Written By Laric
Feb. 3, 2018, 2:22 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
And since someone voiced this apparently serious concern: no, I am not resigning from the Inquisition nor renouncing my family to become godsworn. Even the Master of Questions can have flashes of piety.
Written By Laric
Feb. 3, 2018, 2:01 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
When most people think of Lagoma, they think of Her Mercies: some of the kindest and most compassionate souls within our Compact. Many seem to equate their name with Her teaching forgiveness. To be kind to those that have wronged you, or your people, or your faith so long as they attempt to atone for their transgressions. This, I feel, is not the case. They are simply Her merciful touch.
The Lady of Change is a goddess of growth and purity. She does not teach us to turn the other cheek in 'forgiveness', in 'mercy'. Forgiveness and purity must be earned through action, not pretty words and token gestures. Their earnest desire to change must be proven in humility and tested in fire. Growth does not come from forgiveness: rather, forgiveness should be the reward of growth. We must challenge those who need it, else nothing is learned and no growth occurs, no change happens.
It goes without saying that those challenges should be scaled to the wrongdoing. Some things are minor and easily resolved or forgotten. Others require penance or punishment. To do something so terrible that the remainder of one's life should be spent atoning for it is difficult for most humans. For the powerful and privileged, it can be as easy as absently signing orders. These acts should not be forgotten and those responsible should be allowed to attempt atonement if such an atrocity does not result in their death or exile. Even so, their actions should never be downplayed in Her name as 'mercy'. Doing so is an insult to Her, to Vellichor for ignoring history, to Gloria for eschewing honor, to Skald for waiving the consequences of choice, and the Sentinel for willfully ignoring the unpleasant side of justice.
The Lady of Change is a goddess of growth and purity. She does not teach us to turn the other cheek in 'forgiveness', in 'mercy'. Forgiveness and purity must be earned through action, not pretty words and token gestures. Their earnest desire to change must be proven in humility and tested in fire. Growth does not come from forgiveness: rather, forgiveness should be the reward of growth. We must challenge those who need it, else nothing is learned and no growth occurs, no change happens.
It goes without saying that those challenges should be scaled to the wrongdoing. Some things are minor and easily resolved or forgotten. Others require penance or punishment. To do something so terrible that the remainder of one's life should be spent atoning for it is difficult for most humans. For the powerful and privileged, it can be as easy as absently signing orders. These acts should not be forgotten and those responsible should be allowed to attempt atonement if such an atrocity does not result in their death or exile. Even so, their actions should never be downplayed in Her name as 'mercy'. Doing so is an insult to Her, to Vellichor for ignoring history, to Gloria for eschewing honor, to Skald for waiving the consequences of choice, and the Sentinel for willfully ignoring the unpleasant side of justice.
Written By Astraea
Feb. 3, 2018, 1:42 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
Charitable works! For the children?! As you can see Vellichor, clearly I am excited about this. My cousin Darren spoke so highly of Isolde when I was back in Farhaven and now I see why. It's no wonder he was so charmed by the Velenosan princess, she's so kind! Her beauty matches her heart and I can get behind this.
Let it be known that tonight I will go bug my cousin to see if he has plans about the charity or the wedding reception.
I'll be sure to send along my donations with the rest of House Redrain's.
((There's little hearts and Lagoma's sigil drawn all over the bottom of the page))
Let it be known that tonight I will go bug my cousin to see if he has plans about the charity or the wedding reception.
I'll be sure to send along my donations with the rest of House Redrain's.
((There's little hearts and Lagoma's sigil drawn all over the bottom of the page))
Written By Aiden
Feb. 3, 2018, 1:39 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Explorers,
It will be my honor and pleasure to be your Voice as we look ahead to times of peril and uncertainty - a fact that we face every day, being an explorer. Our every step we take and every new discovery that we make, changes the world that we know. We need to press on and continue to lead and aid quests and let not fear stop us. For every adventure that sings to us, is an opportunity to pull back the shroud and enlighten what was forgotten. This is our chance and our opportunity, to steer the course of our future.
