Written By Reigna
Oct. 6, 2019, 9:23 p.m.(12/19/1011 AR)
It is official. I can state from experience, that getting shot with an arrow is awful and I do not like it.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 24, 2019, 1:05 p.m.(11/22/1011 AR)
Love is such a funny thing. It exists within, sometimes hidden, buried so deeply it is thought lost. Time and bickering might obfuscate it, but the moment that that love is threatened, really threatened, it comes roaring out and has you riding your horse into an Estate.
Sorry again to the maids of Thrax Estate for the rugs.
Sorry again to the maids of Thrax Estate for the rugs.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 23, 2019, 8:43 p.m.(11/20/1011 AR)
What does it mean to be a good person?
I think many folks, myself included from time to time, tend to apply that to paragons. We raise those we agree with up to an unquestionable status, placing them on pedestals where in our eyes they can do no wrong. For if they can do wrong, if they are merely mortal with all the same flaws and foibles as the rest of us... then we lose some of the cachet that comes with agreeing with these paragons. For if they are flawless, then we, by dint of agreeing with them have reflected divinity.
I think this does a disservice, not only to ourselves and our own pursuits towards greatness, but even more so, is does a disservice to those we so admire. The pressure, even unmeaningly applied to their shoulders to be so revered, must weigh an unbearable amount. We strip them of their humanity and isolate them on high.
Our heroes, I think, should be flawed. For it is the flawed soul that fails and still tries again to be better that should truly inspire us. To be more than human, to be without flaw... where is the effort needed to do the right thing? Where is the cost, the pain, the sacrifice made to prove how much you mean to do the good you seek to do?
So if you are out there and you think you could not possibly be a hero because you have failed, or that you cannot be a good person because you have done things that you are not proud of -- I counter you with this:
If you struggle and you try and you continue to move forward, you continue to reach towards the light, then you are a hero. Then you are a good person. We all make mistakes in judgement. We all have flaws. We all succumb to vanity or envy or pettiness. To be human is to be flawed. But if despite those failings, despite those flaws you strive to make this world a better place, if you bleed, figuratively or literally, in your attempt to honor the gods and do what is right? Then you are good. Remember that, when your body aches, and fatigue makes your limbs too heavy to lift. When it feels as though your heart is breaking and darkness clouds your sight. Remember that even then... especially then, you are good. You have the choice to pick yourself up and move on. Being good is a choice. Just as doing nothing is as well.
I think many folks, myself included from time to time, tend to apply that to paragons. We raise those we agree with up to an unquestionable status, placing them on pedestals where in our eyes they can do no wrong. For if they can do wrong, if they are merely mortal with all the same flaws and foibles as the rest of us... then we lose some of the cachet that comes with agreeing with these paragons. For if they are flawless, then we, by dint of agreeing with them have reflected divinity.
I think this does a disservice, not only to ourselves and our own pursuits towards greatness, but even more so, is does a disservice to those we so admire. The pressure, even unmeaningly applied to their shoulders to be so revered, must weigh an unbearable amount. We strip them of their humanity and isolate them on high.
Our heroes, I think, should be flawed. For it is the flawed soul that fails and still tries again to be better that should truly inspire us. To be more than human, to be without flaw... where is the effort needed to do the right thing? Where is the cost, the pain, the sacrifice made to prove how much you mean to do the good you seek to do?
So if you are out there and you think you could not possibly be a hero because you have failed, or that you cannot be a good person because you have done things that you are not proud of -- I counter you with this:
If you struggle and you try and you continue to move forward, you continue to reach towards the light, then you are a hero. Then you are a good person. We all make mistakes in judgement. We all have flaws. We all succumb to vanity or envy or pettiness. To be human is to be flawed. But if despite those failings, despite those flaws you strive to make this world a better place, if you bleed, figuratively or literally, in your attempt to honor the gods and do what is right? Then you are good. Remember that, when your body aches, and fatigue makes your limbs too heavy to lift. When it feels as though your heart is breaking and darkness clouds your sight. Remember that even then... especially then, you are good. You have the choice to pick yourself up and move on. Being good is a choice. Just as doing nothing is as well.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 20, 2019, 12:13 p.m.(11/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Volcica
I received a most unexpected and entirely welcome gift from House Stalhben! A cuff with the most exquisite gemstone I have seen in quite some time. It is called seraphinite and is a glorious green with these curiously lovely feathery inclusions. I am quite enamored of it and shall be wearing it proudly.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 16, 2019, 12:49 p.m.(11/6/1011 AR)
I think the Festival was a great success! Was it worth the loss of half our front grounds to grow and decorate a massive maze of corn? I think it was! The repairs to the lawns will take some time, but I am confident that by next summer all will be well again. And it was *fun*. I am so tired, but it is a fatigue tinged in joy and pride in a job well accomplished.
