Written By Vitalis
Oct. 11, 2020, 10:04 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I am honored to have attended the ceremony and reception for the union between Valardin and Pravus. Princess Adrienne is my patron and I have the best of hopes for her among the Pravosi. She and Prince Sebastian seem a strong pair. If I could, I would give her the gift she gave me upon my arrival to the Oathlands. Princess Adrienne has been a beacon, an invaluable resource, an ally, and a friend as I found (and am yet finding) my way in the Oathlands. I will miss her dearly, but hope someone can be for her what she has been for me.
The reception was a stunning affair, ably orchestrated by Nina Autumndale, and one to remember.
I pray for Limerance's blessings on Valardin and Pravus for a fruitful and mutually beneficial alliance.
The reception was a stunning affair, ably orchestrated by Nina Autumndale, and one to remember.
I pray for Limerance's blessings on Valardin and Pravus for a fruitful and mutually beneficial alliance.
Written By Vitalis
Sept. 16, 2020, 3:08 a.m.(1/13/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Piccola
This couple were clearly not Lycene.
Written By Vitalis
Aug. 24, 2020, 1:34 p.m.(11/24/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ras
With the rest of the Compact, I witness this declaration, tracing the path of volatility and violence now become Hope and vows.
Though I never wished for it, I had long expected Messere Ras to bleed his last in a gutter, having at last transgressed upon someone with less to lose or no grace in them at all.
I have thought the trust placed in him time and again unwise when he proved willing to embrace violence and easy to bait into hostilities.
It takes little courage to swear a vow that resonates with every part of you. It takes immense courage to swear one you have violated at nearly every turn. Honor to Gloria, Messere Ras.
Woe betide any who see these vows and hope to make sport of testing the strength of his conviction, tempting him beyond the strictures he has sworn, safe in the knowledge that if they manage it, his honor and his life are forfeit. May we be good custodians of this act of faith.
Though I never wished for it, I had long expected Messere Ras to bleed his last in a gutter, having at last transgressed upon someone with less to lose or no grace in them at all.
I have thought the trust placed in him time and again unwise when he proved willing to embrace violence and easy to bait into hostilities.
It takes little courage to swear a vow that resonates with every part of you. It takes immense courage to swear one you have violated at nearly every turn. Honor to Gloria, Messere Ras.
Woe betide any who see these vows and hope to make sport of testing the strength of his conviction, tempting him beyond the strictures he has sworn, safe in the knowledge that if they manage it, his honor and his life are forfeit. May we be good custodians of this act of faith.
Written By Vitalis
July 16, 2020, 3:36 a.m.(9/1/1013 AR)
Has anyone else been craving tales of Prince Cerdic recently or is it just me?
Written By Vitalis
March 28, 2020, 2:59 a.m.(1/5/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Revell
Messere Mirari asked this question not long ago and my answer is the same:
Resonance. Sacrifice.
Resonance. Sacrifice.
Written By Vitalis
Jan. 11, 2020, 9:19 a.m.(7/16/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Resonance. Sacrifice.
Written By Vitalis
Jan. 7, 2020, 11:08 a.m.(7/9/1012 AR)
The joke is on me, I suppose. Perhaps I don’t see as closely as I thought.
Written By Vitalis
Jan. 7, 2020, 10:40 a.m.(7/9/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Though I’m certain you meant black or white (not ‘and’ which is the very definition of gray), i agree, yes, a single dichotomy is insufficient to describe our reality.
Enough dichotomies, however, and you have painter’s palette.
We get closer.
On that palette colors, with contrast there is clarity, purity, but that purity is as insufficient to describe reality as any of its lone compatriots, and still muddy at the heart where all things mix, which feels true but is likewise indistinct and insufficient.
I will not make foray into the act of Will in how an Artist chooses a color or colors, suffice to say to say that they do and very, very close to a painting, the whole of the world is yellow or orange or blue. Further away that mote is a single flower in a meadow or the glint of sun on the water.
To me the notion isn’t ‘is it this color or that color or some mix of the two,’ so much as: how close am I to what I’m observing?
I’ve been to the Painted Muse quite a bit recently. Recommended.
Enough dichotomies, however, and you have painter’s palette.
We get closer.
On that palette colors, with contrast there is clarity, purity, but that purity is as insufficient to describe reality as any of its lone compatriots, and still muddy at the heart where all things mix, which feels true but is likewise indistinct and insufficient.
I will not make foray into the act of Will in how an Artist chooses a color or colors, suffice to say to say that they do and very, very close to a painting, the whole of the world is yellow or orange or blue. Further away that mote is a single flower in a meadow or the glint of sun on the water.
To me the notion isn’t ‘is it this color or that color or some mix of the two,’ so much as: how close am I to what I’m observing?
