Written By Cesare
Dec. 26, 2021, 2:37 p.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
What a tumult it has been. There's no other word for it, the sensation of one's emotions and hopes being jerked from one extreme to the other. To see and feel things of unspeakable, sublime beauty, and then the very next evening to be confronted with sinking dread. I am only too grateful that I have many around me who hold me strong in the arms of their support and love, whose reassurance is swift and firm, and whose hands are at the ready to act whenever there is need. I haven't had enough time to sing, lately, but perhaps my heart and soul will sing for me, in gratitude, along with the uncertainty.
I have though a great deal recently about words. A Whisper knows that truth is no one thing to all people, and words are much the same. The difference between uncertainty and doubt. Between relief and release. What does it mean, liberation? How is it different from freedom? The suggestion of the personal, for one: 'liberty' having a distinctly singular note to it, whereas 'freedom' can be far more universal. But liberation is more active than freedom, too, and suggests a casting-off, a leaving behind. Decisiveness. And, possibly, a sort of cavalierness; an excess of freedom might lead to chaos, after all.
If you have heard old tales of magic, spell-casting, perhaps you too have wondered about the words, the intent behind them, required. I suppose that's part of why this mental exercise fascinates so. The other part, probably the larger, is, of course, that I am a hopelessly artistic soul by nature and cannot be stopped from indulging in these sorts of things.
I have though a great deal recently about words. A Whisper knows that truth is no one thing to all people, and words are much the same. The difference between uncertainty and doubt. Between relief and release. What does it mean, liberation? How is it different from freedom? The suggestion of the personal, for one: 'liberty' having a distinctly singular note to it, whereas 'freedom' can be far more universal. But liberation is more active than freedom, too, and suggests a casting-off, a leaving behind. Decisiveness. And, possibly, a sort of cavalierness; an excess of freedom might lead to chaos, after all.
If you have heard old tales of magic, spell-casting, perhaps you too have wondered about the words, the intent behind them, required. I suppose that's part of why this mental exercise fascinates so. The other part, probably the larger, is, of course, that I am a hopelessly artistic soul by nature and cannot be stopped from indulging in these sorts of things.
Written By Evaristo
Dec. 26, 2021, 1:24 p.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
Excited to go to Tor at some point in the near future, for some important work. Hopefully my health issues are over by then, but I will go either or. Tor is my favorite city and when I am old I hope to retire to there.
Written By Giada
Dec. 26, 2021, 11:39 a.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
Big day coming up. Bunch of big days. Should I survive, at least. I'm not ready to die on these particular hills, but what happens happens. Should it happen, I don't suppose I'll have much to say on the matter.
Written By Triton
Dec. 26, 2021, 11:31 a.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
I am settling in, I guess, thanks to the family and Lady Whitehawk. Adjustments and all. I guess it is not so bad so far, but I am looking forward to a long ride outside the walls. It is just about having to get in some quieter time with fresh air, not really about any complaints related to Arx. It is a city. A big one. Very busy and productive and with much to see. A little down time in the woods will help me adjust.
Written By Aelgar
Dec. 26, 2021, 11:12 a.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
I have met with the Archscholar, finally, and we reviewed some of the things I was vague about, such as workload updates and current goals. My goal is to arrange my schedule to make myself useful to the Scholars for the workaday chores needed to meet our ongoing goals as well as for those special missions needed from time to time. I will be looking into this throughout the week as one of my higher priorities.
Written By Rook
Dec. 26, 2021, 11:04 a.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
Sir Audgrim Veilandir held a fantastic event to encourage unity, a gift exchange that fostered a sense of community. We need more events like these, where we all can come together. It is the best way to combat the forces which currently seek to tear us apart.
Written By Brady
Dec. 26, 2021, 9:13 a.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
My time away from Arx is a fun story. I mean, it's not fun for me, but definitely entertaining. Anyhoo, much has changed since my return. We're fancy now! Or at least that's what it feels like. I've had offers for patronage and my old connections are working well. I even got some good word spread about me; I am fancy now! But don't worry, I'll still do personal deliveries of good stuff and hang out with ya like the olden days. Much has changed, but in many ways, nothing has changed.
Written By Macario
Dec. 26, 2021, 8:49 a.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
After much avoidance, my eyes have been opened to the world that's the opposite of law. I say opposite, but is it really all that different? There are vague rules with a mystery and plenty of contributors. That's not unlike law, but unlike law, it's less in my control. Fascinating. I'll continue to focus on the legal realm, that's the take-away.
