Written By Prisila
Aug. 17, 2018, 4:17 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Let it be known this will be the last act of clarification I will make on the matter as any attempt to try and diffuse the situation has been seen as an act of aggression. As it was taught to me by the Scholar whom so kindly provided the greater part of my education:
"Due to the autonomy, traditionally the bannerlords execute very little control over their bannermen- a baron taking any action to the welfare of his own barony is not expected to have to inform his count, nor is the marquis holds the banners for two counts below him and their baronies below them expected to keep his bannermen informed of every decision he passes or seek their counsel. There is, of course, politeness and most lords would want to have some reasonable warning if their bannerlord will be taking some action that will impact them and vice versa, but houses in the same feudal hierarchy will act more like friendly allied powers than they would in any kind of employer and employee relationship. After all, for absolute direct control, that's what sworn swords in their own demesnes are for." - An excerpt from the Laws and Customs of the Compact of Arvum
"Due to the autonomy, traditionally the bannerlords execute very little control over their bannermen- a baron taking any action to the welfare of his own barony is not expected to have to inform his count, nor is the marquis holds the banners for two counts below him and their baronies below them expected to keep his bannermen informed of every decision he passes or seek their counsel. There is, of course, politeness and most lords would want to have some reasonable warning if their bannerlord will be taking some action that will impact them and vice versa, but houses in the same feudal hierarchy will act more like friendly allied powers than they would in any kind of employer and employee relationship. After all, for absolute direct control, that's what sworn swords in their own demesnes are for." - An excerpt from the Laws and Customs of the Compact of Arvum
Written By Riagnon
Aug. 17, 2018, 3 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
It's lovely to see that her ladyship's ever agreeable demeanor extends to her vassals, and is not exclusive to her family by marriage
Written By Prisila
Aug. 17, 2018, 2:46 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Amidst the current crisis that one of the Compact's own is going through, I have received offers of support from unlikely new associates and allies. Yet on the flip side I've also received a disheartening and disturbing missive from my own Liege whom decided that using the sovereign authority within our own lands was an act of insurbordination and ensued with threats! As outlandish as this seems I have literally brought the missive here and asked the scholars to place it within the pages of my white journal for all to read.
[Original missive from the Duchess Belladonna is placed within]
Oh, and by the way, you don't get to tell me where MY ships can and cannot go, LADY Seraceni. You hold those lands by grace of Pravus, not the other way around. You may wish to revise that statement of your to include both Pravus and Velenosa in that exemption list or you may well find us knocking on your door. Forcefully. It wouldn't be the first time I've dismantled a vassal House for insubordination.
Belladonna Pravus
Duchess of Setarco
Now, I understand that there might be some upset about not being allowed to witness the beauty of Ischia, for even a moment but this warrants further investigation and inspection. Were the other Houses in the fealty of Duchess Belladonna so out of line that they needed to be attainted? It isn't my fear that this too will happen to our House because we have such great allies and a benevolent King who understands that this kind of behavior is nothing short of tyrannical.
[Original missive from the Duchess Belladonna is placed within]
Oh, and by the way, you don't get to tell me where MY ships can and cannot go, LADY Seraceni. You hold those lands by grace of Pravus, not the other way around. You may wish to revise that statement of your to include both Pravus and Velenosa in that exemption list or you may well find us knocking on your door. Forcefully. It wouldn't be the first time I've dismantled a vassal House for insubordination.
Belladonna Pravus
Duchess of Setarco
Now, I understand that there might be some upset about not being allowed to witness the beauty of Ischia, for even a moment but this warrants further investigation and inspection. Were the other Houses in the fealty of Duchess Belladonna so out of line that they needed to be attainted? It isn't my fear that this too will happen to our House because we have such great allies and a benevolent King who understands that this kind of behavior is nothing short of tyrannical.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 7, 2018, 9:09 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
As Sabella has written, my intent was simply to separate the act of participating in the action of the duel from issuing the challenge. The duel is the necessary result of an accepted challenge, however I would not say I fought the duel, as that seems like it would take something away from the person who swung the sword, sweated and bled for the challenger and challenged. I challenged Duchess Grazia, Sir Jeffeth and Grandmaster Caspian fought the duel. I recognize that the two are intimately connected, and if it is wrong to separate them even this much, then I apologize and ask that you blame the fact that I have done this so rarely.