Seeing the children issuing the final challenge was so hilarious! Poor Lady Greenmarch... I should have warned her. But we got to witness such delights and there was so much laughter -- it was the laughter and the look on people's faces having a good time that made it all more than worth it. Marie got to bask in the adulations of those present.. which means it is likely time to give her another raise lest she leave us... There was cider, fresh and hard cider from last year's crop. It was just... lovely. The prayers to Petrichor and Lagoma went well, the idol burned, sending our prayers up to heavens and I am left feeling peace. At least for a little while.
It was a grand evening and I am going to take two days to bask in my success.
Well. One day. The Wellness Festival begins in two days. At least for that I have Rukhnis to rely on for the first few days.
Seeing the children issuing the final challenge was so hilarious! Poor Lady Greenmarch... I should have warned her. But we got to witness such delights and there was so much laughter -- it was the laughter and the look on people's faces having a good time that made it all more than worth it. Marie got to bask in the adulations of those present.. which means it is likely time to give her another raise lest she leave us... There was cider, fresh and hard cider from last year's crop. It was just... lovely. The prayers to Petrichor and Lagoma went well, the idol burned, sending our prayers up to heavens and I am left feeling peace. At least for a little while.
It was a grand evening and I am going to take two days to bask in my success.
Well. One day. The Wellness Festival begins in two days. At least for that I have Rukhnis to rely on for the first few days.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 12, 2019, 2:26 p.m.(10/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Petal
I am so glad that you love it! Your work is just phenomenal and that you are fond of the fabric that Aurora created... well. It warms me nearly as much as the sea-touched wool itself. I am so glad that the cold months are here, and you can believe I am going to be headed to the Tangled Skein soon to have a number of items made.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 9, 2019, 1:18 p.m.(10/20/1011 AR)
I have received the most wondrous assortment of spectacular things to put up as prizes for our upcoming Wellness Festival. Guildmistress Josephine gave us an exquisite star iron and epiphinite ring, Lady Tesha Telmar donated a gorgeous weapon from the forge of Master Smith, Dame Ida Farron. Legate Aureth donated a number of curios including a charming spider door knocker.
My cousin, Lord Pharamond Ashford donated a staggering amount of coin to the cause, and as such I will be naming the new annex of the Lowers Clinic the Ashford Wellness Ward.
But most of all, I wish to thank Physician Rukhnis al Katibi, who had the idea for this project in the first place. She is such an incredible healer, with a heart that never stops in its desire to help those around her. She is everything I look for in healers.
This is not, it should be mentioned, just a frivolous party, instead this celebration will be the culmination of a week-long event in which we of the Physicians Guild will be holding demonstrations, classes and presentations on basic first aid, wound care and illness prevention to anyone who wishes to attend. We will also be supplying those who attend from the Lowers, with clothes, blankets and medicinal kits to help ease the coming cold months. There will be food and beverages, games for the children to keep them occupied, and on the night of the Festival, games and raffles for the adults too. So be sure to come and join us, play a game, learn something about your health, win a prize.
We look forward to a happy and healthy winter.
My cousin, Lord Pharamond Ashford donated a staggering amount of coin to the cause, and as such I will be naming the new annex of the Lowers Clinic the Ashford Wellness Ward.
But most of all, I wish to thank Physician Rukhnis al Katibi, who had the idea for this project in the first place. She is such an incredible healer, with a heart that never stops in its desire to help those around her. She is everything I look for in healers.
