Written By Sparte
Dec. 11, 2017, 9:47 a.m.(10/3/1007 AR)
I've come across a map that uses a shade of ink I didn't know existed. Now I'm wondering if there is an expert on inks somewhere. I find myself writing more and more, and having a range of color options would make my cartography efforts more efficient. I'll have to test to see how well the colors keep over time.
Written By Isabetta
Dec. 11, 2017, 6:39 a.m.(10/3/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
Some future historian may wonder, who was Lady Joslyn. I'm not certain these journals accurately keep a record, also I wonder if the duels are recorded. Certainly there is no scholar in the sparing circles.
What is known is that Lady Joslyn was a capable warrior, spoken in the past tense as though this were hundreds of years later. However, what may not have been captured is how, exactly.
No doubt when you imagine a Lady Joslyn who does not wear armor winning in matches, you are imagining perhaps a wrap, light cloth to keep yourself minimally protective and maximally agile. No doubt you are imagining real weapons, perhaps a buckler shield and a long knife, or a hand axe. Perhaps a club. Maybe you are imagining someone so proficient with her hands she can disarm anyone quickly and effectively in her leather footwraps and a tight shift. If you have this picture and you wonder what folly we are to underestimate her then you, future historian, are imagining lady Joslyn wrong.
To fully appreciate why doubt is so common about her talents, especially when compared to a Princess Reese, also known for her prowess, or Dame Alexis, you need to know something about Lady Joslyn. Sure Princess Reese is eccentric, at least in her choice of armor color, no doubt the preference for pink has made it through the annuals of history. Let me write it is all true. All of it. Sure Dame Alexis is, well, normal. Strong, well armored, big sword. Precisely the sort of way you would expect a capable and well known warrior of our age to arm themselves. I can only imagine how you, future reader, will dress your soldiers. No doubt in much thicker plate and longer swords. However, this is all a distraction from the topic at hand. Lady Joslyn.
No your view was wrong. She does not dress in light leathers, or even tightly wrapped cloth for agility. She does not wield a fast knife with a buckler, or a hand axe, or even a club. Lady Joslyn fights in something much closer to a ballroom gown. Allow that a moment to sink in.
Are you picturing something that is likely impeding her motions? Excessive fabric for a fight, poor ventilation to cool off? Good. Now you're starting to understand the incredulity that meets her in the ring. Unfortunately I am not done yet. For her weapon I'm afraid your imagination also requires some assistance. Lady Joslyn has perfected the art of the hair stick. Now you might say, that sounds like a stiletto. A thin knife, capable of finding the gaps in armor or punching right though. However unlike a stiletto, whose handle will well fit the hand, a hair stick is rather thinner and in most cases, entirely unfit for combat. Still, somehow, Lady Joslyn makes this work.
This is not to say we do not see her also fight in traditional gear. We might, I havn't, but I've heard she has taken forays into the field where a gown is even more impractical and would no doubt be defeated by thick brambles. I could be wrong, her battle gowns may accompany her anywhere, I'm sure she'll write about this to set the record straight soon, no doubt along with a duel challenge, but that is future Lady Isabetta's problem. For now let us consider the question burning in your mind. How.
First, Despite how impractical her choice of arms and armor sounds, it has some advantages, probably. The gown is made of fairly resilient materials and is surprisingly hard to damage. The excess fabric makes targeting her difficult and tying up your weapons relatively easy. The fact she is wearing it at all makes you underestimate her and yes, she is quite fit and capable on her own. Would she do better fighting without it? Who knows, even in the Lyceum it is considered silly to do battle without proper clothing.
As for the hair sticks, they basically weigh nothing. Once she gets inside the reach of your weapon I dare say Lady Joslyn has all the advantages. Suddenly the gown that seems ridiculously and unwieldy starts tripping you up and those sticks that do not seem particularly threatening are in your face.
I cannot deny that somehow she makes this all work, but I just hope you, future historian, understand exactly why she is met with such disbelief despite her reputation.
What is known is that Lady Joslyn was a capable warrior, spoken in the past tense as though this were hundreds of years later. However, what may not have been captured is how, exactly.
No doubt when you imagine a Lady Joslyn who does not wear armor winning in matches, you are imagining perhaps a wrap, light cloth to keep yourself minimally protective and maximally agile. No doubt you are imagining real weapons, perhaps a buckler shield and a long knife, or a hand axe. Perhaps a club. Maybe you are imagining someone so proficient with her hands she can disarm anyone quickly and effectively in her leather footwraps and a tight shift. If you have this picture and you wonder what folly we are to underestimate her then you, future historian, are imagining lady Joslyn wrong.