I’ve been to the Painted Muse quite a bit recently. Recommended.
Written By Vitalis
Oct. 14, 2019, 5:54 p.m.(1/7/1012 AR)
Cardian steelsilk would be better called Cardian slavesilk. If you wish to know why, beyond the obvious that Cardia is a nation of slavers, please contact me.
If you wish to wish to wear something nearly as good as Cardian snakeskin for a fraction of the cost in silver and an immeasurable saving in misery, please contact me. Or better, my protege, the inestimable Apollo Oakwood.
That something exists is not a reason for its continued existence, particularly if it is a tangible manifestation of misery.
The solution to having something better is making something better.
If you wish to wish to wear something nearly as good as Cardian snakeskin for a fraction of the cost in silver and an immeasurable saving in misery, please contact me. Or better, my protege, the inestimable Apollo Oakwood.
That something exists is not a reason for its continued existence, particularly if it is a tangible manifestation of misery.
The solution to having something better is making something better.
Written By Vitalis
Sept. 19, 2019, 2:14 a.m.(11/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
Your sentiment and mine do not stand in opposition.
Written By Vitalis
Sept. 16, 2019, 4:25 p.m.(11/6/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
Comfort is a trap, Lady Miranda. Be wary of its pull.
Written By Vitalis
Aug. 12, 2019, 1:47 p.m.(8/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
I have still yet to hear what is so terrible about using cutlery to eat a pear. The experience of biting into a pear and feeling the skin snap and flesh yield under your teeth, juices running, is quite evocative, I’ll admit. But it makes for a sticky beard, a liability in the wilds. While jumping into a river of snow melt sounds bracing and close to nature (may you never need be so close) and I can report that it is, indeed, a fine way to end being set upon by bees buzzing you for the nectar trapped in said beard... I’ll take the flatware and render grateful prayers to Gild in so doing.
Did anyone else notice Prima Shard saying ‘our’ instead of ‘your’ when speaking of the Compact?
Did anyone else notice Prima Shard saying ‘our’ instead of ‘your’ when speaking of the Compact?
Written By Vitalis
June 14, 2019, 7:13 p.m.(4/14/1011 AR)
Take care setting remembrances at Copper's statue in the Hall of Heroes.
While at the Hall, First Captain Corban, her Highness Princess Lark, and I saw a nest with three speckled bright blue eggs in it tucked right in between Copper's feet. We didn't know what sort of bird they were. If you see them hatch, or the parents hovering, let me know. I'm curious.
While at the Hall, First Captain Corban, her Highness Princess Lark, and I saw a nest with three speckled bright blue eggs in it tucked right in between Copper's feet. We didn't know what sort of bird they were. If you see them hatch, or the parents hovering, let me know. I'm curious.
Written By Vitalis
April 12, 2019, 9:26 a.m.(11/27/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Apollo
I visited the Leather Paean and found Messere Apollo’s wares to be unlike any others in the City. The cloaks he has on offer - which grew legs as I watched - are as durable and well-made as they are exquisite with colors that must be seen to be believed.
Go. Get something. You will not walk away disappointed. Unless you go tomorrow, because there won’t be anything to see.
Go. Get something. You will not walk away disappointed. Unless you go tomorrow, because there won’t be anything to see.
Written By Vitalis
March 9, 2019, 11:24 p.m.(9/17/1010 AR)
I am recently returned from a week serving with the Silent Reflections in preparation for taking oaths with the Scholarship. Many speak of the oppressiveness of the silence in the Shrine. The heartbreak of Silent Reflections and their terrible choices. At first, I thought the time was meant to underscore the seriousness of Oaths to show the consequnces of breaking them. To serve as a warning, a great finger wagged showing what awaits those who choose lightly or poorly.
It was not so clear once there.
I wondered, as many do, what might have driven these people to set aside their oaths, well-knowing the consequences. Greed. Spite. Honor. Pride. Love. Understandable things. Relatable things. My curiosity all too quickly became empathy. We all have our failings, right? These people broke oaths, but they are still people. Like me, right? Too much so, though not how my dear departed mother and valiant father might have hoped.
I wanted to know more. I observed one pair closely, friends they seemed, hoping to gain some insight. It is astonishing what can be communicated in pantomime and one-handed gesture. The two I observed have developed a kind of structure to the signals and gestures, and it allows them to communicate silently across distances, or even while eating in the brief breaks on long shifts. I think one even told a joke. The other laughed. It follows, doesn't it?
[SCRIBE'S NOTE: He demonstrates. I did not find it amusing. I think I would have benefited from being present at the time of the 'telling.']
I also think I wasn't supposed to notice this subtler communication, they were cagey when I reflected a gesture, a simple query, back at them. They affected not to understand. I didn't press. I felt like an intruder into their world. A dilettante. It seems preposterous that others haven't adopted similar methods to make themselves and their thoughts understood. The drive to connect and express is powerful.
