Written By Patrizio
May 30, 2021, 1:13 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)
The war is, for now, behind us. I've few illusions that this will be the last attempt by Eurus to inflict itself upon us, or to come to our shores seeking slaves, but I am of the hope that this is largely now removed from their considerations, and that they should fear perhaps instead that next time, it shall be /us/ upon /their/ shores that they ought fear - that we will come, in due course, to come assist those struggling against the Dune Emperor and give them something truly to fear from our continent.
But that is a matter for another time.
In the meantime... I find myself getting accustomed, and as quickly as possible, to this new role to which I'm called as Voice to my house. As with when I was elevated to general - may I be gifted by the gods to serve my House and my Compact, and may we all move forward into an era of peace.
But that is a matter for another time.
In the meantime... I find myself getting accustomed, and as quickly as possible, to this new role to which I'm called as Voice to my house. As with when I was elevated to general - may I be gifted by the gods to serve my House and my Compact, and may we all move forward into an era of peace.
Written By Patrizio
April 30, 2021, 6:16 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
The things we do before going off to war.
I've oft looked at some of the challenges coming from Duke Cristoph Laurent as frivolous and meaningless, and turned up my nose at them - I freely admit this. And yet... I've come, in these dark days in which we live, to find the whimsy in them, the fact that they /are/ entirely harmless diversions, and perhaps even to find delight in them. It was for this reason that I accepted to be champion when he challenged Baron Norwood Clement over the matter of the good baron's age. (I will admit that it was also helped by watching the baron dare to enjoy Marquis Sanna's ballista.)
And fortunately for me, I was victorious for my client, declaring therefore that he is not old. The Lady Adalyn was a /very/ worthy opponent and the duel could've easily gone either way, truth be told. I still feel the bruises from the attack she unleashed upon me, and owe her a drink when I return to the city from the south. Most importantly, the good baron's fee has gone to support the worthy cause of the Golden Hart's charities.
I might have to say yes, if asked again to take part in one of the Duke's duels, just for the whimsy of it...
I've oft looked at some of the challenges coming from Duke Cristoph Laurent as frivolous and meaningless, and turned up my nose at them - I freely admit this. And yet... I've come, in these dark days in which we live, to find the whimsy in them, the fact that they /are/ entirely harmless diversions, and perhaps even to find delight in them. It was for this reason that I accepted to be champion when he challenged Baron Norwood Clement over the matter of the good baron's age. (I will admit that it was also helped by watching the baron dare to enjoy Marquis Sanna's ballista.)
And fortunately for me, I was victorious for my client, declaring therefore that he is not old. The Lady Adalyn was a /very/ worthy opponent and the duel could've easily gone either way, truth be told. I still feel the bruises from the attack she unleashed upon me, and owe her a drink when I return to the city from the south. Most importantly, the good baron's fee has gone to support the worthy cause of the Golden Hart's charities.
I might have to say yes, if asked again to take part in one of the Duke's duels, just for the whimsy of it...
Written By Patrizio
April 29, 2021, 3:24 p.m.(5/19/1015 AR)
The war council was eventful.
Our strength is our unity. As much as we are so very often disparate fealties pulling in many directions, it is a lovely thing to realize that we can come together as one to face threats from outside. And despite misgivings were voiced about the war plan that we Pravus put before the council, spirited discussion and open minds have brought us all to a single, agreed-upon stratagem that we will use against the approaching Skal'dajan fleet. We will stand as one against them when they arrive.
The final preparations are now underway, these last few days that my feet walk the streets of Arx before the war finds us. So much, and yet so little, for me to do before that time. But I know this to be true:
Soon, we sail to meet the enemy. May the gods find us worthy of their favour, and may we do our ancestors and descendants proud.
Our strength is our unity. As much as we are so very often disparate fealties pulling in many directions, it is a lovely thing to realize that we can come together as one to face threats from outside. And despite misgivings were voiced about the war plan that we Pravus put before the council, spirited discussion and open minds have brought us all to a single, agreed-upon stratagem that we will use against the approaching Skal'dajan fleet. We will stand as one against them when they arrive.
