Written By Torian
Feb. 3, 2018, 2:57 a.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Christine
Animal Head bands can be found at the Culler Branch of the shops at the Menagerie. Pretty and a fair price.
Written By Shard
Feb. 2, 2018, 10:57 p.m.(2/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Consider what the first words out of his mouth were. That told you everything you needed to know.
Written By Thena
Feb. 2, 2018, 8:12 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Something happened after the play last night that troubled me.
Lord Darrow Darkwater seemed to imply, in a remark directed towards the commoner's seating, that we were not inclined to help fight in the Siege, and not inclined to fight in the upcoming conflict.
Perhaps I misunderstood. I hope I did, as this was who I was sitting with in the commoner seating. Mind, these are just the few near me. The few within arms' length.
Palace Seraph Ailith, known for her compassion, kindness and good sense. Also assisting Thrax prepare for battle and find ways to defeat our enemies in ways too numerous to list here.
Iron Guard Office Sparte Fatchforth, a man of strength and principle who has also worked with the Thraxians to the extent that they have essentially adopted him. We stood on the walls together during the Siege.
Caspian Wild, a champion stout of heart if occasionally a bit fresh. I'm sure he will be seen at one of the battlefronts.
Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, a Knight of Solace recently returned a year on the roads of Arvum, protecting all travelers from the perils outside the city walls.
Sir Daemon Dracone, another Knight of Solace known for his embodiment of Gild's charity and fierceness in battle, who will be commanding troops on my behalf during the upcoming war. (All right, he's a noble, but we're keeping him)
And myself, acting Commander of the Knights of Solace, a position that, for unknowable reasons, the gods deemed me worthy of. I make no secret of it; I was raised in the Lowers, a street rat and sneak-thief. I know some of the Grayhopes are borderline respectable. Those are not the Grayhopes who raised me. Yet here I am, and I have been in contact with Sir Darrow personally about sending my troops to assist at Darkwater.
I wish I could list all of us, I know I left some out. I know because there were hundreds more there, equally brave, equally committed to the Compact, equally common. Before you level accusations at the commoners, at least take some time to remind yourself of who the commoners are.
Lord Darrow Darkwater seemed to imply, in a remark directed towards the commoner's seating, that we were not inclined to help fight in the Siege, and not inclined to fight in the upcoming conflict.
Perhaps I misunderstood. I hope I did, as this was who I was sitting with in the commoner seating. Mind, these are just the few near me. The few within arms' length.
Palace Seraph Ailith, known for her compassion, kindness and good sense. Also assisting Thrax prepare for battle and find ways to defeat our enemies in ways too numerous to list here.
Iron Guard Office Sparte Fatchforth, a man of strength and principle who has also worked with the Thraxians to the extent that they have essentially adopted him. We stood on the walls together during the Siege.
Caspian Wild, a champion stout of heart if occasionally a bit fresh. I'm sure he will be seen at one of the battlefronts.
Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, a Knight of Solace recently returned a year on the roads of Arvum, protecting all travelers from the perils outside the city walls.
Sir Daemon Dracone, another Knight of Solace known for his embodiment of Gild's charity and fierceness in battle, who will be commanding troops on my behalf during the upcoming war. (All right, he's a noble, but we're keeping him)
And myself, acting Commander of the Knights of Solace, a position that, for unknowable reasons, the gods deemed me worthy of. I make no secret of it; I was raised in the Lowers, a street rat and sneak-thief. I know some of the Grayhopes are borderline respectable. Those are not the Grayhopes who raised me. Yet here I am, and I have been in contact with Sir Darrow personally about sending my troops to assist at Darkwater.
I wish I could list all of us, I know I left some out. I know because there were hundreds more there, equally brave, equally committed to the Compact, equally common. Before you level accusations at the commoners, at least take some time to remind yourself of who the commoners are.
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 2, 2018, 6:25 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
WELL I KNOW THIS NOW AFTER YOUR VERY THOROUGH DEMONSTRATION IN THE SEAT RIGHT NEXT TO ME.
Written By Bastien
Feb. 2, 2018, 5:28 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
BESIEGED, A PLAY IN THREE ACTS
This copy of the script is recorded in the Whites for posterity. However, it is meant to be performed and watched, not read.
