Written By Oswyn
Oct. 4, 2018, 1:30 p.m.(9/20/1009 AR)
Three things I missed while I was away:
1. My own bed.
2. Good coffee.
3. Goodwoman Candace's breakfast rolls.
1. My own bed.
2. Good coffee.
3. Goodwoman Candace's breakfast rolls.
Written By Oswyn
Oct. 2, 2018, 6:19 p.m.(9/16/1009 AR)
I've returned to Arx. Catching up with the news might take a bit of time; however, I see many congratulations are in order, so I'll begin with those.
Written By Oswyn
Aug. 18, 2018, 1:15 p.m.(6/3/1009 AR)
I am finalizing my plans for my journey north for my atlas project, sending various missives and getting my affairs in order. Should I not return, these are my plans for my belongings and property:
Spencer's Books and Scribing Supplies shall be left to my assistant, Milton Miller.
My collection of books are to be given to my patron, Countess Mia Riven.
Any duplicate books are to be given to Prince Niklas Grayson.
Half the money in my bank account shall be given to my parents and sister at Lowers Bows.
The other half of the money in my bank account shall be donated to the Scholars of Vellichor.
Any interesting rocks in my possession are to be given to Mistress Aurora Thornburn.
Please don't worry on my behalf. I have, after all, done something similar before, and since then I have learned a great deal. I will be traveling with a merchant caravan part of the way and have also hired excellent protectors.
Spencer's Books and Scribing Supplies shall be left to my assistant, Milton Miller.
My collection of books are to be given to my patron, Countess Mia Riven.
Any duplicate books are to be given to Prince Niklas Grayson.
Half the money in my bank account shall be given to my parents and sister at Lowers Bows.
The other half of the money in my bank account shall be donated to the Scholars of Vellichor.
Any interesting rocks in my possession are to be given to Mistress Aurora Thornburn.
Please don't worry on my behalf. I have, after all, done something similar before, and since then I have learned a great deal. I will be traveling with a merchant caravan part of the way and have also hired excellent protectors.
Written By Oswyn
Aug. 13, 2018, 7:31 p.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
Preparations for the mapping trip in the north are nearly finished. Goodwoman Candace suggested traveling with a merchant caravan for some of the time and put me in touch with someone. Once we part ways with the merchants, we will be traveling the land and speaking to locals to check the maps I've collected and correct them if necessary.
Spring came so soon; it feels like yesterday I was sweeping snow out of the front of the shop and copying maps with a cup of tea for warmth. The roads have cleared, the passages are free. The wet period is essentially finished, making this the ideal time for travel. I worry about what lies on the road ahead of us. I worry about what lies behind us.
I have learned so much since the last time I undertook a journey of this magnitude. There is still so much I do not know.
Spring came so soon; it feels like yesterday I was sweeping snow out of the front of the shop and copying maps with a cup of tea for warmth. The roads have cleared, the passages are free. The wet period is essentially finished, making this the ideal time for travel. I worry about what lies on the road ahead of us. I worry about what lies behind us.
I have learned so much since the last time I undertook a journey of this magnitude. There is still so much I do not know.
Written By Oswyn
July 18, 2018, 1:32 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
It seems like only last week I was writing a journal entry about being happy for my two friends having wed; now I am filled with joy anew to learn that they will be having a child. It can be a frightening world, but we must find our happiness where we can. I have no doubt their child will be well-loved, and that is all anyone can really ask for in life. Other than a few good books, I suppose, but being loved is more important.
I will have to see about getting some of my ideas for children's books down on paper. Books for children are delightful, and it's so wonderful to see them learn how to read, unveiling the world.
I will have to see about getting some of my ideas for children's books down on paper. Books for children are delightful, and it's so wonderful to see them learn how to read, unveiling the world.
Written By Oswyn
July 14, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(3/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Paige
The Countess had an inquisitive mind; she was a good student. I thought her hedgehog was an oddly-shaped dog, once.
Written By Oswyn
July 11, 2018, 9:36 p.m.(3/5/1009 AR)
I passed the exam to become a full-fledged physician today. I had an amusing encounter with a child and then had to tell a man that he was dying. Slowly, with just a handful of years left.
Most of my experience has been in the field - splinting broken limbs, cleaning out injuries, stitching people up - and then, usually just for short periods of time. A stop after a duel to tend to an injury. A journey of a few weeks with one bandit attack and a soldier with a funny rash that requires a salve. My time spent in the Lowers clinic seems to be much of the same. Blood, bones, and trauma.