As for the rest, if you would like to speak in person about it, I would be happy to do so. This scholar probably took up white writing for the day to escape another shift of copying dusty old tomes, and while I am only too happy to have him write down every silly thought that passes through my head, I wouldn't wish to push things.
As for the rest, if you would like to speak in person about it, I would be happy to do so. This scholar probably took up white writing for the day to escape another shift of copying dusty old tomes, and while I am only too happy to have him write down every silly thought that passes through my head, I wouldn't wish to push things.
Written By Thena
Aug. 7, 2018, 8:42 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Oh, I have no doubt at all that spoons can be lethal.
However, I was brought up with only one type of spoon. Personally I would snap the spoon bit off and stick the rest in someone’s...whatever.
It’s nice to know there are some specialty weapon-style spoons out there though.
However, I was brought up with only one type of spoon. Personally I would snap the spoon bit off and stick the rest in someone’s...whatever.
It’s nice to know there are some specialty weapon-style spoons out there though.
Written By Sabella
Aug. 7, 2018, 8:21 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I believe you are misunderstanding my husband's clarification. He made it just in case anyone thought he was claiming to have participated (as in fought) in a duel, which he would not do what with not being a Champion. He has certainly participated in challenges and then attended the duels that came from them.
And I believe there have been several instances of non-combatant duels, such as the recent one that required the participants drink alcohol, one where the participants had to recite poetry, and the informal one between Princess Tikva and Prince Niklas which was a banjo-off!
And I believe there have been several instances of non-combatant duels, such as the recent one that required the participants drink alcohol, one where the participants had to recite poetry, and the informal one between Princess Tikva and Prince Niklas which was a banjo-off!
Written By Eleyna
July 14, 2018, 10:45 p.m.(3/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Indeed. Setarco is just wasting time producing such low-quality material. To think that we've had this industry in the Lyceum for centuries, from the harvesting and spinning of silk to the shipping houses of the Hundred Cities that move the material across the Compact. All of this effort, so many jobs for something so -worthless-.
What have we been thinking?
What have we been thinking?
Written By Riagnon
June 23, 2018, 12:37 p.m.(1/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Hubris and public hideousness where the kin of her own child is concerned.
Written By Lydia
June 23, 2018, 12:04 p.m.(1/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Belladonna was my sister-in-law. More than that she was a mentor and a friend as I took on the mantle my sister left me.
Then Cassius was slain, and she became bitter. She lashed out at me in her journal once and I let it go. Times were troubling. This would pass, and we'd be as we were again.
Now, she has lashed out similarly at my cousin and I am left dumbstruck. How could someone I thought I knew, that I trusted, change so much? The Belladonna I knew would never have acted like this.
Then Cassius was slain, and she became bitter. She lashed out at me in her journal once and I let it go. Times were troubling. This would pass, and we'd be as we were again.
Now, she has lashed out similarly at my cousin and I am left dumbstruck. How could someone I thought I knew, that I trusted, change so much? The Belladonna I knew would never have acted like this.
Written By Reigna
June 17, 2018, 12:33 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I have purposely waiting to speak about the issue that has been tearing through the Whites these last few days until I could organize my thoughts into something cogent and cohesive. And then the Legate Orazio went and said everything I possibly could have in his eloquent way, with far more effectiveness and authority than I could muster. Still, as my devotion to Vellichor, I will add my thoughts to this topic.
No where in the statement made by the Dominus did he call for the cessation of belief by shamans across the board. No where did he imply there would be condemnation or persecution for those that hold to their beliefs. What he did call for, was for those whose chosen duty it is, to speak for the Faith, to teach others about it, under the employ of the Faith, that their hearts be devout to the gods alone. I fail to understand why this concept is so very difficult to accept. If you choose to work for the Faith, you must embrace it completely, utterly.
That is what it means to have *Faith*. It is beyond belief. It does not require proof. If you are of the Faith you believe completely in its teachings and its principles.