The final preparations are now underway, these last few days that my feet walk the streets of Arx before the war finds us. So much, and yet so little, for me to do before that time. But I know this to be true:
Soon, we sail to meet the enemy. May the gods find us worthy of their favour, and may we do our ancestors and descendants proud.
Written By Patrizio
April 25, 2021, 12:53 p.m.(5/11/1015 AR)
War is soon to our shores, dear Scholar. This isn't a surprise to any who've been paying attention to the drumbeats we can hear from beyond the horizon.
What is surprising, perhaps, is where I find myself in the midst of this all. What /would/ my parents think of me, to see where I am now? From poor soldier in the Legion at the taking of Pieros, to a General of the Legion, and now the fact that I am to be joining my cousins in presenting our strategy to the King's war council in the coming days?
Even I must admit that there are mornings when I awake and look at myself in the mirror, and wonder at how the world can change so much. But even as I wonder, I know there is much work to be done and I am determined to rise to the challenges set before us.
In my heart of hearts, I know that what we propose is the better plan - not just for Pravus, but for the Compact entire. It stands the best chance of giving the Skal'daja and their allied kingdoms in Eurus something profound to think twice about when considering their designs on Arvum.
May the gods grant me favour in opening the ears, hearts, and minds of those who may not yet realize that we are stronger when stand as one nation under our King. Despite what has happened between us, our mutual desire is clear -- to protect our realm and the people of Avrum.
It is perhaps in this we can find common ground so we may work towards a better future together.
If not, I fear for all of us.
What is surprising, perhaps, is where I find myself in the midst of this all. What /would/ my parents think of me, to see where I am now? From poor soldier in the Legion at the taking of Pieros, to a General of the Legion, and now the fact that I am to be joining my cousins in presenting our strategy to the King's war council in the coming days?
Even I must admit that there are mornings when I awake and look at myself in the mirror, and wonder at how the world can change so much. But even as I wonder, I know there is much work to be done and I am determined to rise to the challenges set before us.
In my heart of hearts, I know that what we propose is the better plan - not just for Pravus, but for the Compact entire. It stands the best chance of giving the Skal'daja and their allied kingdoms in Eurus something profound to think twice about when considering their designs on Arvum.
May the gods grant me favour in opening the ears, hearts, and minds of those who may not yet realize that we are stronger when stand as one nation under our King. Despite what has happened between us, our mutual desire is clear -- to protect our realm and the people of Avrum.
It is perhaps in this we can find common ground so we may work towards a better future together.
If not, I fear for all of us.
Written By Patrizio
April 11, 2021, 6:41 p.m.(4/11/1015 AR)
The shifts in the weather are most ominous. One wonders what news will come on the heels of the recent storm.
The last few times we've had such weather, there's been bad news in the offing, arriving but a short while afterwards. I've my letter opener ready for the messengers who're bound to appear...
The last few times we've had such weather, there's been bad news in the offing, arriving but a short while afterwards. I've my letter opener ready for the messengers who're bound to appear...
Written By Patrizio
April 4, 2021, 5:18 p.m.(3/25/1015 AR)
I made a poor - and some might say ill-advised - decision to try my hand at this pseudo-flying thing of Marquis Sanna's. I think I comported myself well enough, coming in third, though it does instill in me the thought that I ought perhaps stick to being upon the ground by and large.
Written By Patrizio
March 28, 2021, 9:38 p.m.(3/11/1015 AR)
I'm reminded of late that I've not been making enough of an effort to be out and about - perhaps a little too dedicated to my work, and a little too set in my ways with regards to where I'm finding myself when I have a few moments to spare. Barring the Skal'daja deciding to make their arrival plans known to be in the very near future... perhaps I ought spend a few days, before I set to sea and to the Saffron Chain, making some visits so as not to leave words unsaid before the battle comes to us.
Written By Patrizio
March 28, 2021, 6:58 p.m.(3/11/1015 AR)
I fear that I didn't do as well in the competitions at the beer festival as I would have liked. I far more /enjoy/ beer, perhaps, than compete with it. Still, it was lovely to have something to distract from the snow that's hopefully soon to lift.
Even if the snow lifting means, perhaps, that other more horrible things loom more swiftly than I should like.