I will be participating in the meet and greet dinners with our Pathfinder, in attempts to speak with each one of you, to get to know you better and understand your goals. However, I ask you do not wait to those dinners if you have needs to be met or dreams of where your feet should wander next. My responsibility to you, as an explorer, is to help fund your expeditions, acquire resources for it, and liaison with other organizations who could make it a reality.
My first duty will be to arrange a ledger for expeditions and interests, much like the Scholars have, so that we may share our goals easily between us, and make each one of your dreams a possibility.
Prince Aiden Grayson
First Seeker
----
I document my first words as First Seeker to the Society of Explorers.
Let the adventures begin.
It will be my honor and pleasure to be your Voice as we look ahead to times of peril and uncertainty - a fact that we face every day, being an explorer. Our every step we take and every new discovery that we make, changes the world that we know. We need to press on and continue to lead and aid quests and let not fear stop us. For every adventure that sings to us, is an opportunity to pull back the shroud and enlighten what was forgotten. This is our chance and our opportunity, to steer the course of our future.
I will be participating in the meet and greet dinners with our Pathfinder, in attempts to speak with each one of you, to get to know you better and understand your goals. However, I ask you do not wait to those dinners if you have needs to be met or dreams of where your feet should wander next. My responsibility to you, as an explorer, is to help fund your expeditions, acquire resources for it, and liaison with other organizations who could make it a reality.
My first duty will be to arrange a ledger for expeditions and interests, much like the Scholars have, so that we may share our goals easily between us, and make each one of your dreams a possibility.
Prince Aiden Grayson
First Seeker
----
I document my first words as First Seeker to the Society of Explorers.
Let the adventures begin.
Written By Aiden
Feb. 3, 2018, 1:07 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
A humble choice to have all your wedding gifts turned to charity, Princess.
I wish you great success with your raffle.
May Lagoma smile on you.
I wish you great success with your raffle.
May Lagoma smile on you.
Written By Aiden
Feb. 3, 2018, 12:22 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lou
I must acknowledge that my cousin, Princess Lou Grayson, gave me the opportunity to assist in leading the Society of Explorers. I take on the mantle of First Seeker and it is not something I do lightly, knowing the cost that those before me gave for the organization and for Arx.
However, I wanted to clarify that I wasn't promoted for the fact that we were family, but because I stepped forward and offered to step up when the call went out. I have the skills and abilities to lead and perhaps I wanted to show that I could, against the doubt of many who would question it.
I will honor those who came before me, working toward benefiting all of Arx with what we learn.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
We will Seek it.
However, I wanted to clarify that I wasn't promoted for the fact that we were family, but because I stepped forward and offered to step up when the call went out. I have the skills and abilities to lead and perhaps I wanted to show that I could, against the doubt of many who would question it.
I will honor those who came before me, working toward benefiting all of Arx with what we learn.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
We will Seek it.
Written By Aiden
Feb. 3, 2018, 12:11 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
I will do you proud. Rest well, where ever you are.
Written By Samael
Feb. 3, 2018, 11:46 a.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
What a good cause, Your Highness. We are all broken up at the Academy and I am moved by your compassion and generosity. Surely others can look to your example. Children are precious and as a father I am compelled to match the donations recieved up to 150 economic writs.
Written By Tikva
Feb. 3, 2018, 11:33 a.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
You know I'm good for it!
Written By Isolde
Feb. 3, 2018, 11:28 a.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Children are precious.
They may be foul-smelling, mischievous, little creatures at times--but they are precious.
I have been asked to help mentor and protect two of them. Tiny reflections of their parents, born into this world on such a strange and wonderful night. Already I love them. It’s hard not to fall in love with those wide little eyes and grasping hands.
I’d give my life to protect them.