This is not, it should be mentioned, just a frivolous party, instead this celebration will be the culmination of a week-long event in which we of the Physicians Guild will be holding demonstrations, classes and presentations on basic first aid, wound care and illness prevention to anyone who wishes to attend. We will also be supplying those who attend from the Lowers, with clothes, blankets and medicinal kits to help ease the coming cold months. There will be food and beverages, games for the children to keep them occupied, and on the night of the Festival, games and raffles for the adults too. So be sure to come and join us, play a game, learn something about your health, win a prize.
We look forward to a happy and healthy winter.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 5, 2019, 1:57 a.m.(10/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
To be excommunicated is to be outside the Faith. To be outside the Faith is to be outside of the Compact. To be Abandoned. Citizens are forbidden from trading or doing business with the Abandoned.
This is why excommunication is the ultimate punishment, reserved for those who are unable to be reasoned with, for those who refuse to walk the path of the gods as dictated by the Faith. It is a harsh thing, meant to inspire horror and contrition. To be excommunicated is to be cast out from our society completely. To be alone.
It is a terrifying punishment.
This is why excommunication is the ultimate punishment, reserved for those who are unable to be reasoned with, for those who refuse to walk the path of the gods as dictated by the Faith. It is a harsh thing, meant to inspire horror and contrition. To be excommunicated is to be cast out from our society completely. To be alone.
It is a terrifying punishment.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 5, 2019, 1:53 a.m.(10/11/1011 AR)
I have so much grief in my heart to hear that the poet Elisha has been excommunicated. To see the Faith cut ties with anyone is a reason to be sad, but this particular instance leaves me feeling... hollow. I know this young man, I have admired his words, the poetry he sometimes shares in the Whites. I had not heard his blasphemy, nor his threats to the Archives. That these things happened, I have no doubt, and it saddens me that he is clearly far more ill than I had thought. I thought him charmingly eccentric, that he walked in a haze of waking dreams and smoke.
His writing is inspired by Jayus, always confusing, with meaning that twists in upon itself and stories told part way through and end unfinished. But there is something compelling about it. The way it makes the mind wander those obfuscated paths. I hope that he can be brought back into the light of the gods. That he can be helped.
What is wrong is wrong. And his words violate the covenant between humanity and the gods. The Dominus is our link to the gods. He speaks for them in words that we can hear. It is his hand that guides us along the path.
His writing is inspired by Jayus, always confusing, with meaning that twists in upon itself and stories told part way through and end unfinished. But there is something compelling about it. The way it makes the mind wander those obfuscated paths. I hope that he can be brought back into the light of the gods. That he can be helped.
What is wrong is wrong. And his words violate the covenant between humanity and the gods. The Dominus is our link to the gods. He speaks for them in words that we can hear. It is his hand that guides us along the path.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 3, 2019, 12:21 p.m.(10/8/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
The efforts of Lady Monique Greenmarch and Archscholar Sina should be recorded as to inspire future generations to match the greatness of events like these. The books themselves were all delightful, and I count myself very honored to have numbered among the winners. But the decorations! Oh! When I saw the meeting of the Four Kingdoms from my story I gasped with the grace of it. Then again, to whoever took it upon themselves to dress up as Attaric and festoon themselves with poison ivy instead of fabric... well. There are reasons why people wear clothes and not strategically placed leaves. Kael's costume as Prince Attaric was fantastic, if I do say so myself.
I think, however, the award for greatest decoration had to be the tank of water, boat and statuary that made up the story of Sednaya. It was all just breathtaking. The contests were fun, and while I was a teensy bit disappointed not to have won, Josephine's splendor was not to be denied. Hers was such a generous grace too, giving back the treasure to the academy. A wise and fine woman, our guildmistress.
I am looking forward to the upcoming Keaton Autumn Festival. It has been quite a while since Keaton has hosted something of this magnitude, and I hope it goes well. I do, afterall, have so much inspiration to draw from, given Lady Monique's legendary party-throwing skills.
I think, however, the award for greatest decoration had to be the tank of water, boat and statuary that made up the story of Sednaya. It was all just breathtaking. The contests were fun, and while I was a teensy bit disappointed not to have won, Josephine's splendor was not to be denied. Hers was such a generous grace too, giving back the treasure to the academy. A wise and fine woman, our guildmistress.
