up with a pinky.
But I'm sure Costas was just shaking in his boots over the loon possibly hurting him.
Yeah, seems pretty clear-cut case of murder to me. Remember that time a bunch of shav were wholesale murderered before being captured for proper ques-.. oh wait, I'm not allowed to talk about that. I'm not a noble. No one is going to smooth over my transgressions for me.
Can I be a House Sword? I'd love to have the freedom to cut down my enemies and call it self-defense too. Anyone? Magpie for House Sword?
Written By Orathy
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:21 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Reckon I be thinking if it were me that "self defended" against Esra, you would be "arresting" me for it 'n calling it the m word.
Aye, but do keep blowing smoke out yer arse, it be what you do best.
Aye, but do keep blowing smoke out yer arse, it be what you do best.
Written By Itzal
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:03 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Here, there, a bit everywhere. Possibly out there in the wide world, or maybe I just spent the last five years hidden away somewhere in the Archives, just waiting for the right moment to write a few Whites!
I am amendable to a drink, or several, before you have to leave and be a hero somewhere. That's what Acting Commanders of the Knights of Solace do, right?
I am amendable to a drink, or several, before you have to leave and be a hero somewhere. That's what Acting Commanders of the Knights of Solace do, right?
Written By Thena
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:56 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Itzal
Itzal Culler, as I live and breathe. Where have you been, you little monster?
You know I can’t resist being emotionally manipulated. I’ll have to catch you for a drink at the Murder sometime soon.
You know I can’t resist being emotionally manipulated. I’ll have to catch you for a drink at the Murder sometime soon.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:56 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
On the matter of Esra: The Faith's official response has already been made, so what follows are my own, personal thoughts on the young man, his regrettable demise, and the surrounding situation:
First, Esra's excommunication was deeply regretted, but absolutely necessary. Not because what he attempted to reveal harmed the Faith in any way - most adults are aware that every organization has information which is not for public consumption, and that is as true for the Faith as it is for the Crown, or a merchant family, although the reasons for protecting that information may be different. But because each Scholar is given a sacred trust to protect the information that they are given; it is the only way that such traditions as black journals could endure. People trust the Scholars not to use what they hear and what they read for personal or organizational gain, and when a Scholar - or a formal Scholar - breaks that trust in such spectacular fashion, it must be addressed, lest the entire institution suffer. I bore the young man no personal animus; indeed, I don't think I ever even met him. But I would make the same decision for any Scholar who broke faith in such a fashion, including the Archscholar herself, if it were necessary. As always, it is hoped that when an excommunication occurs, that it is taken not as a rejection, but as an opportunity to recognize one's wrongdoing and repent, hopefully to be welcomed back into the embrace of the Faith. It was my hope that Esra could do this, and perhaps even reconcile with his family, one day.
He never got that chance. Master Costas claims that he took Esra's life in self-defense, and no definitive evidence exists, to my knowledge, to dispute that claim. So we shall allow it to stand, and the taking of the life itself then becomes a tragedy. And if the man who took that life was anyone other than a House Sword, and the weapon used anything other than a House Blade, I would view it as nothing more than a regrettable tragedy and little of the Faith's affair. But that position holds a special place of pride and honor in our society, embodied in the weapon. Among any member of the nobility, the thought of one's trusted Sword being involved in such events should bring a shudder of distaste, and the idea of the embodiment of one's House honor being used to kill in a personal dispute should be abhorrent.
Honor is not a convenient thing, to be embraced when it is easy, and then set aside when it is inconvenient. Honor is the binding glue of the Compact, that which allows each House to trust the other within the bounds of tradition and custom. It should not be overlooked simply because it is thought that a person is a wonderful drinking companion, nor because they're very good at killing people you don't like on a battlefield. Courage and honor involve standing up for what is right, even if means correcting people you like, or who you love, or who you otherwise agree with.
It isn't enjoyable to issue such corrections, and I wish to all the gods that they were not as necessary or as frequent as they have been, of late. But if I failed to do so, then I would be failing in my duties as a priest, and as a citizen of the Compact that I have given my word to protect and preserve.