My achievement has been recorded. Back to the shop with me.
Most of my experience has been in the field - splinting broken limbs, cleaning out injuries, stitching people up - and then, usually just for short periods of time. A stop after a duel to tend to an injury. A journey of a few weeks with one bandit attack and a soldier with a funny rash that requires a salve. My time spent in the Lowers clinic seems to be much of the same. Blood, bones, and trauma.
My achievement has been recorded. Back to the shop with me.
Written By Oswyn
July 11, 2018, 12:20 p.m.(3/4/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Andry
Mostly I would feel bad for the people behind us!
Written By Oswyn
July 11, 2018, 10:24 a.m.(3/4/1009 AR)
I saw The Playwrights last night! It was very good and very funny.
I was in the front row so I did actually see the majority of it. While I thank Sir Jeffeth for his kind offer, I don't believe I'd've been able to see the play any better sitting on his shoulders.
I was in the front row so I did actually see the majority of it. While I thank Sir Jeffeth for his kind offer, I don't believe I'd've been able to see the play any better sitting on his shoulders.
Written By Oswyn
June 27, 2018, 10:07 a.m.(2/4/1009 AR)
It is good to see your friends wed, and better still when they are wed to each other.
Houses Kennex and Grayson are now bound closer through treaty with the added bonus of it being a love match as well. Much is made of noble marriages, and also of the freedom of commoners to marry. I never considered marriage an option for myself - my head is too often buried in books - but it was the sort of ceremony and party afterward that makes a man wonder, just a little. Even a bookworm like me.
This morning I felt better, if (slightly) hungover.
Houses Kennex and Grayson are now bound closer through treaty with the added bonus of it being a love match as well. Much is made of noble marriages, and also of the freedom of commoners to marry. I never considered marriage an option for myself - my head is too often buried in books - but it was the sort of ceremony and party afterward that makes a man wonder, just a little. Even a bookworm like me.
This morning I felt better, if (slightly) hungover.
Written By Oswyn
June 26, 2018, 12:52 p.m.(2/2/1009 AR)
On the subject of duels and good ideas: please do consider making sure you have a healer or physician on hand before you begin a duel taking place somewhere without staff on hand. Seconds are important when someone is in danger of bleeding out.
Written By Oswyn
June 20, 2018, 11:24 a.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
I've decided on a project to achieve the rank of Senior Scholar. I have quite a bit of other research to get through before I really begin, but the idea has been approved and that's something.
I'll have to borrow a number of maps to copy. Possibly I can work on the new project while on my journey with Lady Nightgold.
I'll have to borrow a number of maps to copy. Possibly I can work on the new project while on my journey with Lady Nightgold.
Written By Oswyn
June 17, 2018, 1:36 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
I'll be returning to the Northlands again soon. This will probably require some new socks to help keep my feet warm. My boots should still be in good enough condition for a winter trek, but I should probably talk to someone at the Society to make sure. I hope to not encounter any bears this time.
Written By Oswyn
June 3, 2018, 7:58 a.m.(11/26/1008 AR)
Archlechtor Bianca has offered to bless the shop. I feel very fortunate!
Written By Oswyn
May 25, 2018, 8:59 a.m.(11/3/1008 AR)
When I hired Milton, I was relieved to have help for the numerous projects I am involved in or have the potential to be involved in. He is a good worker, diligent and thorough both. He assists in the shop as well.
There is so much to do, however, that I am beginning to wonder if I ought to have a second research assistant.
Life has certainly been busy.
There is so much to do, however, that I am beginning to wonder if I ought to have a second research assistant.
Life has certainly been busy.
Written By Oswyn
May 19, 2018, 11 a.m.(10/9/1008 AR)
The shop continues to fare well enough. I am selling enough to pay the rent on time, for which I am grateful. I had some concerns about setting up a shop, but I am more confident in my ability now. It's good to know I am not the only person in Arx to require a left-handed quill.
Milton is proving a deft assistant; I've set him to help another Scholar with some research.
The other night I attended a gathering at the Black Hall of House Redrain and listened various experienced warriors tell their tales. It is sobering to think of all those whose lives have been lost in our defense. I am grateful to those who bear arms to protect citizens such as myself. The Knights accompanying the Scholars on our journeys for the archival project managed to teach me the basics of wielding a small blade, but I am really not good at it.
