Written By Esoka
Oct. 21, 2017, 12:10 a.m.(6/9/1007 AR)
I will not write of whatever "strategy" might be in the twisted, evil brain of the herald of slavery. What I shall do is give my account of the battle against the Horned God's forces on the northern border of the Crownlands. For I was there, on the field, and I feel a need to put it to paper and before the scribes, even as it still haunts my dreams and I struggle to make any proper sense of it. It is but one knight's memory of this day. Vellichor can take it for what He will.
I was able to conclude my errand in the Gray Forest in time to join the armies encamped as a border guard against the Horned God's forces. I took my place in the cavalry, with Lord Rymarr's personnel from the ranks of Deepwood and its vassals, and alongside Dame Thena, Sir Daemon, and Duke Vercyn. The attack was not unexpected and we rallied to meet it. Our scouts brought us good intelligence of the enemy that allowed us to focus our forces to deadly effect, our archers were sharp upon their bows and cut down many before they had a chance to reach us. The shield wall of the infantry held with fierce bravery, and the medics were vigilant in taking our wounded from the field. From my view of our charge among the horse, we were successful in disrupting their flanking attempts and had the advantage upon the field. We were winning.
And then the Horned God appeared, voice ringing like the terrible slick of evil in our ears, and it did not matter.
What happened next is a nightmare. For the poor souls of the shav'arvani this creature had tricked and deceived into his service more than anyone. For the enemy troops were no longer men and women at all, but turned by the cruel magic of the Abyss into a cloud of millions of wasps which set upon us like a press of stinging poison. Tales will and should be told of the heroes like Lord Faelan and Duke Harald, who charged the Horned God with a bravery out of legend, and put their own lives on the line to save so many as we regrouped to retreat. But I do not believe any of us could have killed him this day. That most of those I loved escaped the field alive, I thank the gods for this. For those that fell, I mourn. And I pray we find a way to defeat the Horned God, I saw clearly upon the field that day that it will take more than armies. Though I do not think this is the last battle in which we shall engage his poor, fool slaves.
Tonight I sit vigil in the shrine of Gloria, in thanks for my own life and to pray for courage and valor in what is to come. And perhaps for some insight in how to defeat this horror. There shall be more battles to come against this horror, I do think.
I was able to conclude my errand in the Gray Forest in time to join the armies encamped as a border guard against the Horned God's forces. I took my place in the cavalry, with Lord Rymarr's personnel from the ranks of Deepwood and its vassals, and alongside Dame Thena, Sir Daemon, and Duke Vercyn. The attack was not unexpected and we rallied to meet it. Our scouts brought us good intelligence of the enemy that allowed us to focus our forces to deadly effect, our archers were sharp upon their bows and cut down many before they had a chance to reach us. The shield wall of the infantry held with fierce bravery, and the medics were vigilant in taking our wounded from the field. From my view of our charge among the horse, we were successful in disrupting their flanking attempts and had the advantage upon the field. We were winning.
And then the Horned God appeared, voice ringing like the terrible slick of evil in our ears, and it did not matter.
What happened next is a nightmare. For the poor souls of the shav'arvani this creature had tricked and deceived into his service more than anyone. For the enemy troops were no longer men and women at all, but turned by the cruel magic of the Abyss into a cloud of millions of wasps which set upon us like a press of stinging poison. Tales will and should be told of the heroes like Lord Faelan and Duke Harald, who charged the Horned God with a bravery out of legend, and put their own lives on the line to save so many as we regrouped to retreat. But I do not believe any of us could have killed him this day. That most of those I loved escaped the field alive, I thank the gods for this. For those that fell, I mourn. And I pray we find a way to defeat the Horned God, I saw clearly upon the field that day that it will take more than armies. Though I do not think this is the last battle in which we shall engage his poor, fool slaves.
Tonight I sit vigil in the shrine of Gloria, in thanks for my own life and to pray for courage and valor in what is to come. And perhaps for some insight in how to defeat this horror. There shall be more battles to come against this horror, I do think.