CAST
Author's Note: With the exception of Xander, the soldier from the Mourning Isles, all of the characters in the play are designed to be played by any gender. (Xander's gender is only fixed because the Silent War predates certain progressive reforms within Thraxian culture to allow for female warriors in their ranks.) Multiple names are supplied for many of the characters to allow the director to select the one most suitable for the actor cast.
Fienne / Fien: Oathlander. Blindingly idealistic and unwaveringly honorable. While they hold to the latter over the course of the play, the former is in pieces by the end.
Delmar / Delmarra: Crownlander. Cocky, but with reasoned measure. Loves to laugh, loves a party. Likes to be liked, loves to be loved.
Sully: Northerner. A bit awkward and unsure. A core of empathy and thoughtfulness, but with difficulty bridge that divide into action.
Olivetta / Olivander: Lycene. Wry and a bit sarcastic without being too vicious. Witty, and occasionally biting, but rarely cruel.
Xander: Islander. Quiet, thoughtful. Unexpectedly intelligent. He's used to people underestimating his mind and is sullenly resigned to it.
Idana / Odan: Crownsworn. Daring, brash, and reckless. The first into a fight, the last one out. Always on hand when their friend gets into a scuffle.
+++
SETTING
Traders Tavern, Arx. 1006 AR.
+++
The play takes place in the quiet times between battles in Traders Tavern. The opening scenes establish the meeting and dynamic of the six main character over the course of the extended opening scene. Delmar and Idana seem to have known each for at least some months, having the bantering rapport of two people without rift or drama between their fealties. Fienne and Sully end up a bit of a duo of caring and empathy, and Delmar and Olivetta's senses of humor play well with each other, but Delmar and Xander begin the play with a certain amount of tension.
The war itself is seen through the eyes of these common soldiers, which makes for a purposefully limited and increasingly cynical view of the conflict. Olivetta starts bringing in collections of White Reflections each week, and the group takes turn reading out entries of nobles who publicly make the most inane complaints, from missing certain foods difficult to import during the war to having their birthdays tragically forgotten by their peers. In another scene, Sully talks frankly about not even knowing if he's firing arrows at the right people sometimes, which the group as a whole commiserate on to great comedic effect.
Their humor grows more strained as the play continues and they clearly feel the loss of the continued siege. Their grief at losing compatriots is felt mostly in the silence in between words than made explicit. Towards the middle of the play, it becomes apparent that Xander and Delmar have grown romantically involved, just as it's clear that this is kept small and private and precious between the two and not shared with the others. It makes the grief all the more complex and weighty when Xander suddenly fails to appear late in the play, and it becomes clear he's been lost in a recent battle in a moment of great courage and sacrifice, leaving Delmar to navigate that grief both in isolation and within the group.
The end of the play comes with the end of the Siege, leaving the surviving characters to wonder at how their lives are supposed to continue after the war seems to have ended through some mysterious means that they don't even fully understand. It's a fairly cynical take on war overall, most specifically in its skewering of noble leadership and how it uses the commons to fight their wars with little context or appreciation and leaving them adrift once everything is over. The humor throughout the play is sharp and its critique clear, and the characterizations are well-drawn. Its sense of optimism is, however, a bit lacking.
This copy of the script is recorded in the Whites for posterity. However, it is meant to be performed and watched, not read.
CAST
Author's Note: With the exception of Xander, the soldier from the Mourning Isles, all of the characters in the play are designed to be played by any gender. (Xander's gender is only fixed because the Silent War predates certain progressive reforms within Thraxian culture to allow for female warriors in their ranks.) Multiple names are supplied for many of the characters to allow the director to select the one most suitable for the actor cast.
Fienne / Fien: Oathlander. Blindingly idealistic and unwaveringly honorable. While they hold to the latter over the course of the play, the former is in pieces by the end.
Delmar / Delmarra: Crownlander. Cocky, but with reasoned measure. Loves to laugh, loves a party. Likes to be liked, loves to be loved.