To fully appreciate why doubt is so common about her talents, especially when compared to a Princess Reese, also known for her prowess, or Dame Alexis, you need to know something about Lady Joslyn. Sure Princess Reese is eccentric, at least in her choice of armor color, no doubt the preference for pink has made it through the annuals of history. Let me write it is all true. All of it. Sure Dame Alexis is, well, normal. Strong, well armored, big sword. Precisely the sort of way you would expect a capable and well known warrior of our age to arm themselves. I can only imagine how you, future reader, will dress your soldiers. No doubt in much thicker plate and longer swords. However, this is all a distraction from the topic at hand. Lady Joslyn.
No your view was wrong. She does not dress in light leathers, or even tightly wrapped cloth for agility. She does not wield a fast knife with a buckler, or a hand axe, or even a club. Lady Joslyn fights in something much closer to a ballroom gown. Allow that a moment to sink in.
Are you picturing something that is likely impeding her motions? Excessive fabric for a fight, poor ventilation to cool off? Good. Now you're starting to understand the incredulity that meets her in the ring. Unfortunately I am not done yet. For her weapon I'm afraid your imagination also requires some assistance. Lady Joslyn has perfected the art of the hair stick. Now you might say, that sounds like a stiletto. A thin knife, capable of finding the gaps in armor or punching right though. However unlike a stiletto, whose handle will well fit the hand, a hair stick is rather thinner and in most cases, entirely unfit for combat. Still, somehow, Lady Joslyn makes this work.
This is not to say we do not see her also fight in traditional gear. We might, I havn't, but I've heard she has taken forays into the field where a gown is even more impractical and would no doubt be defeated by thick brambles. I could be wrong, her battle gowns may accompany her anywhere, I'm sure she'll write about this to set the record straight soon, no doubt along with a duel challenge, but that is future Lady Isabetta's problem. For now let us consider the question burning in your mind. How.
First, Despite how impractical her choice of arms and armor sounds, it has some advantages, probably. The gown is made of fairly resilient materials and is surprisingly hard to damage. The excess fabric makes targeting her difficult and tying up your weapons relatively easy. The fact she is wearing it at all makes you underestimate her and yes, she is quite fit and capable on her own. Would she do better fighting without it? Who knows, even in the Lyceum it is considered silly to do battle without proper clothing.
As for the hair sticks, they basically weigh nothing. Once she gets inside the reach of your weapon I dare say Lady Joslyn has all the advantages. Suddenly the gown that seems ridiculously and unwieldy starts tripping you up and those sticks that do not seem particularly threatening are in your face.
I cannot deny that somehow she makes this all work, but I just hope you, future historian, understand exactly why she is met with such disbelief despite her reputation.
Written By Joslyn
Dec. 11, 2017, 4:15 a.m.(10/3/1007 AR)
It would seem that despite the fact that I hear so much about my reputation preceding me, that I still manage to surprise a few people with my skills in the sparring ring. It's a curious thing, really. You'd think by now people would realize that I wouldn't voluntarily accept a challenge without armor, unless I am confident in my abilities.
I fought in the docks when the Bringers first came to Arx. I fought to defend the wards from Brands armies in the great seige. I faced patrols of bringers, shav'arani, and creatures I'd never dared lay eyes upon before. I fought the traitors forces at Farhaven, and I look to the east and prepare to face whatever comes from the deep.
Yes. I know how to fight. I've been fighting for years, can we stop being surprised by this fact?
I fought in the docks when the Bringers first came to Arx. I fought to defend the wards from Brands armies in the great seige. I faced patrols of bringers, shav'arani, and creatures I'd never dared lay eyes upon before. I fought the traitors forces at Farhaven, and I look to the east and prepare to face whatever comes from the deep.
Yes. I know how to fight. I've been fighting for years, can we stop being surprised by this fact?
Written By Carita
Dec. 11, 2017, 1:17 a.m.(10/3/1007 AR)
I suppose, Scholar, that in order to assure Lord Darrow of my capability — I ought to practice restraint in my purchases. Although, in truth, the slow buildup of our resources is ever so satisfying.
Those future ships will be far more useful than silks.
(... goodness. Could we omit that line? Gods and spirits forbid that I am admitting to practicality. I have a shallow reputation to maintain.)