First, Esra's excommunication was deeply regretted, but absolutely necessary. Not because what he attempted to reveal harmed the Faith in any way - most adults are aware that every organization has information which is not for public consumption, and that is as true for the Faith as it is for the Crown, or a merchant family, although the reasons for protecting that information may be different. But because each Scholar is given a sacred trust to protect the information that they are given; it is the only way that such traditions as black journals could endure. People trust the Scholars not to use what they hear and what they read for personal or organizational gain, and when a Scholar - or a formal Scholar - breaks that trust in such spectacular fashion, it must be addressed, lest the entire institution suffer. I bore the young man no personal animus; indeed, I don't think I ever even met him. But I would make the same decision for any Scholar who broke faith in such a fashion, including the Archscholar herself, if it were necessary. As always, it is hoped that when an excommunication occurs, that it is taken not as a rejection, but as an opportunity to recognize one's wrongdoing and repent, hopefully to be welcomed back into the embrace of the Faith. It was my hope that Esra could do this, and perhaps even reconcile with his family, one day.
He never got that chance. Master Costas claims that he took Esra's life in self-defense, and no definitive evidence exists, to my knowledge, to dispute that claim. So we shall allow it to stand, and the taking of the life itself then becomes a tragedy. And if the man who took that life was anyone other than a House Sword, and the weapon used anything other than a House Blade, I would view it as nothing more than a regrettable tragedy and little of the Faith's affair. But that position holds a special place of pride and honor in our society, embodied in the weapon. Among any member of the nobility, the thought of one's trusted Sword being involved in such events should bring a shudder of distaste, and the idea of the embodiment of one's House honor being used to kill in a personal dispute should be abhorrent.
Honor is not a convenient thing, to be embraced when it is easy, and then set aside when it is inconvenient. Honor is the binding glue of the Compact, that which allows each House to trust the other within the bounds of tradition and custom. It should not be overlooked simply because it is thought that a person is a wonderful drinking companion, nor because they're very good at killing people you don't like on a battlefield. Courage and honor involve standing up for what is right, even if means correcting people you like, or who you love, or who you otherwise agree with.
It isn't enjoyable to issue such corrections, and I wish to all the gods that they were not as necessary or as frequent as they have been, of late. But if I failed to do so, then I would be failing in my duties as a priest, and as a citizen of the Compact that I have given my word to protect and preserve.
Written By Edain
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:51 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thorley
A favor can inspire us from the frivolity of the tourney pitch to the grim oppression of the fog of war during the most dire of battles. I think there are few things more knightly than keeping the favor that most inspires you in dark times as well as the light.
Written By Itzal
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:30 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Oh, oh, pick me! I'll spin you a song about utmost abuse and vile persecutors. It'll make you cry your eyes out.
It won't necessarily be true, but does it really matter when one is looking for a commoner persecution poster-boy?
It won't necessarily be true, but does it really matter when one is looking for a commoner persecution poster-boy?
Written By Thena
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:25 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Esra was not a commoner. If you want to hold up an example of a commoner who has been unfairly persecuted...find a better one.
Written By Itzal
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:24 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Word to the wise. If you wish to travel to the ends of the world, to lands we have no hope of reaching in our lifetime, might I suggest doing the trip via song? It's safe, guaranteed to reach your destination, and your mind can handle the fantastical sights that await you!
Or, you know, you can swim. Good luck with that.
Or, you know, you can swim. Good luck with that.
Written By Derovai
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:23 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Samael
Lord Bisland:
Thank you for your attention. It's noted.
I take exception only to your phrases "a class" and "the commoners." They imply a fixed state, which does not exist given the precedent of upward mobility (I can think of half a dozen common-born nobles in the city, in various Houses), and a homogeny, which also does not exist. If I said the same about nobility, I have every expectation that half a dozen of our more avid noble journalists would fill up dozens of pages in an effort to show themselves as very different than the rest -- and thus, somehow, the same.
Besides, judge me as you will, Magistrate, but I believe calling me part of "a class" is misguided. I thought the going assumption about me was that I had no class at all!
Thank you for your attention. It's noted.
I take exception only to your phrases "a class" and "the commoners." They imply a fixed state, which does not exist given the precedent of upward mobility (I can think of half a dozen common-born nobles in the city, in various Houses), and a homogeny, which also does not exist. If I said the same about nobility, I have every expectation that half a dozen of our more avid noble journalists would fill up dozens of pages in an effort to show themselves as very different than the rest -- and thus, somehow, the same.
Besides, judge me as you will, Magistrate, but I believe calling me part of "a class" is misguided. I thought the going assumption about me was that I had no class at all!
Written By Aureth
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:22 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
To cast Esra in the role of the plight of the commoner is to miss the bloody point. He wasn't a commoner when he cracked and started behaving like a gibbering moron. He was a noble. The son of a March, right? He was only common when he was murdered because you lot threw him out to avoid being associated with him.