Sully: Northerner. A bit awkward and unsure. A core of empathy and thoughtfulness, but with difficulty bridge that divide into action.
Olivetta / Olivander: Lycene. Wry and a bit sarcastic without being too vicious. Witty, and occasionally biting, but rarely cruel.
Xander: Islander. Quiet, thoughtful. Unexpectedly intelligent. He's used to people underestimating his mind and is sullenly resigned to it.
Idana / Odan: Crownsworn. Daring, brash, and reckless. The first into a fight, the last one out. Always on hand when their friend gets into a scuffle.
+++
SETTING
Traders Tavern, Arx. 1006 AR.
+++
The play takes place in the quiet times between battles in Traders Tavern. The opening scenes establish the meeting and dynamic of the six main character over the course of the extended opening scene. Delmar and Idana seem to have known each for at least some months, having the bantering rapport of two people without rift or drama between their fealties. Fienne and Sully end up a bit of a duo of caring and empathy, and Delmar and Olivetta's senses of humor play well with each other, but Delmar and Xander begin the play with a certain amount of tension.
The war itself is seen through the eyes of these common soldiers, which makes for a purposefully limited and increasingly cynical view of the conflict. Olivetta starts bringing in collections of White Reflections each week, and the group takes turn reading out entries of nobles who publicly make the most inane complaints, from missing certain foods difficult to import during the war to having their birthdays tragically forgotten by their peers. In another scene, Sully talks frankly about not even knowing if he's firing arrows at the right people sometimes, which the group as a whole commiserate on to great comedic effect.
Their humor grows more strained as the play continues and they clearly feel the loss of the continued siege. Their grief at losing compatriots is felt mostly in the silence in between words than made explicit. Towards the middle of the play, it becomes apparent that Xander and Delmar have grown romantically involved, just as it's clear that this is kept small and private and precious between the two and not shared with the others. It makes the grief all the more complex and weighty when Xander suddenly fails to appear late in the play, and it becomes clear he's been lost in a recent battle in a moment of great courage and sacrifice, leaving Delmar to navigate that grief both in isolation and within the group.
The end of the play comes with the end of the Siege, leaving the surviving characters to wonder at how their lives are supposed to continue after the war seems to have ended through some mysterious means that they don't even fully understand. It's a fairly cynical take on war overall, most specifically in its skewering of noble leadership and how it uses the commons to fight their wars with little context or appreciation and leaving them adrift once everything is over. The humor throughout the play is sharp and its critique clear, and the characterizations are well-drawn. Its sense of optimism is, however, a bit lacking.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 2, 2018, 4:31 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Giulio
The door to the treasure hall of knowledge is unlocked by the key of questions. Let no one man say they are the doorman, for there are multiple entrances if one simply looks.
But what is knowledge without wisdom to know when to use it? May you seek balance, may you always question and may you find that the more you learn, the more you don't know.
But what is knowledge without wisdom to know when to use it? May you seek balance, may you always question and may you find that the more you learn, the more you don't know.
Written By Derovai
Feb. 2, 2018, 4:22 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Valery
Flavors of teas? Blood orange. The variety at the Mercier is described as "tart and bracing," but it's very much to my taste, so to speak. Any of the more delicate varieties full of complexity stop tasting like tea to me, and seem somehow fundamentally dishonest.
Written By Tomwell
Feb. 2, 2018, 4:15 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caith
Maybe you don't have to give them up entirely. I'm feeling rather optimistic about the world, just at present, so I can't help but have a positive outlook. Maybe there are parts of your dreams you can keep alive, or elements you can channel into more achievable goals. The world is open to you, darling! Don't give up just yet.
Written By Mae
Feb. 2, 2018, 4 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
If you're not hollering at them, how do they know you're not asleep?
If you can't hear them over the hollering, we should all wonder who taught them how to project their voice?
If you don't cat-call Jareth, he'll start to question his ability as an actor. Are you trying to hurt people's feelings?
If you can't hear them over the hollering, we should all wonder who taught them how to project their voice?
If you don't cat-call Jareth, he'll start to question his ability as an actor. Are you trying to hurt people's feelings?