Those future ships will be far more useful than silks.
(... goodness. Could we omit that line? Gods and spirits forbid that I am admitting to practicality. I have a shallow reputation to maintain.)
Written By Holden
Dec. 11, 2017, 12:08 a.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
My journey to Sanctum and back was uneventful, which is perhaps the best that one can hope for given these times. Since my return, I have heard of fire and attacks within the very walls of Arx. There is much work to be done, and it is time for me to return to work here.
Written By Olivia
Dec. 10, 2017, 11:59 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
The journey to deal with the strange growths on the statues was a curious one, and yielded... some results, though hardly much forward progress in solving it. Along with the others I was working with, we were able to determine its abyssal origin, although these days that conclusion might have seemed forgone. But now it's just a matter of how to address it? The Lodge has some new plants, which I may look into uses for, though I fear they are far from the aquatic business.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 10, 2017, 11:51 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
Archlector Madeleine would have been surprised to see how many people visited the shrine today. Seemed to be a constant flow of people praying and meditating while I was there.
Written By Ryhalt
Dec. 10, 2017, 11:36 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
It has been interesting getting to learn more about some of my vassals' domains that I've never had a chance to spend time in, but I must tell you that cranberry bogs have the capacity to be much more threattening than one might surmise.
Written By Monique
Dec. 10, 2017, 11:07 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Nierzen
It is a remarkable circumstance in reference to cunning persons that they are often deficient not only in comprehensive, far-sighted wisdom, but even in prudent, cautious circumspection.
Written By Eithne
Dec. 10, 2017, 11:03 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Clover
Lady Clover is married and now goes by Duchess Clover Farshaw! Not too shabby in the title department there. I'm extremely happy for her and while I could not make her wedding reception, I hope to catch up with her soon.
Written By Monique
Dec. 10, 2017, 11:03 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Samael
Sometimes you meet a person, and trust is just there, and friendship, too. These are glorious times and moments to live for.
Written By Joslyn
Dec. 10, 2017, 10:55 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
I just thought that a little public service announcement might be useful to anybody that happens to come across the white. When I or anybody else is vague journaling about somebody, it behooves the subject of those journals to not comment upon them, lest you tell the entirety of the compact exactly what you were up to. It's probably better to just be grateful we're not naming names in our journals, and to take the lessons imparted and move on.
Written By Mae
Dec. 10, 2017, 10:36 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
COMMONERS BULLETIN
Commoners Bulletin V1N1 - 10/2/1007 AR (12/10/2017)
The Commoners Bulletin is a condensed version of the news, happenings, and proclamations given out in the past week! This is a new feature being done by Mae Grayhope and the Commoners Council. If you have news to include in fortnight's bulletin, or you believe I've missed something, please send word! (OOC: Using mail is good!)
-Mae Grayhope, Commoners Council
NEWS:
*It would appear our beloved statue of Mangata, located on the beach outside of Arx, has some odd slime and rust developing on it. I've spoken to Archlector Madeleine of Mangata and she's requested prayer and support from the people of Arx. The Goddess stands beside us, as we battle those pirates and shavs in the Darkwater. So, too, should we stand beside her.
*There's talk of a Mirrormask running around, giving out tasks, and holding sermons in the middle of the night. Did we need another reminder that Mirrormasks are strange?
*It was publicly announced at the dedication of the Carlotta, the Lenosian-class caravel, aka 'that fancy new ship', that House Velenosa is gifting the blueprints to the Compact. They were handed personally to King Alaric and encouraged to be placed under the protection of the Crown. Rumours have it that there was no deal struck in terms of sale, simply gifted and any costs incurred from the research and construction were swallowed by House Velenosa and its allies. Weird. What does this mean? Ships that can sail beyond the Mourning Sea without sinking, most likely.
*A fire spread across Merchant West, in the Crown Ward. The fires were started by a devious man that the Inquisition has taken into custody, says High Inquisitor Alistair. It doesn't seem like we know why the man started these fires, but I'll guess he was an enemy of the Compact. Rumor is a few brave nobles climbed into a burning building to save some poor kids!
*What's happening in Stormward? Well, it seems after descending in a few weeks of craziness, things have stabilized. Probably because millions of silver were sent over to support House Kennex and to help the freed thralls.
*And speaking of money staying here, to help Arx, it seems Lady Monique has made a big donation to the Shrine of Gild! I look forward to what goodly project that silver will go to.
