Written By Arik
Sept. 22, 2019, 9:37 p.m.(11/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
For all the faults one may level against this Prince of Thrax the truth remains that when the moment came it was he who remained and others who left. Nothing is more revealing as a moment of disaster.
Written By Arik
Sept. 13, 2019, 9:13 p.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
On the matter of the Platinum throne shav'arvani...
The issue is perhaps complex as Grandmaster Preston has indicated but I believe it is simply a matter of practicality that leads to lack of public response. We do not need to provoke another rash of civil unrest between Houses with hurried military efforts. Should a northland House provoke the banner shavs and an Oathlands house be targetted would we not quickly return to having a border conflict? If a marche were to attack only to see a duchy reprised against would we not see bad blood and misattributed hostilities?
As the War Minister of Whitehold, I believe wholeheartedly and publicly in any tavern you care to speak to me in... The shav'arvani within any noble demesne have only two options: kneel or begone by threat of war if needbe. That is House Halfshav's longstanding stance towards these unsworn, but we do not sally into the lands of our vassals or neighbors to pick such fights. The banner shavs either by common sense or guidance from their foreign benefactors have chosen to remain in motion such that I do not believe any House can claim they are within their demesne and address the matter unilaterally.
Should the Great Houses confer or Crown wish to remove such concerns with a mandate it would likely be a greater response than even the Gyre invasion warranted and House Halfshav would gladly contribute as we did then we would again.
The issue is perhaps complex as Grandmaster Preston has indicated but I believe it is simply a matter of practicality that leads to lack of public response. We do not need to provoke another rash of civil unrest between Houses with hurried military efforts. Should a northland House provoke the banner shavs and an Oathlands house be targetted would we not quickly return to having a border conflict? If a marche were to attack only to see a duchy reprised against would we not see bad blood and misattributed hostilities?
As the War Minister of Whitehold, I believe wholeheartedly and publicly in any tavern you care to speak to me in... The shav'arvani within any noble demesne have only two options: kneel or begone by threat of war if needbe. That is House Halfshav's longstanding stance towards these unsworn, but we do not sally into the lands of our vassals or neighbors to pick such fights. The banner shavs either by common sense or guidance from their foreign benefactors have chosen to remain in motion such that I do not believe any House can claim they are within their demesne and address the matter unilaterally.
Should the Great Houses confer or Crown wish to remove such concerns with a mandate it would likely be a greater response than even the Gyre invasion warranted and House Halfshav would gladly contribute as we did then we would again.
Written By Arik
Sept. 7, 2019, 2:20 p.m.(10/16/1011 AR)
On the matter of heresy and excommunication, I have only this to offer...
The Faith led by the Gods as they are and entrusted with the Gods will as they are and meant in every way to guide us rightly as they are allows for redemption. Should a heretic instead be a rebel and instead of claiming the dominion of speaking for a God they claimed the sovereign right of speaking as a liege... On their right and proper lieges land... They would not be given redemption as a road. They would find exile if they were lucky and utter ruin in the more probable outcome.
Any Peer that finds the Faith's measure to harsh mayhap is to soft to rule their lands. Mayhap they are to soft to bring shavs to heel. Mayhap they are to soft to deal with criminals that we all must see to in the day to day administration of our demense. Mayhap they have forgotten it is not only the Faith that makes decisions for the betterment of all but the Peerage too.
Give sympathy, not for heretics nor rebels. Were they inflicted upon you and what you are duty-bound to protect you would be no kinder and if you were than you would be a poor caretaker.
The Faith led by the Gods as they are and entrusted with the Gods will as they are and meant in every way to guide us rightly as they are allows for redemption. Should a heretic instead be a rebel and instead of claiming the dominion of speaking for a God they claimed the sovereign right of speaking as a liege... On their right and proper lieges land... They would not be given redemption as a road. They would find exile if they were lucky and utter ruin in the more probable outcome.
Any Peer that finds the Faith's measure to harsh mayhap is to soft to rule their lands. Mayhap they are to soft to bring shavs to heel. Mayhap they are to soft to deal with criminals that we all must see to in the day to day administration of our demense. Mayhap they have forgotten it is not only the Faith that makes decisions for the betterment of all but the Peerage too.
Give sympathy, not for heretics nor rebels. Were they inflicted upon you and what you are duty-bound to protect you would be no kinder and if you were than you would be a poor caretaker.
Written By Arik
Sept. 6, 2019, 9:21 p.m.(10/15/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
To Quote a Princess of the Realm,
Oh dear me, I agree with Princess Saoirse Velenosa.
Oh dear me, I agree with Princess Saoirse Velenosa.
Written By Arik
Aug. 22, 2019, 5:38 p.m.(9/12/1011 AR)
I once told a friend of mine. If you seek a divorce you are an oathbreaker and I will never speak to you again. Obviously, the consensus amongst my fellow Peers and the Church is that all things can be atoned for and in the Northlands it's poor form to hold a grudge. To me though there is no easier accommodation to make than to bear your burden in silence, find your pleasure with discretion, and seek your freedom in purpose.