Written By Giulio
Feb. 2, 2018, 4 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Driskell
Enlightenment is nothing if it is not confusing, concerning and complicated. I pray that it will remain so for a time, good Prelate. You have given me so very much to think on.
Written By Valery
Feb. 2, 2018, 3:59 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
I should prepare more perfumes and teas, I think.
I used the journals for inspiration once...
Maybe I should ask for people to send me a message with the scents they like. Or flavors for teas...
I used the journals for inspiration once...
Maybe I should ask for people to send me a message with the scents they like. Or flavors for teas...
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 2, 2018, 3:21 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
I'm sad to confess that I'd never gone to a play before last night. It took Mae hooting every other line before I finally caught on, even then... it seems so odd to be so noisy when others are on stage! If we're hollering at them, won't we miss something? Won't -they-? But apparently, I worried for nothing. It was fun. I can't wait to go again.
Written By Serafine
Feb. 2, 2018, 3:18 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Our father offers, as ever, the worst, most convoluted advice. Remember that time he made us pretend to hate the fuck out of each other so the world would never know we were secretly allies against it? That was a great lesson, before you'd even reached the age of ten, wasn't it? Shows you what kind of father he is, what kind of intentions he had.
And if you're reading this Marik, your heartbreaking lessons brought nothing but years of confusion and secrecy between two little girls that only wanted to love each other in the sun, not clutch each other shaking in the shadows, praying we didn't earn your ire.
And if you're reading this Marik, your heartbreaking lessons brought nothing but years of confusion and secrecy between two little girls that only wanted to love each other in the sun, not clutch each other shaking in the shadows, praying we didn't earn your ire.
Written By Alis
Feb. 2, 2018, 2:23 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
I've watched you, from that first time we met during a meeting of military minds. And I have never seen you treat any of your troops with less then dignity and respect and the knowledge that they are people with lives and souls outside of war. It is a trait I wanted to make sure I fostered in myself, be it by fighting alongside them, checking up on their recovery from injuries, sending letters of condolence, making sure their families are cared for, or making sure I never ask them to do anything that I wouldn't also do.
But after the siege, with so many losses, I felt like I needed to do more. So I spent a lot of time with those recovering from injuries, and I listened to the stories of their fallen comrades. With Sir Rhys there with me, we wrote every story down. By the time we were done, we had two bound books worth of names and personalities and stories of both the living and the dead. I keep a copy of those books at the manor. And there are copies kept elesewhere; at Sanctum, and with Scholars. They are on my desk, right now, as a reminder while we call the banners once again and plan the battle as best we're able.
That's how I make sure I never forget, and hopefully nor will those who lead after me.
But after the siege, with so many losses, I felt like I needed to do more. So I spent a lot of time with those recovering from injuries, and I listened to the stories of their fallen comrades. With Sir Rhys there with me, we wrote every story down. By the time we were done, we had two bound books worth of names and personalities and stories of both the living and the dead. I keep a copy of those books at the manor. And there are copies kept elesewhere; at Sanctum, and with Scholars. They are on my desk, right now, as a reminder while we call the banners once again and plan the battle as best we're able.
That's how I make sure I never forget, and hopefully nor will those who lead after me.
Written By Marik
Feb. 2, 2018, 12:51 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
If you have the opportunity to strike down an enemy, never let them walk away after. You'll be looking over your shoulder all your life that way.
We've been over this.
We've been over this.
Written By Edain
Feb. 2, 2018, 12:29 p.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
I did not see the play, but any art that can make you reflect upon yourself is a powerful thing.
I would take issue with your claim that you are not an artist however. You are a leader of warriors a master of the blade, of strategy, of tactics. You exemplify the Martial Arts that Gloria inspires us to achieve and why she sits amongst the Triad of the Arts alongside Vellichor and Jaynus. Never tell yourself different.
I would take issue with your claim that you are not an artist however. You are a leader of warriors a master of the blade, of strategy, of tactics. You exemplify the Martial Arts that Gloria inspires us to achieve and why she sits amongst the Triad of the Arts alongside Vellichor and Jaynus. Never tell yourself different.