Now, some have taken the Dominus' words to an extreme that requires clear correction. Specifically I speak to the words of Belladonna Pravus, who wrote:
"What is worrisome is that the Faith is now dictating who can and cannot help those in need based upon that idea of right and wrong. The Scholars, the Mercies, these organizations will suffer with the loss of those who -rightly- refuse to step away from the ideological path that is right -for them- and thus are made to step away. I, for one, cannot understand why it matters so much if the person I look to for help in finding an obscure reference to a fabric blend from 300 years ago believes wholly in Vellichor or if they feel that the spirits of the world are also entities to be acknowledged."
Because a person cannot be a disciple does not mean they are barred from helping their fellows. No one is denied entry to the Archives to read journals or seek knowledge. No one is being denied the ability to take lessons or learn, or offer their knowledge to others, to participate in the spread of information that Vellichor grants us all. They just cannot hold the title of Scholar of Vellichor if they are not fully dedicated to the Faith. That is all that it is. A title. Because, and this is a very firm point, upon which I have stood, and will continue to stand upon: Titles are supposed to *mean* something. They are earned and must be worked for. They cannot simply be given with no thought or sacrifice unless they are to be meaningless. To be a Disciple is to be, as the Legate of Concepts so eloquently put it, a guidepost and light of the Faith. To be of the Faith is to believe, fully and completely. Whole heartedly.
A healer who feels that unique call to mend the bodies of their fellows, to ease suffering and combat the spread of plague and malady is not barred from treating whoever they seek to aid. They just cannot hold the title of Mercy. The Physicians Guild of Arx is a place to come if you want to share your skills and have a system of support that is secular in nature. Come and speak to me, I am always searching for more physicians to see to the health of our people. ALL our people.
Yes, Skald sacrificed to ensure we all have a choice. But he also told us to embrace the consequences of those choices. That is the part that people seem to ignore, and that tends to make me tut and shake my head. You can choose any path before you, but the results of that choice cannot be dismissed because you do not like them. You cannot fly in the face of tradition and then bemoan and wail the censure you receive. Actions will always have consequences and if you try to shrug out of them, it makes your choice meaningless. Choice is sacrifice.
No where in the statement made by the Dominus did he call for the cessation of belief by shamans across the board. No where did he imply there would be condemnation or persecution for those that hold to their beliefs. What he did call for, was for those whose chosen duty it is, to speak for the Faith, to teach others about it, under the employ of the Faith, that their hearts be devout to the gods alone. I fail to understand why this concept is so very difficult to accept. If you choose to work for the Faith, you must embrace it completely, utterly.
That is what it means to have *Faith*. It is beyond belief. It does not require proof. If you are of the Faith you believe completely in its teachings and its principles.
Now, some have taken the Dominus' words to an extreme that requires clear correction. Specifically I speak to the words of Belladonna Pravus, who wrote:
"What is worrisome is that the Faith is now dictating who can and cannot help those in need based upon that idea of right and wrong. The Scholars, the Mercies, these organizations will suffer with the loss of those who -rightly- refuse to step away from the ideological path that is right -for them- and thus are made to step away. I, for one, cannot understand why it matters so much if the person I look to for help in finding an obscure reference to a fabric blend from 300 years ago believes wholly in Vellichor or if they feel that the spirits of the world are also entities to be acknowledged."
Because a person cannot be a disciple does not mean they are barred from helping their fellows. No one is denied entry to the Archives to read journals or seek knowledge. No one is being denied the ability to take lessons or learn, or offer their knowledge to others, to participate in the spread of information that Vellichor grants us all. They just cannot hold the title of Scholar of Vellichor if they are not fully dedicated to the Faith. That is all that it is. A title. Because, and this is a very firm point, upon which I have stood, and will continue to stand upon: Titles are supposed to *mean* something. They are earned and must be worked for. They cannot simply be given with no thought or sacrifice unless they are to be meaningless. To be a Disciple is to be, as the Legate of Concepts so eloquently put it, a guidepost and light of the Faith. To be of the Faith is to believe, fully and completely. Whole heartedly.