But I know that not every child is born so lucky. Not every child is surrounded by guards, knights, and any number of people willing to lay their life on the line for them. Not every child goes to sleep on a full stomach, knowing that breakfast waits in the morning. Not every child has parents left to love and care for them.
In the wake of the vandalism commit at the Scholar’s academy, I cannot help but feel compelled to act.
So on the night of my wedding--I ask that you bring no gifts. Not for us. Instead I ask that my friends and family bring only open hearts and hands. That any silver you wished to spend on my husband and I, go to those in need.
A charity raffle will be held at the reception. Prizes will include stuffed toys, figurines, other collectable items--with tickets priced at 10 economic writs each or 3,000 silver each.
The proceeds generated will be donated to help Velenosa’s children in the wake of the war.
A more detailed list of prizes will be released tonight, please keep an eye out! Contact me via messenger if you wish to donate additional prizes or help in some shape or form.
They may be foul-smelling, mischievous, little creatures at times--but they are precious.
I have been asked to help mentor and protect two of them. Tiny reflections of their parents, born into this world on such a strange and wonderful night. Already I love them. It’s hard not to fall in love with those wide little eyes and grasping hands.
I’d give my life to protect them.
But I know that not every child is born so lucky. Not every child is surrounded by guards, knights, and any number of people willing to lay their life on the line for them. Not every child goes to sleep on a full stomach, knowing that breakfast waits in the morning. Not every child has parents left to love and care for them.
In the wake of the vandalism commit at the Scholar’s academy, I cannot help but feel compelled to act.
So on the night of my wedding--I ask that you bring no gifts. Not for us. Instead I ask that my friends and family bring only open hearts and hands. That any silver you wished to spend on my husband and I, go to those in need.
A charity raffle will be held at the reception. Prizes will include stuffed toys, figurines, other collectable items--with tickets priced at 10 economic writs each or 3,000 silver each.
The proceeds generated will be donated to help Velenosa’s children in the wake of the war.
A more detailed list of prizes will be released tonight, please keep an eye out! Contact me via messenger if you wish to donate additional prizes or help in some shape or form.
Written By Fortunato
Feb. 3, 2018, 11:07 a.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
We slaughter noncombatants to feel safe, because we were provoked. Because we could be provoked.
If we take our actions calling the will of the gods or righteous vengeance, we hope it somehow cleanses us. We hope it separates our actions from those of the Abyss. That the dark reflection doesn't reflect us.
If we take our actions calling the will of the gods or righteous vengeance, we hope it somehow cleanses us. We hope it separates our actions from those of the Abyss. That the dark reflection doesn't reflect us.
Written By Preston
Feb. 3, 2018, 10:12 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
There seems to be a misunderstanding about the Oathlands Orthodox strand of the Faith. People seem to see us as hardline, as extreme, as cruel even. It is true, there are hardliners - as there are in all things. People who wish Tehomic worship not just shunned or ignored, but actively persecuted. Those who wish us to attack the Lycene, and purge Shamans. That is not the majority though. Most of us would offer paths to the Shamanists to come to proper worship, equally though I disagree with the Lycene style of worship and I tend to avoid Tehomic events I still view them as family, and love them all the same.
What we do know though is that the world is harsh. Enemies threaten us from all angles, from within and from without. And we have choices. Sometimes those choices are between doing the right thing or avoiding death and suffering. Where we differ is that the pragmatics will take the latter course, they will save lives now and accept the drift from the will of the Gods, from the laws and demands of our Faith, from the morals and traditions that have held us strong for so many centuries. To the Oathlands? If we seek a final victory, if we seek the perfection of the Gods, of a society and of a world that makes us worthy of them, then we must take the hard choice to follow our morals and beliefs. I do not blame the pragmatists for choosing other, their choice is the one that offers a clear chance for our people to progress - but to gain that, they give up control of the destination. And that is a price I cannot accept that we need to pay.