I am looking forward to the upcoming Keaton Autumn Festival. It has been quite a while since Keaton has hosted something of this magnitude, and I hope it goes well. I do, afterall, have so much inspiration to draw from, given Lady Monique's legendary party-throwing skills.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 15, 2019, 2:26 p.m.(8/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thesarin
Has the stranger done something to warrant death? Do they represent danger to you and yours? Or was it that murder for profit was acceptable? I honestly do not know the answers to those questions as I am not acquainted with the customs of Crownlander tribes. It makes me sad to think that life is viewed so cheaply, and I would be further prompted to call such people savages. If life has no meaning, if there is no basic respect for life granted to another human being, then those people, in my own opinion, would be outside of civilization.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 14, 2019, 4:41 p.m.(8/24/1011 AR)
Civilization is not limited to one group and alien to another. Civilization is something built in layers, social contracts that we all agree to so that we can operate, secure in the knowledge that there are certain actions that can be expected (do not murder, do not steal, do not break one's oath) and therefor we can function as a society rather than as paranoid individuals. I am speaking here in gross generalities of course, as you must when discussing the topic of whole swaths of people.
To think that shav'arvani are entirely uncivilized is ridiculous. Their customs might be different -- customs are different all throughout the Compact -- but customs are not what civilization is built upon. I posit that civilization boils down to a single thing, upon which everything else is based:
Respect.
If we have respect for one another we do not commit murder. If we have respect for someone, we do not steal from them. We do not lie to them. Of course there are (Again, when dealing with as fractious a subject as humanity, there are nearly infinite permutations) going to be disagreements between what rules should be followed, who is allowed to make the rules, who must follow them and so on. But in my mind the big three, the ones upon which all other things hinge is: Murder is bad. Stealing is bad. Lying is bad. Violating those tenets, (and really, I would challenge anyone to show me a society or people in which those three things are not the paramount sins,) are what breaks down the bonds of society and therefore civilization.
Respect can come in many forms, it is as subjective as anything else.
To think that shav'arvani are entirely uncivilized is ridiculous. Their customs might be different -- customs are different all throughout the Compact -- but customs are not what civilization is built upon. I posit that civilization boils down to a single thing, upon which everything else is based:
Respect.
If we have respect for one another we do not commit murder. If we have respect for someone, we do not steal from them. We do not lie to them. Of course there are (Again, when dealing with as fractious a subject as humanity, there are nearly infinite permutations) going to be disagreements between what rules should be followed, who is allowed to make the rules, who must follow them and so on. But in my mind the big three, the ones upon which all other things hinge is: Murder is bad. Stealing is bad. Lying is bad. Violating those tenets, (and really, I would challenge anyone to show me a society or people in which those three things are not the paramount sins,) are what breaks down the bonds of society and therefore civilization.
Respect can come in many forms, it is as subjective as anything else.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 12, 2019, 5:20 p.m.(8/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
I do owe the Baroness-Consort an apology, I should not have called her words heretical, merely blasphemous. The first carries a stigma she has not earned. I still find her theories dismaying and wrong-headed, but it should be made clear I do not believe she has committed a crime.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 12, 2019, 4:30 p.m.(8/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
I shall eulogize him as he'd want: He died.
For myself, I will add:
I always thought his grouchiness was an act. Irascible charm. I asked him for advice once, on how to be a leader and I shall never, ever, forget his answer to me. He said, to be a good leader, you tear your people down. Take from them everything that they are, beat them into the dirt, and when they are as clay, rebuild them into what you want them to be. He told me about his son Lord Ansel and what he did to the scholar that dared say Lord Ansel would make a good Scholar.
I stopped thinking it was an act after that exchange. And in many ways, that reply has shaped me into who I am today. How I choose to lead, how I choose to teach. Arn was a hard man. He was a man that could make decisions others could not. He knew that "right" was rarely "nice" and he molded himself into a shield of a man, a man who could do the things that needed doing when those of us with softer hearts would fail.
For myself, I will add:
I always thought his grouchiness was an act. Irascible charm. I asked him for advice once, on how to be a leader and I shall never, ever, forget his answer to me. He said, to be a good leader, you tear your people down. Take from them everything that they are, beat them into the dirt, and when they are as clay, rebuild them into what you want them to be. He told me about his son Lord Ansel and what he did to the scholar that dared say Lord Ansel would make a good Scholar.