A healer who feels that unique call to mend the bodies of their fellows, to ease suffering and combat the spread of plague and malady is not barred from treating whoever they seek to aid. They just cannot hold the title of Mercy. The Physicians Guild of Arx is a place to come if you want to share your skills and have a system of support that is secular in nature. Come and speak to me, I am always searching for more physicians to see to the health of our people. ALL our people.
Yes, Skald sacrificed to ensure we all have a choice. But he also told us to embrace the consequences of those choices. That is the part that people seem to ignore, and that tends to make me tut and shake my head. You can choose any path before you, but the results of that choice cannot be dismissed because you do not like them. You cannot fly in the face of tradition and then bemoan and wail the censure you receive. Actions will always have consequences and if you try to shrug out of them, it makes your choice meaningless. Choice is sacrifice.
Written By Riagnon
June 17, 2018, 12:19 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
That's exactly where she's from!
-Oh, dear. Being sent outside! Not supposed to have brought the snacks in with me, evidently!
-Oh, dear. Being sent outside! Not supposed to have brought the snacks in with me, evidently!
Written By Rhea
June 17, 2018, 11:52 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Well, okay. Have fun rabble rousing and explaining to the citizens of Setarco why you've been challenged by one of the most well-regarded men in the Compact!
Written By Rhea
June 17, 2018, 11:39 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Yeah, but then nobody would have pointed out you were massively misrepresenting a matter of historical record! Since you seem to have acknowledged that Fawkuhl was neither A) taken into custody (perhaps the guards were having a picnic?) or B) stripped of his title (he was REPLACED, that's a very different and nicer word), I will consider my good deed for the day well done. I know my cousin wouldn't want you accidentally rabble rousing against an institution that was very important to him!
Written By Orazio
June 17, 2018, 11:18 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
To address the accusations that the Duchess Belladonna has passed off as truth regarding the previous Dominus, Brother Fawkuhl:
It is to be advised that the Duchess check her /own/ sources. The former Dominus was never formally charged with, and certainly not convicted, of any crime towards the Archduchess. And, speaking as the man who risked his life to call the Convocation which ended in Brother Fawkuhl choosing to stand down and face judgement for that accusation, to malign a man who never had the opportunity to face public resolution of what he was accused of is both foolish and deeply disrespectful.
And to suggest in /any/ way that Brother Fawkuhl's actions and the Dominus Aldwin's actions might be considered comparable is an insult to the Church itself. You may clarify your position in your recent entries and hopefully rectify your ignorance by doing a bit of quiet research into the matter before spouting off, or I will have the name of your Champion.
It is to be advised that the Duchess check her /own/ sources. The former Dominus was never formally charged with, and certainly not convicted, of any crime towards the Archduchess. And, speaking as the man who risked his life to call the Convocation which ended in Brother Fawkuhl choosing to stand down and face judgement for that accusation, to malign a man who never had the opportunity to face public resolution of what he was accused of is both foolish and deeply disrespectful.
And to suggest in /any/ way that Brother Fawkuhl's actions and the Dominus Aldwin's actions might be considered comparable is an insult to the Church itself. You may clarify your position in your recent entries and hopefully rectify your ignorance by doing a bit of quiet research into the matter before spouting off, or I will have the name of your Champion.
Written By Rhea
June 17, 2018, 10:41 a.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Oh! That's all terribly wrong. I was still living in Stonedeep when THAT happened, but I was following it VERY closely (after the fact mostly, because unfortunately news must travel). It was all very interesting. VERY interesting. At least twice as interesting as Archbarker Peanut (sorry, Archbarker, also I've found better dogs). Dominus Fawkuhl was never taken into anyone's custody, he was not stripped of his title (a Convocation is very serious business), and Esra was reconciled with the Faith. Matters of historical record!
Wait, Esra was the Scholar that went crazy, spread his manifesto and was then slain in 'self defense' by a Sword. Oops. Esera!
Oh, and here's what the current Dominus said about the matter. I keep a copy of the proclamation under my bed. VERY interesting, like I said. Not that I'm planning to convert.