Written By Arik
Aug. 11, 2019, 10 p.m.(8/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Acantha
A fine protege, it bears repeating. It also bears mentioning that should you believe yourself an influencer of fashion and find winters to be cold... You should write Baroness Acantha Clearlake. She has wonderful furs to clothe you in, you just have to convince everyone else how wonderful they are too.
Written By Arik
Aug. 11, 2019, 9:52 p.m.(8/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
Duke Arn Telmar was a stalwart defender of the Oathlands and an uncompromising figure of his generation. Very few Nobles, Knights, or even Orthodoxy believers told the truth as brutally and with flair as the Duke of Telmarch. If I ever reach his age I can only hope that my own habit of being stubborn turns into a virtue rather than a vice. I hope to see his little dog chasing people to go faster through the gauntlet at his memorial.
Written By Arik
July 11, 2019, 1:23 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mikani
It is somewhat concerning to see a newly ennobled Peer from the Mourning Isles play a game of leapfrog with the faith and goodwill of not only noble houses but the people which rely on those Houses for leadership. To leave Redreef for Fireviper as it is newly minted as Byrne made perfect sense. The recently formed County needed leadership and the political benefit to Redreef to have not a Consort but a full Countess is undeniable. A true sign of a Peer doing their duty and shouldering burden for their house and people.
Then to abdicate, remain as voice, and once again marry up... It shows a troubling line of thought by the Peer and what of the benefits that Redreef should have duly received from her sacrifice honoring a deathbed marriage to the former Count Gailin. One can only hope that her soul searching for a place to settle will indeed be ended with House Crovane. It is hard enough to serve one house, but to owe some form of the marriage contract value to two houses and the fealty to your new home is even harder.
Then to abdicate, remain as voice, and once again marry up... It shows a troubling line of thought by the Peer and what of the benefits that Redreef should have duly received from her sacrifice honoring a deathbed marriage to the former Count Gailin. One can only hope that her soul searching for a place to settle will indeed be ended with House Crovane. It is hard enough to serve one house, but to owe some form of the marriage contract value to two houses and the fealty to your new home is even harder.
Written By Arik
July 9, 2019, 11:02 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
Zealotry is something which is endless and heedless. It cannot be reasoned with, it cannot be argued with. Not all zealotry is to the Pantheon, divinely inspired with passion. Some zealotry is born of hatred and pettiness. Uppity rabble that twists itself to the same shape at the end of every outward push. No matter what truth is provided, their truth is that you are the greater evil and they the lesser. Their thumb of the scale ensures their world view and their zealotry is never swayed. It's a tidy arrangement.
Written By Arik
June 5, 2019, 5:28 p.m.(3/24/1011 AR)
I remember a time not too long ago when the point of calling champions to be done with it meant that the tug of war in the court of public opinion ended... and Champions resolved it. That is the point, to end the bickering.
Written By Arik
April 21, 2019, 10:33 p.m.(12/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowenova
My retainer has won the commoner's fisticuff tournament. This isn't surprising to me a hardy northerner with some pep. I am more surprised she won the fishing challenge. I wonder if it was ice fishing?
Written By Arik
April 1, 2019, 12:14 a.m.(11/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
Congratulations to my cousin for her high placement in the Grand Melee. Her initial skirmish was located around some very talented warriors, three House Swords. I think they were... Next time cousin, you'll win.
Written By Arik
March 21, 2019, 3:08 p.m.(10/12/1010 AR)
When Copper died and the world wept there was a loss. Items meant to remember a Metallic that was long forgotten were sold or given away freely. Remember to Hope. Remember.
When the foreign emissaries came to our shores they warned of the rising shadow. They warned we would not be able to stand alone. A woman in the crowd asked for hope. A man in the crowd said to pay a heavy price and receive my help.
We choose hope and a heavy price. Have we forgotten about the rising shadow? Though you might look at these skirmishes and renewed blood feuds as childish acts at an inopportune time. I see them as exactly what we are supposed to stand against.
The forces of the Slaver were repelled from the Lodge of Petrichor. The unity of Civilization was on the rise. The change was coming one way or another to Arx. Do you think the forces of shadow sit idly by? Do you think they only marshal as armies? Did we learn nothing from the King's Rest and the reasons it came about, the people who positioned it to happen?
Do not forsake the commoners and lesser Peers for hypocrites and fools. Do not believe everything you hear. At times like these, the Peerage might use all the privilege, influence, and power we were born to as tools to cut through blindly reacting to every report from the field or insult from another domain. After all we were meant to protect and guide our people not be swept along by mob sentiment.
When the foreign emissaries came to our shores they warned of the rising shadow. They warned we would not be able to stand alone. A woman in the crowd asked for hope. A man in the crowd said to pay a heavy price and receive my help.
We choose hope and a heavy price. Have we forgotten about the rising shadow? Though you might look at these skirmishes and renewed blood feuds as childish acts at an inopportune time. I see them as exactly what we are supposed to stand against.