Which is lucky, becaus if Wyrmguard hadn't dumped his ass, his lordship Costas would have just declared war on them by killing that idiot with the Malvici weapon, and war between the Oathlands and the Lyceum is the last thing we need at the moment.
To act without thinking may be slavery, but to speak without thinking is just being a fucking idiot.
Which is lucky, becaus if Wyrmguard hadn't dumped his ass, his lordship Costas would have just declared war on them by killing that idiot with the Malvici weapon, and war between the Oathlands and the Lyceum is the last thing we need at the moment.
To act without thinking may be slavery, but to speak without thinking is just being a fucking idiot.
Written By Felicia
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:08 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Dame Cornelia's Cinnamon Curse.
I think this thing has been maligned unfairly, it's delightful, delicious. It sparkles, it scorches, and then it soothes. I'll have to get Magpie to give me the recipe for that one, definitely. Better than whiskey, even if it makes you feel like you might belch flames afterwards.
Anyone know where this dragon statue came from?
I think this thing has been maligned unfairly, it's delightful, delicious. It sparkles, it scorches, and then it soothes. I'll have to get Magpie to give me the recipe for that one, definitely. Better than whiskey, even if it makes you feel like you might belch flames afterwards.
Anyone know where this dragon statue came from?
Written By Lou
Feb. 13, 2018, 9:07 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Sometimes, the best thing to do is not say anything at all about certain situations. I have discovered this when I attempted to make an entry about Esra, and I've crumpled up each entry I started to make....
But, I'm not one to curtail my words. I seriously have to question the sanity of /any/ member of society who wants to travel to city of Pyre, and take other people with them. He asked the Explorers to do this. We politely declined.
I can only imagine what Esra was seeking, should he have ever managed to find a group of people to go there. It could not have been good.
But, I'm not one to curtail my words. I seriously have to question the sanity of /any/ member of society who wants to travel to city of Pyre, and take other people with them. He asked the Explorers to do this. We politely declined.
I can only imagine what Esra was seeking, should he have ever managed to find a group of people to go there. It could not have been good.
Written By Samael
Feb. 13, 2018, 8:56 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
If Esra accomplished anything it was bringing to light the plight of a class of people he was barely apart of. Justice for the commoners is of utmost importance to me. I hope I have proved that out serving as Senior Magistrate of the Crown Court of Arx.
Do not forget Esra began his campaign threatening a Godsworn Archlector and conspiring to blackmail her. He was not denobled and excommunicated to be silenced. He was denobled and excommunicated for his crimes against his family and his faith. If you want the truth about what he said search it out yourself. Come to the Vellichorian Academy. He wanted to open your eyes while he demonized the sacred instituation who's primary purpose it is to do that very thing. Our secrets are available to you. Come find them. I will help.
Do not forget Esra began his campaign threatening a Godsworn Archlector and conspiring to blackmail her. He was not denobled and excommunicated to be silenced. He was denobled and excommunicated for his crimes against his family and his faith. If you want the truth about what he said search it out yourself. Come to the Vellichorian Academy. He wanted to open your eyes while he demonized the sacred instituation who's primary purpose it is to do that very thing. Our secrets are available to you. Come find them. I will help.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 13, 2018, 8:36 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
How are you? I have not seen you before and assume that you are a newer addition to--
Are you writing this down? I have not yet begu--
Stop th-- - this is not what I came to-- Put the quill down!
I'll just come back later.
Are you writing this down? I have not yet begu--
Stop th-- - this is not what I came to-- Put the quill down!
I'll just come back later.
Written By Khanne
Feb. 13, 2018, 8:32 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
I swear, half this city's population has lost their damned minds.... if I didn't have so much shit to do, I'd go relax in the mountains. Y'all make it difficult to keep my balance sometimes...
No, scholar, I am not hungover and cranky.
........okay, maybe a little. I don't even remember what it was. Something spicy. It hurt my nose.
No, scholar, I am not hungover and cranky.
........okay, maybe a little. I don't even remember what it was. Something spicy. It hurt my nose.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 13, 2018, 7:51 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Yer a little late on that Princy Boy. Reckon it do be easier protecting the dead.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 13, 2018, 7:50 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caspian
Aye. You best be rememberin if you make a mistake, they be coming to "arrest" you too. Reckon they be saying Caspian Wild resisted and the man, died. Fuckin Shame!
Written By Thorley
Feb. 13, 2018, 6:20 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
I know that favors are only supposed to be tournaments.
But maybe if I wear hers, I'll remember I have something worth coming home to.
But maybe if I wear hers, I'll remember I have something worth coming home to.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.