We see these choices in large events, in the blood sacrifices that resulted in the excommunication of the High Lords, but also in the small. Remember, when we allow abandoned tribes who reject our ways to stay close to our roads, it makes us feel civilised. Kind. Better. Yet, these people continue to be preyed on by our enemies, by their own people, by nature, and in turn they prey on us. Our tithe trains, our brothers and sisters on pilgrimage, their deaths are the price we pay for a sense of kindness.
So we must provide a path back to the light to those who have drifted, but we must remain in control of where that path leads for all of us. We must move closer to the Gods, we must find a way to be better, to do better, and we must purge ourselves of those elements in society who actively work for our enemy, not waste our time fighting with our brothers and sisters of the faith because they insist on mirrors. For our brothers and sisters of the Faithful, we must have only debate, and if we cannot carry the debate, we must fortify our minds and come back refreshed. For our enemies, for those who reject the Gods in anyway, we must have only steel.
What we do know though is that the world is harsh. Enemies threaten us from all angles, from within and from without. And we have choices. Sometimes those choices are between doing the right thing or avoiding death and suffering. Where we differ is that the pragmatics will take the latter course, they will save lives now and accept the drift from the will of the Gods, from the laws and demands of our Faith, from the morals and traditions that have held us strong for so many centuries. To the Oathlands? If we seek a final victory, if we seek the perfection of the Gods, of a society and of a world that makes us worthy of them, then we must take the hard choice to follow our morals and beliefs. I do not blame the pragmatists for choosing other, their choice is the one that offers a clear chance for our people to progress - but to gain that, they give up control of the destination. And that is a price I cannot accept that we need to pay.
We see these choices in large events, in the blood sacrifices that resulted in the excommunication of the High Lords, but also in the small. Remember, when we allow abandoned tribes who reject our ways to stay close to our roads, it makes us feel civilised. Kind. Better. Yet, these people continue to be preyed on by our enemies, by their own people, by nature, and in turn they prey on us. Our tithe trains, our brothers and sisters on pilgrimage, their deaths are the price we pay for a sense of kindness.
So we must provide a path back to the light to those who have drifted, but we must remain in control of where that path leads for all of us. We must move closer to the Gods, we must find a way to be better, to do better, and we must purge ourselves of those elements in society who actively work for our enemy, not waste our time fighting with our brothers and sisters of the faith because they insist on mirrors. For our brothers and sisters of the Faithful, we must have only debate, and if we cannot carry the debate, we must fortify our minds and come back refreshed. For our enemies, for those who reject the Gods in anyway, we must have only steel.
Written By Abbas
Feb. 3, 2018, 9:58 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
I was sailing for Eurus years ago on ships of ill repair. How their ships still sailed I could not understand. It was madness.
I sailed onward determined. I witnessed my people slaughtered.
My hair turned grey in places, and the nightmares.
I remember the night the prior Warlord of Thrax and I rowed out to an island and gathered the surviving. One-by-one we put knives to their throats to end their terrible suffering. It was upon us to do so -- I could have ordered it done by another hand. I could have sent them off to rot in a a place that was out of my sight. But that is not what a leader does and so I did what had to be done by my own hand. These were men that I had sailed with for a dozen years. Men whose sons died, who had saved my life, and had been fearless and loyal.
I sought to find out more. I probed. I sent out ships. I made crude attempts. It was my friends I asked to take these journeys. The most trusted of the men that had been like brothers to me -- they took the burden willingly and I sent them to their deaths.
Over the next few years as I desperately sought to find ways to understand any of it. We were blinded by the reckless decisions. And we begin to unravel.
I will never forget my brethren. The message still seems fresh. The hatred. I knew there was no greater threat to our people.
Over the next couple of years I would receive my friends in similar ways. Terrible gifts.
I began searching for clues. Lord Darrow and I first came upon smaller settlements and set to torch. We find children and women burned alive. We had no sight of the men in these settlements.
Lord Darrow and I were soaked in the blood of our brethren, our people, and we piled their bodies a thousand tall. I watched as men wept. Men set to torch their wives, and children.