Written By Leona
Oct. 20, 2017, 6:48 p.m.(6/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
I admire his vision and his view on the world. He is a skilled painter, not just because he has the gift for art but because he has the vision to see behind the facade that most people present to the world. This goes hand in hand with his philosophical nature, and if he would argue about that because of his background, well. That's just more proof I'm right. A good friend, and an interesting conversational companion indeed.
Written By Calaudrin
Oct. 20, 2017, 5:10 p.m.(6/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Halsim
Maybe you weren't there.
But let me tell you something:
Anything that has the ability to turn ONE person into a fucking insect for shits and giggles? That's terrifying. The blood freezing kind of terrifying.
Take that and multiply it by hundreds of people.
This is bad, very bad.
But let me tell you something:
Anything that has the ability to turn ONE person into a fucking insect for shits and giggles? That's terrifying. The blood freezing kind of terrifying.
Take that and multiply it by hundreds of people.
This is bad, very bad.
Written By Edward
Oct. 20, 2017, 4:06 p.m.(6/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Halsim
It could also be that, like Brand, it is just not that great of a military leader. Which will benefit Arx and the defenders the more and more it wastes time and resources.
Written By Thena
Oct. 20, 2017, 3:59 p.m.(6/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Halsim
He's playing with us. He could have destroyed us at Farhaven and he didn't because he didn't feel like it.
Written By Shard
Oct. 20, 2017, 3:46 p.m.(6/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Halsim
We didn't see his converted armies. Not that last fight, in any case. Those were the people he lied to. The people he convinced that the Compact were responsible for the poison killing their shamans and their spirits and hurting their people. He convinced them you were their enemies, something that I imagine was ridiculously easy to do, considering everything else the Compact does to them without any need for the Horned One to lie about.
And then, for no other reason than because he fucking could, he killed every single one of them with a thought, in an instant--turned their bodies into insects because those people didn't mean anything more to him than they did to you.
And then, for no other reason than because he fucking could, he killed every single one of them with a thought, in an instant--turned their bodies into insects because those people didn't mean anything more to him than they did to you.
Written By Halsim
Oct. 20, 2017, 2:34 p.m.(6/8/1007 AR)
With all the talk about the things we fought up north being hive minded, I would have thought we'd have seen a lot more cohesion in the army we found.
The Silent War had more organization in the ranks... so what stopped the Horned One from doing the same for its' fodder?
The Silent War had more organization in the ranks... so what stopped the Horned One from doing the same for its' fodder?
Written By Eirene
Oct. 20, 2017, 9:13 a.m.(6/8/1007 AR)
Women do not discuss their ages with men. It's a known fact, and men who want to keep their internal organs internal do not comment or draw attention to it unless she specifically does so first, like discussing plans for her birthday and what gifts she'd like and what age she'd like to be referred to even if you know that's a flat out bold-ass faced lie. Or an ass-faced lie too.
A free lesson for men.
A free lesson for men.
Written By Ryhalt
Oct. 20, 2017, 3:59 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Clover
It's a relief to have the contracts worked out and the betrothal announced. I think my expectation that things would slow down after that were largely unfounded, since there seems to be rather a lot left to be done, and more added by the day. It is, however, a happy sort of busy.
Written By Audric
Oct. 20, 2017, 2:14 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
You know when you're -really- going at it and the bits smack too hard against something? That's what clapback is. Pretty sure.
Written By Aureth
Oct. 20, 2017, 1:22 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
I hope someone has warned the Marquesa that her husband's plan is to be dead by 40.
Whippersnappers, all of you.
What the hell is a clapback?
Whippersnappers, all of you.
What the hell is a clapback?
Written By Rymarr
Oct. 20, 2017, 1:09 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
I hit my midlife crisis about seven years ago. Too late.
Also, you're the Master of Questions. Not the Master of Clapbacks. Stop taking all the jobs, Your Highness.
Also, you're the Master of Questions. Not the Master of Clapbacks. Stop taking all the jobs, Your Highness.