I did not come away with compassion. I came away with a profound and wary regard for the cleverness and drive of mortals. I saw a number of Silent Reflections who were what you expect: somber, repentant. I saw others who were not so meek who may have even counted the sacrifice of their voices and hands as bargains well-struck. They did not seem punished, only leashed.
It was not so clear once there.
I wondered, as many do, what might have driven these people to set aside their oaths, well-knowing the consequences. Greed. Spite. Honor. Pride. Love. Understandable things. Relatable things. My curiosity all too quickly became empathy. We all have our failings, right? These people broke oaths, but they are still people. Like me, right? Too much so, though not how my dear departed mother and valiant father might have hoped.
I wanted to know more. I observed one pair closely, friends they seemed, hoping to gain some insight. It is astonishing what can be communicated in pantomime and one-handed gesture. The two I observed have developed a kind of structure to the signals and gestures, and it allows them to communicate silently across distances, or even while eating in the brief breaks on long shifts. I think one even told a joke. The other laughed. It follows, doesn't it?
[SCRIBE'S NOTE: He demonstrates. I did not find it amusing. I think I would have benefited from being present at the time of the 'telling.']
I also think I wasn't supposed to notice this subtler communication, they were cagey when I reflected a gesture, a simple query, back at them. They affected not to understand. I didn't press. I felt like an intruder into their world. A dilettante. It seems preposterous that others haven't adopted similar methods to make themselves and their thoughts understood. The drive to connect and express is powerful.
I did not come away with compassion. I came away with a profound and wary regard for the cleverness and drive of mortals. I saw a number of Silent Reflections who were what you expect: somber, repentant. I saw others who were not so meek who may have even counted the sacrifice of their voices and hands as bargains well-struck. They did not seem punished, only leashed.
Written By Vitalis
Feb. 24, 2019, 11:51 p.m.(8/19/1010 AR)
I taught a lecture on stealth as a form of courtesy. In the Archives it is important to be quiet! It was not widely attended, perhaps due to the hour (late), but Lady Mabelle and Lady Ysbail proved excellent ‘shushers’ listening for our ‘quiet researchers’ Lady Rhiannon and Messere Zeriax. I also thank Scholar Lira for providing refreshments. I will likely conduct any future lessons elsewhere, but I think it went well for all that.
Written By Vitalis
Jan. 15, 2019, 8:37 p.m.(5/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Have you ever heard the laughter of children or seen their delight at a clever sleight-of-hand? It is pure wonder. Lady Monique has given me this gift and I cherish her for it.
Written By Vitalis
Jan. 15, 2019, 4:05 p.m.(5/14/1010 AR)
In the midst of rampant chaos that is by turns unsettling and discouraging, it is most welcome to witness a chaos as unbridled and fierce and thrilling in the First Annual Raconteur's cup.
My hat is off to Princess Berenice Velenosa and Messere Venturo Thayne for a well-struck course and fine event. To all the sponsors, particularly Velenosa, for the prizes and anticipation in the lead up to the event. To the riders and their mounts. To the promoters who talked the riders up, including one Juniper Whisper, who undertook to talk up the talents and skill of the race's victor, none other than the Lady Fianna Crovane and her splendid Phantom. Though of a performance like theirs, little more can be said than... wow.
My hat is, quite literally, off. Does anyone know where I might find some fine bronze-colored leather?
My hat is off to Princess Berenice Velenosa and Messere Venturo Thayne for a well-struck course and fine event. To all the sponsors, particularly Velenosa, for the prizes and anticipation in the lead up to the event. To the riders and their mounts. To the promoters who talked the riders up, including one Juniper Whisper, who undertook to talk up the talents and skill of the race's victor, none other than the Lady Fianna Crovane and her splendid Phantom. Though of a performance like theirs, little more can be said than... wow.
My hat is, quite literally, off. Does anyone know where I might find some fine bronze-colored leather?
Written By Vitalis
Oct. 4, 2018, 8:07 p.m.(9/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
Legate Bianca led a heartening ceremony for the band I'll venture into the Caves with. It was a stirring rite and my thanks go out to Mother Bianca, Mother Cassandra, and Mother Mercy Sophie - who I learned will be our shellbearer and healer in the Caves - for their words and deeds in service to Mangata. I'm still not certain what a shellbearer is, but I had to leave before I could ask.
Written By Vitalis
Oct. 4, 2018, 8:06 p.m.(9/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Roran
A fine Archlector and caretaker of the figurative and literal light of Lagoma's Flame. I will carry it with me, Blessed Roran. Thank you. Though, I must say I am both sad and heartened to learn that sparklemites don't tend Lagoma's Ever-burning Flame.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.