Written By Ida
Dec. 26, 2021, 7:50 a.m.(10/24/1016 AR)
I was inspired by stories of bright lights that sometimes manifest along the northern borders of Arvum, which is now (hopefully) captured in sword form. With winter not long away, it seemed not wholly out of season. As well, I managed a bit of a sketch for another project, though it's hardly anything more than vague outlines of thought at this point. Some bows continue to collect dust in the shop, waiting for an archer to someday be of need. Most of the battle gloves have sold, but a couple remain. Mostly, I'm glad when there's time to let inspiration turn into metal, as such has been fleeting the last few years.
Written By Sydney
Dec. 25, 2021, 8:50 p.m.(10/23/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Haakon
Shockingly, when engaged by hostile forces, the local populace doesn't tend to roll over and welcome their invaders with open arms.
There's no putting it back in the bottle now, but our reach overextends our grip in the Saffron Chain, and we're all the worse for it.
I wonder what history will make of razing our way through territory that we laid no claim to, all in order to puff out our chests and look impressive, only to be caught with our pants around our heels when true threats came knocking at our door.
There's no putting it back in the bottle now, but our reach overextends our grip in the Saffron Chain, and we're all the worse for it.
I wonder what history will make of razing our way through territory that we laid no claim to, all in order to puff out our chests and look impressive, only to be caught with our pants around our heels when true threats came knocking at our door.
Written By Lisebet
Dec. 25, 2021, 5:15 p.m.(10/23/1016 AR)
I cannot believe what I am hearing about the Mercier holdings and family!
Written By Raven
Dec. 25, 2021, 5:01 p.m.(10/23/1016 AR)
What does one do when the bucket hits the bottom of the well with a resounding, empty, echo? That moment surrounded by so many expectant and hopeful faces who just KNOW when you pull that bucket up it will be full to the brim? It's absurd. It feels like a metaphor. An empty vessel being brought up by an empty vessel-an empty husk waiting to be filled just like the bucket.
Written By Haakon
Dec. 25, 2021, 1:22 p.m.(10/22/1016 AR)
Much of the Saffron Chain remains a wild and lawless expanse, where Abandoned or worse hold sway. Such places are rife with opportunity, for those with the steel and spirit to claim it.
Perhaps there will come a day when Mourning Islanders no longer reave into that vast chain, but that day- if it exists- remains far in the future.
Perhaps there will come a day when Mourning Islanders no longer reave into that vast chain, but that day- if it exists- remains far in the future.
Written By Gio
Dec. 24, 2021, 3:06 p.m.(10/20/1016 AR)
I have made my first perfume. Because of a - intriguing and fucking weird - alchemical component in these white florals - they have a very, very strong aroma. At odds. It it both sharp and clean - while also smelling like cat piss and hot, stale breath. Repulsive, unfriendly - mysterious, delectable.
Written By Titus
Dec. 24, 2021, 12:29 a.m.(10/19/1016 AR)
There's stories that if you go walking in the dark jungles of the Chains you might come across a half-man, half-beast spirit being. Like wild children that wear fur over their bodies with long arms and long legs, doomed to have hands also for their feet and a long arm without a hand which they still grasp with. They're tricksters to their very core, intelligent only if it furthers their laziness. Have an insatiable curiosity and greed to take whatever they can get their hands on. Most aren't larger than a child, many are smaller. If you see one, you're not seeing the ten that are already in your camp.
Don't go looking for them.
Don't go looking for them.
Written By Raymesin
Dec. 23, 2021, 9:32 p.m.(10/19/1016 AR)
No news from the Lyceum for the Assembly of Peers, it seems. I was a little surprised as well, Scholar.
Written By Udell
Dec. 23, 2021, 10:58 a.m.(10/18/1016 AR)
I was made to give the benediction at the Assembly of Peers. I was not wholly prepared for such a thing, but it seemed to be fine, since it was remarked to be the fastest Assembly most have attended. I wonder if it was because everyone is in agreement or whether it was that my prayers were that bad?
Written By Viviana
Dec. 23, 2021, 10:45 a.m.(10/18/1016 AR)
What are several of our ceaseless cravings, my darlings, what keeps us up and chasing after them: silver -- power -- knowledge.
How much of that matters if you don't have any respect for yourself? Or others?
How much of that matters if you don't have any respect for yourself? Or others?
Written By Ryhalt
Dec. 23, 2021, 1:27 a.m.(10/17/1016 AR)
They desecrated the memorial of a war hero.
Written By Pasquale
Dec. 23, 2021, 12:49 a.m.(10/17/1016 AR)
Tomorrow is the last day I will volunteer at the hospices for some time. I hope that they gained as much from talking as I did from simply listening.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.