I could not image stopping it -- no keeping it at bay.
I will not discuss the events that happened next nor who ordered what or why. And I have ducked the responsibility of such.
The day the ships in the harbor sunk and Thrax suffered my uncle. He was trapped in his ship and his pigs turned on him. I was floored as I saw him eaten alive. All because of thoughts that were my own. He suffered as he was sent to the bottom of the salt.
I feared for the Maelstrom after my uncle Dominic died so terribly. I ordered them put to sea to drift along the tides. I sent them to the deep waters.
When I learned the faithful died I shed not a single tear. Although the men that carried out my orders to sail to the vast emptiness I did lament their passing as the countless friends and family I have sent to their deaths in this conflict. I did not want the faithful in my home. If I had it to do again I would. But I suspect the outcome would have been the same. I made the wrong choice.
This is the last time I shall write or speak of these things. Somewhere the Gyre laughs at the foolishness and is gleeful at my departure. I am taunted more and it's done.
The war that comes to the doorstep of Arvum has been brewing for a long time. Do not be deceived. He sends men to slaughter. The only thing he truly desires, I suspect, is the fight and that is what he will attempt to obtain at all costs. He cares not of ethics or lives he wastes to do so. At all costs he should be stopped from these aims but it is not my path to see it so.
I have a new command and enterprise. I have a new endeavor and our bite until the day there will an endless horizon of men and women flashing their feral white; sending terror and awe across the deep. We are the Dogs of the Salt. The Isles Canines.
The Salted have awakened and we now take to our own council to rise to glory and power under our own might.
-- Abbas Thrax
I sailed onward determined. I witnessed my people slaughtered.
My hair turned grey in places, and the nightmares.
I remember the night the prior Warlord of Thrax and I rowed out to an island and gathered the surviving. One-by-one we put knives to their throats to end their terrible suffering. It was upon us to do so -- I could have ordered it done by another hand. I could have sent them off to rot in a a place that was out of my sight. But that is not what a leader does and so I did what had to be done by my own hand. These were men that I had sailed with for a dozen years. Men whose sons died, who had saved my life, and had been fearless and loyal.
I sought to find out more. I probed. I sent out ships. I made crude attempts. It was my friends I asked to take these journeys. The most trusted of the men that had been like brothers to me -- they took the burden willingly and I sent them to their deaths.
Over the next few years as I desperately sought to find ways to understand any of it. We were blinded by the reckless decisions. And we begin to unravel.
I will never forget my brethren. The message still seems fresh. The hatred. I knew there was no greater threat to our people.
Over the next couple of years I would receive my friends in similar ways. Terrible gifts.
I began searching for clues. Lord Darrow and I first came upon smaller settlements and set to torch. We find children and women burned alive. We had no sight of the men in these settlements.
Lord Darrow and I were soaked in the blood of our brethren, our people, and we piled their bodies a thousand tall. I watched as men wept. Men set to torch their wives, and children.
I could not image stopping it -- no keeping it at bay.
I will not discuss the events that happened next nor who ordered what or why. And I have ducked the responsibility of such.
The day the ships in the harbor sunk and Thrax suffered my uncle. He was trapped in his ship and his pigs turned on him. I was floored as I saw him eaten alive. All because of thoughts that were my own. He suffered as he was sent to the bottom of the salt.
I feared for the Maelstrom after my uncle Dominic died so terribly. I ordered them put to sea to drift along the tides. I sent them to the deep waters.
When I learned the faithful died I shed not a single tear. Although the men that carried out my orders to sail to the vast emptiness I did lament their passing as the countless friends and family I have sent to their deaths in this conflict. I did not want the faithful in my home. If I had it to do again I would. But I suspect the outcome would have been the same. I made the wrong choice.
This is the last time I shall write or speak of these things. Somewhere the Gyre laughs at the foolishness and is gleeful at my departure. I am taunted more and it's done.