Milton is proving a deft assistant; I've set him to help another Scholar with some research.
The other night I attended a gathering at the Black Hall of House Redrain and listened various experienced warriors tell their tales. It is sobering to think of all those whose lives have been lost in our defense. I am grateful to those who bear arms to protect citizens such as myself. The Knights accompanying the Scholars on our journeys for the archival project managed to teach me the basics of wielding a small blade, but I am really not good at it.
Written By Oswyn
May 12, 2018, 8:11 a.m.(9/22/1008 AR)
It has been a busy time, mostly focused around my shop. Setting it up and finding an assistant has taken quite a lot of time. I think Master Milton Miller will be a quick study, however, and as such I will be able to refocus my energies soon. I might have to stock more coloured inks; what I learned of economics from my family's shop in the Lowers has required some modification now that I am dealing more with the nobility.
My sister half-jokes I should send some nobles her way, and since I try to be a good brother, here it is: for all your bowyer and fletcher needs, go to the Lowers Fletcher. Yes, that's the name. My mother insists we were the first. We're the one with the jaunty blue door.
My sister half-jokes I should send some nobles her way, and since I try to be a good brother, here it is: for all your bowyer and fletcher needs, go to the Lowers Fletcher. Yes, that's the name. My mother insists we were the first. We're the one with the jaunty blue door.
Written By Oswyn
May 7, 2018, 9:44 a.m.(9/12/1008 AR)
On the general subject of the preservation of the contents of the whites:
No matter how trivial or silly-seeming, the journals still reflect the attitudes of the people at the particular time they were written, or at least are intended to do so. While everyone is encouraged to write their whites, not everyone chooses to do so. As time passes, the written record becomes increasingly our only knowledge of the past. The more contributions, the clearer a picture we paint.
Expressing one's opinion that certain topics are frivolous is also a completely valid thing to record.
Aside from that, thankfully the Scholars do not simply toss every missive into a big pit in the Archives for future generations to wade through; there are systems in place to organize things, and Scholars trained to assist in the recovery of information. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content in the whites, but be assured the Scholars are dedicated to being guides. That is, in fact, one of the many reasons I am proud to be a Scholar: helping others find information and make sense of it.
This is, of course, just my opinion, but hopefully it is at least somewhat reassuring.
No matter how trivial or silly-seeming, the journals still reflect the attitudes of the people at the particular time they were written, or at least are intended to do so. While everyone is encouraged to write their whites, not everyone chooses to do so. As time passes, the written record becomes increasingly our only knowledge of the past. The more contributions, the clearer a picture we paint.
Expressing one's opinion that certain topics are frivolous is also a completely valid thing to record.
Aside from that, thankfully the Scholars do not simply toss every missive into a big pit in the Archives for future generations to wade through; there are systems in place to organize things, and Scholars trained to assist in the recovery of information. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content in the whites, but be assured the Scholars are dedicated to being guides. That is, in fact, one of the many reasons I am proud to be a Scholar: helping others find information and make sense of it.
This is, of course, just my opinion, but hopefully it is at least somewhat reassuring.
Written By Oswyn
May 6, 2018, 8:36 a.m.(9/10/1008 AR)
While I've never spent much time wondering what sorts of things nobles got up to at their gatherings, I'd never have imagined 'putting on cloaks covered in vegetables and trying to lure kid goats through a race' was one of them.
Written By Oswyn
May 4, 2018, 9:12 a.m.(9/5/1008 AR)
Two items of news to report:
I have accepted Lord Niklas Kennex's kind offer of patronage. I hope I do not disappoint.
I have also opened a small shop near the Academy, Spencer's Books and Scribing Supplies; my stock consists of blank journals, paper, and various scribing tools, with the occasional book for sale. At the moment I have a copy of Principia's Anatomy, which is quite expensive due to the fact that all the detailed diagrams took a very long time to copy accurately. I should really get an assistant.
I have accepted Lord Niklas Kennex's kind offer of patronage. I hope I do not disappoint.
I have also opened a small shop near the Academy, Spencer's Books and Scribing Supplies; my stock consists of blank journals, paper, and various scribing tools, with the occasional book for sale. At the moment I have a copy of Principia's Anatomy, which is quite expensive due to the fact that all the detailed diagrams took a very long time to copy accurately. I should really get an assistant.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.