Even if the snow lifting means, perhaps, that other more horrible things loom more swiftly than I should like.
Written By Patrizio
March 21, 2021, 7:41 p.m.(2/25/1015 AR)
A good spar this afternoon at the training centre with Duke Bisland, with an adoring audience to watch the art of the dance with steel on the sands. That he bested me is no sin, and Sir Tiberio would no doubt remind me, there are two things that one ought bear in mind - that losing in training oft teaches you more than winning, and that it /is/ better to lose in training than on the battlefield.
And, sometimes, it's as wise to press the attack more viciously in training as it is on the battlefield.
And, sometimes, it's as wise to press the attack more viciously in training as it is on the battlefield.
Written By Patrizio
March 21, 2021, 12:06 p.m.(2/25/1015 AR)
Note to self, dear scholar - a little less drinking, and a little less attention paid to one's companions for the evening when throwing darts.
Fortunately, not much was hurt aside from my pride (only slightly) and my purse (just a tic more than the pride)...
Fortunately, not much was hurt aside from my pride (only slightly) and my purse (just a tic more than the pride)...
Written By Patrizio
March 7, 2021, 11:38 a.m.(1/25/1015 AR)
I usually find the formal balls and other functions I'm expected to attend, in my position, quite dull. (Okay, perhaps it's also a matter of finding the crowds very daunting at times as well.) Every so often, there's one that surprises you, and it is for those rare occasions that I do delight in getting out and making myself available now and again.
Written By Patrizio
Feb. 21, 2021, 9:34 p.m.(12/23/1014 AR)
I think I'm starting to see what it is that the Blackheart so enjoys in her time on the sands so frequently at the various venues about our fair city - I know not that I so clamour for the rush of battle when I need not join one, but there's a definite thrill to once in a while proving that I'm more than pretty hair in a well-made suit of armour.
My gratitude to Gloria for seeing me through these spars, and my hopes that the gods smile on the efforts of the Golden Hart in its fundraising for tonight's worthy cause.
My gratitude to Gloria for seeing me through these spars, and my hopes that the gods smile on the efforts of the Golden Hart in its fundraising for tonight's worthy cause.
Written By Patrizio
Feb. 14, 2021, 10:23 p.m.(12/9/1014 AR)
As much as the last naval symposium that I attended was absolutely useless - to me, at least - for the purpose of planning what is to come, I find myself almost wanting to hold another one, at least in light of recent events. There are too many groups who have pieces of the puzzle when it comes to what we do and do not know about the disposition of the Skal'dajan forces in the Saffron, and we waste valuable time trying to track it all down.
I worry we're preparing to die separately, instead of rising together.
I worry we're preparing to die separately, instead of rising together.
Written By Patrizio
Feb. 7, 2021, 9:11 p.m.(11/23/1014 AR)
The Bravura exclusive was quite the interesting event. Perhaps it's that I simply do not have enough of a sense of fashion - primarily the fashions favoured by the women of our city - that it was of the most interest for me, but I do admire greatly the skill of the crafters who fashion such things. Talent that the gods surely haven't gifted to me.
Perhaps this is a good sign that when I return from the Saffron, I ought to spend some time finding someone who can offer me suggestions for my own sense of style. That isn't to say that perhaps I've the silver for the fashions that might best suit me, but at the very least, gaining a perspective on it is a good idea overall. One cannot live in armour all the time.
Perhaps this is a good sign that when I return from the Saffron, I ought to spend some time finding someone who can offer me suggestions for my own sense of style. That isn't to say that perhaps I've the silver for the fashions that might best suit me, but at the very least, gaining a perspective on it is a good idea overall. One cannot live in armour all the time.
Written By Patrizio
Jan. 31, 2021, 11:52 a.m.(11/8/1014 AR)
A lovely evening last night in Ischia. Marquis Seraceni was a most gracious host, and indeed, I can't speak highly enough of the fete that he threw for his guests.
Surprisingly to myself, I spent a good portion of the evening dancing, which was a beautiful distraction from things far more martial that lurk before us. It is the truth, that enjoying any affair's as much a function of the company you share there than anything else, and I was blessed with falling in with a good body of my cousins and others to delight in.
May the gods let memories such as this illumine our way through the dark storm to come.