*More money was spent to build the Nox'alfar Embassy. Princess Jaenelle is working on that! Let's hope it's nice enough that the Nox aren't entirely insulted, but not so nice they aren't a little insulted.
PROCLAMATIONS:
*After word got out that House Malvici ran upon some financial troubles, many, many houses professed their support for Duchess General Calypso and House Malvici.
*Lady Carita Darkwater and Baron Edward Stormbreak ended their courtship.
*Lady Arianna Stonewood was named temporary(?) Sword of Cedarvale, which belongs to House Fireviper, which is Count Gailin's house.
*Marquis Ford Kennex thanked the Compact for supporting Darkwater, and said he is in debt to us.
*Master of Questions Laric Grayson stated the Inquisition was searching perpetrators of the nasty fire in Merchant West.
*Mercy Cybele has been named Voice of the Mercies of Lagoma in Arx
*Lady Titania Kennex was removed as Voice of House Kennex by Marquis Ford Kennex (and the peerage did not seem to like that!).
*Count Gailin Fireviper began courting Lady Titania Kennex (who is not Voice of House Kennex).
*Father Orazio announced the winner of the Faith's Bookbinding Contest. Calaudrin Estrades is the winner! His book is on display at the Vellichorian Archives. His wife must be proud.
Commoners Bulletin V1N1 - 10/2/1007 AR (12/10/2017)
The Commoners Bulletin is a condensed version of the news, happenings, and proclamations given out in the past week! This is a new feature being done by Mae Grayhope and the Commoners Council. If you have news to include in fortnight's bulletin, or you believe I've missed something, please send word! (OOC: Using mail is good!)
-Mae Grayhope, Commoners Council
NEWS:
*It would appear our beloved statue of Mangata, located on the beach outside of Arx, has some odd slime and rust developing on it. I've spoken to Archlector Madeleine of Mangata and she's requested prayer and support from the people of Arx. The Goddess stands beside us, as we battle those pirates and shavs in the Darkwater. So, too, should we stand beside her.
*There's talk of a Mirrormask running around, giving out tasks, and holding sermons in the middle of the night. Did we need another reminder that Mirrormasks are strange?
*It was publicly announced at the dedication of the Carlotta, the Lenosian-class caravel, aka 'that fancy new ship', that House Velenosa is gifting the blueprints to the Compact. They were handed personally to King Alaric and encouraged to be placed under the protection of the Crown. Rumours have it that there was no deal struck in terms of sale, simply gifted and any costs incurred from the research and construction were swallowed by House Velenosa and its allies. Weird. What does this mean? Ships that can sail beyond the Mourning Sea without sinking, most likely.
*A fire spread across Merchant West, in the Crown Ward. The fires were started by a devious man that the Inquisition has taken into custody, says High Inquisitor Alistair. It doesn't seem like we know why the man started these fires, but I'll guess he was an enemy of the Compact. Rumor is a few brave nobles climbed into a burning building to save some poor kids!
*What's happening in Stormward? Well, it seems after descending in a few weeks of craziness, things have stabilized. Probably because millions of silver were sent over to support House Kennex and to help the freed thralls.
*And speaking of money staying here, to help Arx, it seems Lady Monique has made a big donation to the Shrine of Gild! I look forward to what goodly project that silver will go to.
*More money was spent to build the Nox'alfar Embassy. Princess Jaenelle is working on that! Let's hope it's nice enough that the Nox aren't entirely insulted, but not so nice they aren't a little insulted.
PROCLAMATIONS:
*After word got out that House Malvici ran upon some financial troubles, many, many houses professed their support for Duchess General Calypso and House Malvici.
*Lady Carita Darkwater and Baron Edward Stormbreak ended their courtship.
*Lady Arianna Stonewood was named temporary(?) Sword of Cedarvale, which belongs to House Fireviper, which is Count Gailin's house.
*Marquis Ford Kennex thanked the Compact for supporting Darkwater, and said he is in debt to us.
*Master of Questions Laric Grayson stated the Inquisition was searching perpetrators of the nasty fire in Merchant West.
*Mercy Cybele has been named Voice of the Mercies of Lagoma in Arx
*Lady Titania Kennex was removed as Voice of House Kennex by Marquis Ford Kennex (and the peerage did not seem to like that!).
*Count Gailin Fireviper began courting Lady Titania Kennex (who is not Voice of House Kennex).