I stopped thinking it was an act after that exchange. And in many ways, that reply has shaped me into who I am today. How I choose to lead, how I choose to teach. Arn was a hard man. He was a man that could make decisions others could not. He knew that "right" was rarely "nice" and he molded himself into a shield of a man, a man who could do the things that needed doing when those of us with softer hearts would fail.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 11, 2019, 7:43 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
You are being ridiculous, not stubborn. Deliberately obtuse, perhaps. What you are most *definitely* doing, is bringing shame upon your parents, your tutors and your House of birth for raising a child so willfully heretical. There is no such thing as being 'over civilized' and to claim so is heresy. Tread careful, and remember your Faith. One would think that the Baron might wish to pipe up and reassure the world that your stances do not impact the stability, lawfulness and care of Whitefrost.
From one scholar to another - you should not be afraid to posit a thesis. But you should most definitely pay attention when you are told repeatedly that you are not on the correct track. Sometimes belief in oneself leads to hubris, not discovery.
From one scholar to another - you should not be afraid to posit a thesis. But you should most definitely pay attention when you are told repeatedly that you are not on the correct track. Sometimes belief in oneself leads to hubris, not discovery.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 11, 2019, 3:22 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
I owe Gild some prayers for her guidance and lessons. I may not be a warrior of steel and blade, and I do not carry the authority of the Faith behind me, but through numbers and tallies, columns of goods and the flow of coins, I feel that the efforts of myself, Lord Alessandro Greenmarch and Master Apollo were able to make a difference in reminding Marcel Beaucage that Greenwither was not an island.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 10, 2019, 7:28 p.m.(8/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
I feel that you have picked up some misconceptions somewhere, Baroness. You seem to be conflating dishonesty (something actively frowned upon by our Faith and considered an extremely problematic habit in the Oathlands) and civilization. You know, one of the virtues of our Pantheon. Perhaps you should look into researching Gild.
I disagree that our natural selves need no taming. I quite enjoy clothing, laws and order rather than rampant chaos and the lack of mutual respect afforded by basic etiquette.
I very much hope that I misread your opinion on this matter, for the sake of your people and your reputation.
I disagree that our natural selves need no taming. I quite enjoy clothing, laws and order rather than rampant chaos and the lack of mutual respect afforded by basic etiquette.
I very much hope that I misread your opinion on this matter, for the sake of your people and your reputation.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 9, 2019, 2:45 p.m.(8/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
The world when I was a child, was small. As I grew, it grew around me and with each year that passes, the world expands ever further beyond my ability to imagine. It contains things that I cannot begin to understand, things that fill me with a sense of wonder and astonishment that steals my breath. But there is a dark to every light, a nightmare matched to all the dreams. That is what fills me with purpose, encourages me to be my best, brightest self each and every day. To bring light to those who falter in the shadows, to give warmth and joy where I might, however I might. To be hopeful in the face of woe and danger and darkness so that others might feel the light's warmth and join me there.
There is no shame in being ignorant. Gods know there is too much in the world to claim to know even half of everything, though there are those among us that certainly seem to know more than half. It is what we do with the knowledge we have that matters. I wish you well on your journey.
There is no shame in being ignorant. Gods know there is too much in the world to claim to know even half of everything, though there are those among us that certainly seem to know more than half. It is what we do with the knowledge we have that matters. I wish you well on your journey.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 3, 2019, 11 p.m.(8/3/1011 AR)
I have written a story and submitted it to Lady Monique. It is not really for the chance to win, but because I really enjoyed the writing and hope that there are those in Arx who enjoy it as well. Kael certainly seemed to like it, though he is my husband and I think he is a bit biased. Still, it is not within him to exaggerate. Anyway, I am excited and look forward to seeing what others think.
Written By Reigna
July 27, 2019, 1:15 p.m.(7/16/1011 AR)
I was rude to someone. Well they called me rude. But I cannot abide those that take advantage of the desperate and vulnerable. Those that feed off the needs of others, selling snake oil as miracle cures are beneath contempt. The sick, the hurting... they need *help* not lies and false hopes. Let it be known, that any purveyors of fake medicines, those that make their coin on the misery and exploitation of the sick and helpless had best stay clear of my path. If I see you, if I find you... You will rue the day.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.