Surprisingly to myself, I spent a good portion of the evening dancing, which was a beautiful distraction from things far more martial that lurk before us. It is the truth, that enjoying any affair's as much a function of the company you share there than anything else, and I was blessed with falling in with a good body of my cousins and others to delight in.
May the gods let memories such as this illumine our way through the dark storm to come.
Written By Patrizio
Jan. 24, 2021, 8:53 p.m.(10/23/1014 AR)
I am, increasingly, finding that there are days where I decidedly know so much of what is afoot in this world - and specifically with regards to the dark clouds approaching our shore - and just enough of the finer details that I wonder how those who came before us made it through the storms that've assailed us.
There are reasons that I travel these days with a chest of liquor in my command tent. I must imagine those who've had my title before did quite the same.
There are reasons that I travel these days with a chest of liquor in my command tent. I must imagine those who've had my title before did quite the same.
Written By Patrizio
Jan. 17, 2021, 5:13 p.m.(10/8/1014 AR)
The seasons change again. Summer has fled, and autumn's arrived upon our doorstep.
Of all the things that I should miss with having to ship out soon to the Saffron Chain, winter is not amongst them. I remember still how horrid the winter was when I came from Setarco, and I shouldn't miss when it comes to greet the city once more. But... on the other hand, I will admit that it's a mixed matter, thinking of being south once more during the cold weather when I consider what we'll face.
May the gods grant that I - and all of us who sail forth - be back in time to see the arrival of spring to this city.
Of all the things that I should miss with having to ship out soon to the Saffron Chain, winter is not amongst them. I remember still how horrid the winter was when I came from Setarco, and I shouldn't miss when it comes to greet the city once more. But... on the other hand, I will admit that it's a mixed matter, thinking of being south once more during the cold weather when I consider what we'll face.
May the gods grant that I - and all of us who sail forth - be back in time to see the arrival of spring to this city.
Written By Patrizio
Jan. 10, 2021, 9:45 p.m.(9/23/1014 AR)
The drums of war beat ever more loudly these days. I feel most of my planning for my portion of things has come to its conclusion and all that remains is for the Skal'dajan fleet to arrive at our shores. Now we are at the waiting part of the game...
I hate waiting.
I hate waiting.
Written By Patrizio
Dec. 27, 2020, 12:08 p.m.(8/22/1014 AR)
I've spent the night preparing my new office at the Iron Secretariat. It feels... unusual to suddenly be possessed of such a thing. So much has changed, so quickly of late, and I'm still finding myself trying to get my feet under me in terms of adapting. That, and it is positively strange to be standing, middle of the night, in midst of a general's office staring down at a table-sized map of our holdings and being so very much aware of the awesomeness of the task of defending such terrain.
What indeed would my parents think, if they saw how far I've risen? Would they be proud, or would they perhaps be warning me that such swift rises are oft followed by as rapid descents from those lofty heights? I don't know the answer, but I do so deeply hope it is the former.
What indeed would my parents think, if they saw how far I've risen? Would they be proud, or would they perhaps be warning me that such swift rises are oft followed by as rapid descents from those lofty heights? I don't know the answer, but I do so deeply hope it is the former.
Written By Patrizio
Dec. 25, 2020, 11:42 a.m.(8/18/1014 AR)
Preparations for the defence of the Saffron Chain continue apace.
I am concerned that there's so much disagreement on the field of the naval engagement - I avoided, perhaps for the best, the latter discussion of naval tactics, though from what I witness from my cousin's demeanour, it's probably for the best in terms of my sanity. The land-based operations are more fraught with peril, since it's becoming increasingly apparent that I need plan out for three separate matters... but we shall be ready to meet the Skal'dajan forces when they arrive.
We really have little other choice, do we.
I am concerned that there's so much disagreement on the field of the naval engagement - I avoided, perhaps for the best, the latter discussion of naval tactics, though from what I witness from my cousin's demeanour, it's probably for the best in terms of my sanity. The land-based operations are more fraught with peril, since it's becoming increasingly apparent that I need plan out for three separate matters... but we shall be ready to meet the Skal'dajan forces when they arrive.
We really have little other choice, do we.
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