*Father Orazio announced the winner of the Faith's Bookbinding Contest. Calaudrin Estrades is the winner! His book is on display at the Vellichorian Archives. His wife must be proud.
Written By Mason
Dec. 10, 2017, 10:21 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
Sometimes I find myself here at the archive with a desire to unburden my soul. Do I deserve such relief this time? I've felt this sort of pain and weight before. I don't intend to wallow in it, but I'm going to hold onto it for some time. It's the least I can do.
So many people get hurt, even from good intentions. It makes me think about the Reckoning. How many of the key players in that catastrophic series of events would have moved forward had they known what would happen?
Even the smallest action can have so many dire consequences. A person can speak up a voice of opposition about something and that single moment can cause dozens of others to lose their lives.
Aleksei described me as 'driven'. I think I need to step back and evaluate my choices and seek what I can change to prevent damaging mistakes in the future.
So many people get hurt, even from good intentions. It makes me think about the Reckoning. How many of the key players in that catastrophic series of events would have moved forward had they known what would happen?
Even the smallest action can have so many dire consequences. A person can speak up a voice of opposition about something and that single moment can cause dozens of others to lose their lives.
Aleksei described me as 'driven'. I think I need to step back and evaluate my choices and seek what I can change to prevent damaging mistakes in the future.
Written By Alexis
Dec. 10, 2017, 10:04 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
An interesting woman stepped into my shop today. Red-haired, with a rubicund blade she wanted me to look at, to sharpen, to tend to. I did as best I could and I learned her name is Acacia Culler. The Acacia Culler, the mirrorguard who served as the former Archduke's bodyguard during the Siege.
I sometimes forget - well, not forget, but put out of my mind - that I live in Arx, where such greatness intersects ordinary lives like mine, every day.
I sometimes forget - well, not forget, but put out of my mind - that I live in Arx, where such greatness intersects ordinary lives like mine, every day.
Written By Shard
Dec. 10, 2017, 10:03 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Nierzen
Oh, I got that you were patting the Compact's diplomats on the back for being so clever at convincing various Abandoned tribal leaders to agree to bend the knee and be ennobled, thus keeping control of at least part of the land they'd lived on for centuries and avoiding having every man, woman and child under their care eventually slaughtered by Compact armies, which is the only other alternative. I just find it fascinating that you think the Abandoned are so fucking stupid they're somehow unaware that they were still being conquered. What part were they ignorant of, do you think? The bit where they were suddenly sworn to the service of their once-enemies? The bit where they gave up large chunks of the way they'd been living for the past who knows how many generations? The new gods? Or, maybe, it was all their new 'friends' going on about how disappointing it was that they hadn't actually been murdered instead. So many possibilities.
Written By Alexis
Dec. 10, 2017, 10:02 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
I continue to spend my days in the forges to make up for the time away from them, and I am pleased to report that, while there are still comissions to finish, I am no longer behind on my work. Which is a relief. I owe great thanks to the journeymen and -women and apprentices that labour with me.
I'm also about to start on a fairly large undertaking. So that will be interesting.
I'm also about to start on a fairly large undertaking. So that will be interesting.
Written By Alexis
Dec. 10, 2017, 10 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
I am lucky to have good friends and beloved loves. They make me stronger. They hold me close. I am thankful I can come to them in my time of need.
Written By Eithne
Dec. 10, 2017, 9:55 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
I haven't taken time off in a very, very long time. To say I'm going on vacation is just such a foreign concept to me and I feel like I don't actually deserve this time away from the shop. My assistants and apprentices really have a good hold on things and I know I leave the shop in good hands but it kind of makes me sad step back for a bit. Truth be told, I really am looking forward to the new journey and the craziness that it'll bring.
Written By Fortunato
Dec. 10, 2017, 9:51 p.m.(10/2/1007 AR)
Sketches.
A blotch, like flung tar, lit with fire. Two claws. A skull with its sockets emitting bright spiders. A man in a ragged hat leaning against an upturned cart, weeping. A great pale ship crests on a wave of snow and ash. The wards in miniature beneath a glassy dome. The first hint of dawn across the cathedral roof.
A blotch, like flung tar, lit with fire. Two claws. A skull with its sockets emitting bright spiders. A man in a ragged hat leaning against an upturned cart, weeping. A great pale ship crests on a wave of snow and ash. The wards in miniature beneath a glassy dome. The first hint of dawn across the cathedral roof.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.