"The Excommunication of the High Lords and their voices was a contentious event in our history. It stirred strife and tore a hole between the Faith of the Pantheon and the Council of Regents. Many saw it as a bold, politically driven move by the Dominus of the time. Brother Fawkuhl, then Dominus, made the decision he had to, when he excommunicated those who supported the Teind; it defies the Laws of Limerance that he was sworn to uphold. His actions since then should not overshadow the seriousness of that message. The overstepping came in forcing that same excommunication, the most serious and dire punishment the Faith can inflict, on those who stood against the Teind."
Wait, Esra was the Scholar that went crazy, spread his manifesto and was then slain in 'self defense' by a Sword. Oops. Esera!
Oh, and here's what the current Dominus said about the matter. I keep a copy of the proclamation under my bed. VERY interesting, like I said. Not that I'm planning to convert.
"The Excommunication of the High Lords and their voices was a contentious event in our history. It stirred strife and tore a hole between the Faith of the Pantheon and the Council of Regents. Many saw it as a bold, politically driven move by the Dominus of the time. Brother Fawkuhl, then Dominus, made the decision he had to, when he excommunicated those who supported the Teind; it defies the Laws of Limerance that he was sworn to uphold. His actions since then should not overshadow the seriousness of that message. The overstepping came in forcing that same excommunication, the most serious and dire punishment the Faith can inflict, on those who stood against the Teind."
Written By Preston
June 17, 2018, 8:41 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I will consider much of what you have said, for our friendship though quiet this past year was once close. But if I may point out, that Dominus' actions in regards to excommunications were upheld by the Faith. That the High Lords sought forgiveness, and were so forgiven, for their transgression.
Written By Reigna
June 4, 2018, 4:10 p.m.(12/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I had a chance to speak with Duchess Belladonna Pravus recently, and all in all it was a very eye-opening experience. I saw that there was more to the woman than the legend that precedes her. We also had the beginnings of a very intriguing conversation. It is not one I haven't had before, the topic being the ennoblement of commoners and how that functions in society, specifically as how it relates to nobles marrying commoners and thereby ennobling them.
I am sure anyone that follows my whites knows exactly where I stand on this issue. So the surprising part was not that we disagreed, but rather that we were both able to disagree without the conversation turning into a tense argument. We both expressed that for the first time in a long time we were able to have a difference of opinion and discuss that without the conversation dissolving into a tense, defensive sort of conflict. This is precisely the sort of discourse that I, as a scholar, appreciate and what I think we need more of.
I am sure anyone that follows my whites knows exactly where I stand on this issue. So the surprising part was not that we disagreed, but rather that we were both able to disagree without the conversation turning into a tense argument. We both expressed that for the first time in a long time we were able to have a difference of opinion and discuss that without the conversation dissolving into a tense, defensive sort of conflict. This is precisely the sort of discourse that I, as a scholar, appreciate and what I think we need more of.
Written By Calista
June 3, 2018, 2:53 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
There is an air of change about Belladonna that is most welcoming. Twice now we meet for drinks and it has been some of the bet and most lively conversation I've had in some time. She didn't mind my sudden desire for an entire bottle of whiskey at the Black Fox recently.
Might I add the Black Fox has a superb selection of whiskey.
Might I add the Black Fox has a superb selection of whiskey.
Written By Vanora
May 23, 2018, 2:49 a.m.(10/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Beloved Cousin,
You owe no one in this city a public display of suffering, a heartfelt entry in the whites regarding what he meant to you or what he meant to the family.
I do hope that my irritation on your behalf, and expression of such both privately to Mistress Culler and publicly in my whites, did not further your grief.
Know that you have my love and loyalty -always-. I did not speak because you require me to do so in your defense, you are quite capable of doing so for yourself and I know this well.
I am here.
You owe no one in this city a public display of suffering, a heartfelt entry in the whites regarding what he meant to you or what he meant to the family.
I do hope that my irritation on your behalf, and expression of such both privately to Mistress Culler and publicly in my whites, did not further your grief.
Know that you have my love and loyalty -always-. I did not speak because you require me to do so in your defense, you are quite capable of doing so for yourself and I know this well.
I am here.
Written By Alis
May 22, 2018, 2:07 p.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Your grief is your own. You don't owe anybody an explanation about your silence, in the whites or otherwise.
May the Gods offer you peace and comfort in these trying times.
May the Gods offer you peace and comfort in these trying times.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.