Written By Calypso
Feb. 2, 2018, 11:54 a.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bastien
I am no artist. I was not gifted with the mind to pull stories together and evoke emotion. My talents are in leadership, command, and empowering those around me to do their best. While watching Master Bastien's play, a story which I will not spoil for anyone wishing to attend another showing, I could not help but self reflect.
Am I the kind of commander who makes those below me feel like their lives have no worth? Do I fall prey to logistics and numbers and forget that the soldiers in my command have lives? I imagine on some level I do. I would, however, strive to improve this. Every life in my command is meaningful. Every soul has purpose. Every single life lost fulfilling my orders weighs heavy on me.
I have made mistakes, but I have been fortunate enough to be allowed to learn from those mistakes. And for that, I am grateful.
Am I the kind of commander who makes those below me feel like their lives have no worth? Do I fall prey to logistics and numbers and forget that the soldiers in my command have lives? I imagine on some level I do. I would, however, strive to improve this. Every life in my command is meaningful. Every soul has purpose. Every single life lost fulfilling my orders weighs heavy on me.
I have made mistakes, but I have been fortunate enough to be allowed to learn from those mistakes. And for that, I am grateful.
Written By Samantha
Feb. 2, 2018, 10:53 a.m.(2/9/1008 AR)
What is there to be said about Master Bastien's play?
The performances were sharp and witty, tender and comical in turns. The dialogue crackled with cleverness.
It's a brilliant piece of propaganda in that it acheves the playwright's desired purpose, but if subtlty in the motive was present, I couldn't find it. Master Bastien was genuinely distressed when he heard there were nobility who enjoyed the play, and any who walked out or shouted it down seemed to bring a smile to his face.
He's an artistic genius, but I wonder if he will be hobbled by his own agenda.
Also, I'm very confused by the people complaining about all the shouting and catcalling from the audience. Have they never been to the theater before? It's rare that the audience is quiet except during the most intense scenes when everyone's holding their breath to see what happens next.
The performances were sharp and witty, tender and comical in turns. The dialogue crackled with cleverness.
It's a brilliant piece of propaganda in that it acheves the playwright's desired purpose, but if subtlty in the motive was present, I couldn't find it. Master Bastien was genuinely distressed when he heard there were nobility who enjoyed the play, and any who walked out or shouted it down seemed to bring a smile to his face.
He's an artistic genius, but I wonder if he will be hobbled by his own agenda.
Also, I'm very confused by the people complaining about all the shouting and catcalling from the audience. Have they never been to the theater before? It's rare that the audience is quiet except during the most intense scenes when everyone's holding their breath to see what happens next.
Written By Sparte
Feb. 2, 2018, 10:12 a.m.(2/8/1008 AR)
I saw the play on the Siege. The themes were an echo of many of the things felt by people at that time, things that they didn't have a way to express. It was my first time seeing a play, so I was surprised to see so many people were upset by it. Mostly nobles that felt personally slighted by something in the themes from what I could tell. Some even took to shouting in the theatre, which was just embarassing. At least the ones who simply walked out didn't make a scene.
I guarded those walls, I helped fight those fights. We suffered our share of losses, and those people deserve to be remembered. I enjoyed the play overall, though I know it was just using those losses to point a finger. It isn't what I would do, it doesn't really do justice to the memory of the people who died to defend this city. But it reminds people the loss was real, it reminds them that we may suffer those losses again. I hope people will take the time to visit the shrines, or pray to the spirits, or however they show their thanks to those who have passed on to the next life. If the play gets people taking the time to do that even once? It will have been a great play.
I guarded those walls, I helped fight those fights. We suffered our share of losses, and those people deserve to be remembered. I enjoyed the play overall, though I know it was just using those losses to point a finger. It isn't what I would do, it doesn't really do justice to the memory of the people who died to defend this city. But it reminds people the loss was real, it reminds them that we may suffer those losses again. I hope people will take the time to visit the shrines, or pray to the spirits, or however they show their thanks to those who have passed on to the next life. If the play gets people taking the time to do that even once? It will have been a great play.
Written By Christine
Feb. 2, 2018, 6:21 a.m.(2/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Isabetta
I think I've seen animal headbands for sale somewhere...
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.