Written By Laric
Oct. 20, 2017, 1:07 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
Yours isn't far behind his. It might even come first.
Written By Rymarr
Oct. 20, 2017, 1:04 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I plan to take up a collection for your future midlife crisis. I hope to purchase a wagon for you. In Lyon's Redoubt the youthful wagon races were always quite fun. It's said the red ones went the fastest. So yours will be cherry red.
I hear that the recent fad in the Redoubt is that when the wheels stop, the spokes continue spinning. The latest in wagon racing fashion, no doubt.
I hear that the recent fad in the Redoubt is that when the wheels stop, the spokes continue spinning. The latest in wagon racing fashion, no doubt.
Written By Laric
Oct. 20, 2017, 12:16 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
We're all looking forward to your first midlife crisis, Blessed one.
Written By Mae
Oct. 20, 2017, 12:02 a.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
The Godsworn are invited to sit beside the Crownsworn of the Lowers and share a meal. Encouraged, even. If those men and women that serve our Gods wish to leave a few silver to pay for their bowl of soup, we will not object.
And of course we are doing good work! Who ever did bad deeds with soup?
And of course we are doing good work! Who ever did bad deeds with soup?
Written By Aureth
Oct. 19, 2017, 11:43 p.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
His birthday is coming up, you know. He might even be able to see thirty on the distant, distant horizon.
Written By Calista
Oct. 19, 2017, 10:43 p.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
In the time I have been living in Arx, the houses of the Lyceum have undergone various changes. While many might think such flux weakens the bonds within our city-states, it has proven to our people we stand stronger and more united than ever. To Prince Niccolo, you stepped up to guide us when all the color in the world seemed to fade away. You made us proud then and you continue to do so. To the newest Archduchess, Eleyna, you have proven to be quite a viable force within the Lyceum. I have no doubt you will continue the legacy of Velenosa greatness.
Written By Leona
Oct. 19, 2017, 8:58 p.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
You've come a long way. I know you're not given to long bouts of philosophy and introspection, so instead of a lot of fancy words, I'll keep it simple.
You have a long way to go still but you're headed there. I like who you're becoming, and I'm proud of you. Just keep swimming, cuz.
You have a long way to go still but you're headed there. I like who you're becoming, and I'm proud of you. Just keep swimming, cuz.
Written By Vayle
Oct. 19, 2017, 8:01 p.m.(6/7/1007 AR)
I look wistfully behind me yet the shores of Setarco are long from view. Amidst its sands we have left friends, family, enemies and history. I can nearly hear them all whispering their farewells with each splash against the belly of the ship. There is sadness. There is fear. There is hope...
I turn my head against the sting of sea spray to the cold, dark port of Arx. What lies ahead is unknown. Will we find our way? We have been warned by those who care for us of the ruthlessness of the capital and the turmoil that it breeds, both amidst its denizens and the world that gnaws and gnashes about the great city. We have heard the tales of attacks, both against its gates and abroad.
Despite the ruthlessness I have witnessed and betrayals I've faced, it is this city that I fear the most. The unknown. Yet, here I am droning on about my hesitance and failing to mention my excitement. To see a world outside that of what I've known is a gift, not a punishment. I acknowledge that even with the anxiety hanging heavy in my chest.
A new life. A new adventure. Here we go.
I turn my head against the sting of sea spray to the cold, dark port of Arx. What lies ahead is unknown. Will we find our way? We have been warned by those who care for us of the ruthlessness of the capital and the turmoil that it breeds, both amidst its denizens and the world that gnaws and gnashes about the great city. We have heard the tales of attacks, both against its gates and abroad.
Despite the ruthlessness I have witnessed and betrayals I've faced, it is this city that I fear the most. The unknown. Yet, here I am droning on about my hesitance and failing to mention my excitement. To see a world outside that of what I've known is a gift, not a punishment. I acknowledge that even with the anxiety hanging heavy in my chest.
A new life. A new adventure. Here we go.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.