The forces of the Slaver were repelled from the Lodge of Petrichor. The unity of Civilization was on the rise. The change was coming one way or another to Arx. Do you think the forces of shadow sit idly by? Do you think they only marshal as armies? Did we learn nothing from the King's Rest and the reasons it came about, the people who positioned it to happen?
Do not forsake the commoners and lesser Peers for hypocrites and fools. Do not believe everything you hear. At times like these, the Peerage might use all the privilege, influence, and power we were born to as tools to cut through blindly reacting to every report from the field or insult from another domain. After all we were meant to protect and guide our people not be swept along by mob sentiment.
Written By Arik
March 10, 2019, 1:04 p.m.(9/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
The Princess-Consort is helping with the good word of Cascade Springs, a shrine town in Halfshav lands and large project of my families. In gratitude, I invited her to dinner at Halfshav Hall, a surprising woman and woefully overlooked by myself until now. I found her not only well informed, well educated, well bred, and engaging conversation but generous and thoughtful. I have never entertained the notion of a Patron, my station precludes such relationships as it is expected a ducal Peer knows their business. That being said if ever I could take a patron the Princess-Consort would be the only name to come to mind as she embodies many things which I lack.
Written By Arik
Feb. 24, 2019, 11:29 p.m.(8/19/1010 AR)
So much talk of civilization these days. It is the sum work of Faith, Noble, and commoner. People.
Civilizations built upon the backs of slaves are like a single man lifting a wagon with a lever. Destined to fail when the lever breaks.
Civilizations built upon the backs of slaves are like a single man lifting a wagon with a lever. Destined to fail when the lever breaks.
Written By Arik
Feb. 16, 2019, 10:03 a.m.(8/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
One would imagine that as long as your fealty oaths are re-affirmed in light of your new title than until you break faith you are a Compact citizen. As to whether you owe fealty oaths to de Lire, Velenosa, or the Crown directly. I'm sure some scholarly sort will have an opinion but a public re-affirmation is likely in order.
Written By Arik
Feb. 12, 2019, 1:11 a.m.(7/21/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Umbroise
If the duel is between House Swords than indeed it is sufficient to end hostilities. It is our purpose as House Swords to fight for our House, our people, and in the place of our armies when we are called upon. It is also completely appropriate for the loser of the duel to pay reparations or accept an understanding as they have lost on the field of battle as surely as if their armies have been defeated. It is not always the time and place for one Sword to decide the fate of House politics but it certainly is acceptable as an option.
Should a Champions duel decide it? I would say no but I would be interested what Master Caspian might say on the matter.
Should a Champions duel decide it? I would say no but I would be interested what Master Caspian might say on the matter.
Written By Arik
Feb. 10, 2019, 9:49 p.m.(7/19/1010 AR)
Perhaps no two fealties share more similarity and more ancient animosity than the Northlands and Oathlands. The great red wall of Telmarch is a testament to generations of battle. The treaty giving the Northlands permission to practice rites to the Spirits while committing ourselves to the Pantheon a sign that compromise can be reached. My own sister Vala Khanne Halfshav is married to a son of Telmarch, Lord Percephon Halfshav nee Telmar. A union of mutual respect and if my stone walls are to be believed, love. One would think marble would be thick enough. It is not.
To wit, we most stubbornly resist that which is alike to us. For in our likeness we see things we wish we could change in ourselves. One might say like a reflection. I hope soldiers that continue to fight and die remember not to underestimate their opponents for they are more alike than they care to admit.
To wit, we most stubbornly resist that which is alike to us. For in our likeness we see things we wish we could change in ourselves. One might say like a reflection. I hope soldiers that continue to fight and die remember not to underestimate their opponents for they are more alike than they care to admit.
Written By Arik
Feb. 3, 2019, 8:43 p.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
A man promises you he can give you all you need to overcome the trials of your life.
A man requires payment before delivery, you must give up that which you have relied on for generations.
Fear, not your doubts. Fear, not the pain. This man was once great. Question, not his actions. He has been forgiven.
In the end, it will all be worth it.
One man's promise.
Personally, I don't trust merchants that can't prove their wares before asking a fortune.
A man requires payment before delivery, you must give up that which you have relied on for generations.
Fear, not your doubts. Fear, not the pain. This man was once great. Question, not his actions. He has been forgiven.
In the end, it will all be worth it.
One man's promise.
Personally, I don't trust merchants that can't prove their wares before asking a fortune.
Written By Arik
Jan. 27, 2019, 3:36 p.m.(6/18/1010 AR)
In all of the turmoil of the assembly of peers, I wonder where our allies by treaty are? Should the Nox'Alfar not have presented some semblance of interest in our affairs? The Marin'Alfar are also seeking a treaty did they not come to speak at the assembly of peers? Is there a reason that two groups both of which we share the land and sea of Avrum with remain silent while foreign powers come with gauntlet gloves in silk?
Should we accept the Cardian's what of the Twilight Grove? Should we accept the Undying Empire what of the northern foes deep in Everwinter, his kin?
Should we accept the Cardian's what of the Twilight Grove? Should we accept the Undying Empire what of the northern foes deep in Everwinter, his kin?
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