The war that comes to the doorstep of Arvum has been brewing for a long time. Do not be deceived. He sends men to slaughter. The only thing he truly desires, I suspect, is the fight and that is what he will attempt to obtain at all costs. He cares not of ethics or lives he wastes to do so. At all costs he should be stopped from these aims but it is not my path to see it so.
I have a new command and enterprise. I have a new endeavor and our bite until the day there will an endless horizon of men and women flashing their feral white; sending terror and awe across the deep. We are the Dogs of the Salt. The Isles Canines.
The Salted have awakened and we now take to our own council to rise to glory and power under our own might.
-- Abbas Thrax
Written By Audric
Feb. 3, 2018, 8:40 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
Theater, wall, Farhaven, Shardhaven - so yeah, four I guess? It's really becoming a habit. Eventually I'm going to have to bill you, you know, or people will start thinking I have something resembling a heart.
Written By Tikva
Feb. 3, 2018, 8:23 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
The theater thing was during the Siege! So, you were still right! I think that brings your tally up to ... four?
Written By Margerie
Feb. 3, 2018, 8:02 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
Yesterday's lessons:
Goats are an excellent clean up solution to pie covered competition fields.
Sometimes it's good to just get in line for the unknown and see what happens.
The equitable distribution of cookies (or payment) in general makes good inspiration for teenagers.
A lack of proper incentive can doom an organization.
Simplicity can overcome complicated.
Speaking in metaphor for too long is exhausting.
Watching a herd of small goats that have just cleaned an entire tournament field of pie being herded back to an estate is a sight worth seeing.
There are still good days to be had.
Goats are an excellent clean up solution to pie covered competition fields.
Sometimes it's good to just get in line for the unknown and see what happens.
The equitable distribution of cookies (or payment) in general makes good inspiration for teenagers.
A lack of proper incentive can doom an organization.
Simplicity can overcome complicated.
Speaking in metaphor for too long is exhausting.
Watching a herd of small goats that have just cleaned an entire tournament field of pie being herded back to an estate is a sight worth seeing.
There are still good days to be had.
Written By Derovai
Feb. 3, 2018, 7:28 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
It's still better than Rarefied Mountain Princess or whatever that one's called. But we should talk tea sometime in person. Make a brew to my tastes, if you like -- if the Redrain shopkeeper doesn't get there first!
But what is total honesty worth these days? It's the whole that matters, not its parts. The same with tea.
But what is total honesty worth these days? It's the whole that matters, not its parts. The same with tea.
Written By Audric
Feb. 3, 2018, 7:06 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
All this talk, talk talk talk about how the commoners didn't support the city during the siege, or how bad it was. I was a commoner during the siege. Quite a few people still talk about what I did at the Seawatch Wall. Killed a whole lotta things that day, got all hip deep in blood! It was the kind of fun you just don't -get- outside of heroic last stands! And now people mad about Bastien's play, pffft. I love it. My only criticism is that it doesn't have a slightly loony soldier type who's just really enjoying the opportunity to have endless monsters to kill without any crisis of conscience!
Also, the siege was the first time I saved Tikva's butt, marking a series of events that keeps happening, despite her never actually -paying- me to do it. Wait, no, second, there was that theater thing, but really I was just having too much fun for that to -really- count. How often do you get to see people you don't like die -and- kill monsters by the score? Very rarely.
Also, the siege was the first time I saved Tikva's butt, marking a series of events that keeps happening, despite her never actually -paying- me to do it. Wait, no, second, there was that theater thing, but really I was just having too much fun for that to -really- count. How often do you get to see people you don't like die -and- kill monsters by the score? Very rarely.
Written By Silas
Feb. 3, 2018, 5:23 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
I'm afraid our Mercier blood orange tea isn't entirely honest, either: it's supported with grapefruit and bergamot!
Written By Torian
Feb. 3, 2018, 2:57 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Isabetta
If you're looking for animal headbands, check the Culler Branch at the Menagerie shops. If it be out of stock, write me.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.