Written By Mabelle
Dec. 1, 2021, 2:08 p.m.(9/2/1016 AR)
It seems some people are reminded of me when they eat cake and then others see me and think of cake.
I wonder if I should be proud or concerned that this is my biggest achievement.
I wonder if I should be proud or concerned that this is my biggest achievement.
Written By Saoirse
Dec. 1, 2021, 1:55 p.m.(9/2/1016 AR)
The Lyceum is a practical place.
A pragmatic place.
And it is full of practical, pragmatic people.
It is those people who make up our Houses, and our Houses, ergo, must be equally practical and pragmatic. And so they are. They look at House Velenosa and see leadership, and so they follow. They look at House Velenosa and see strength, and so they follow. They look at House Velenosa and see intellect, and so they follow.
And so too do good things come as they follow. Houses have prospered, flourished, under House Velenosa's rule. So very much so.
It is Velenosa's stewardship that can fill coffers to buy watch towers and send delegations to keep peace -- as we have done so along the Great Road. It is Velenosa's stewardship that can figure out a way to best use circumstances that may have otherwise pained the Lyceum and protect the houses in our realm. We are honored to do so.
And so with that air of the practical, the tone of pragmatism, it is of little surprise that the Lyceum looks at Jaenelle and sees not simply a woman born of another House and married to a member of another House still, but a woman who has helped continue to steer our Great House and all of its houses to further glory. The tools were left in her hands and she used them: as a Fox would.
Fiery hearts can scorch thoughtlessly. Cool heads do great things.
A pragmatic place.
And it is full of practical, pragmatic people.
It is those people who make up our Houses, and our Houses, ergo, must be equally practical and pragmatic. And so they are. They look at House Velenosa and see leadership, and so they follow. They look at House Velenosa and see strength, and so they follow. They look at House Velenosa and see intellect, and so they follow.
And so too do good things come as they follow. Houses have prospered, flourished, under House Velenosa's rule. So very much so.
It is Velenosa's stewardship that can fill coffers to buy watch towers and send delegations to keep peace -- as we have done so along the Great Road. It is Velenosa's stewardship that can figure out a way to best use circumstances that may have otherwise pained the Lyceum and protect the houses in our realm. We are honored to do so.
And so with that air of the practical, the tone of pragmatism, it is of little surprise that the Lyceum looks at Jaenelle and sees not simply a woman born of another House and married to a member of another House still, but a woman who has helped continue to steer our Great House and all of its houses to further glory. The tools were left in her hands and she used them: as a Fox would.
Fiery hearts can scorch thoughtlessly. Cool heads do great things.
Written By Haakon
Dec. 1, 2021, 11:23 a.m.(9/2/1016 AR)
I've writ of it before, and no doubt I'll need write it again:
Fuck caravels.
Arvani have this mad impulse that anything newer and more expensive must be better than all that came before, and have gone about filling their fleets the same as they swap out wardrobes and jeweled baubles.
For what they are meant to do, the ships are fine enough: their sterns stand higher out of the water, which makes boarding actions a pain in the ass, and they get more out of the wind than other ships of sail, with a good hold and a small crew, so for a long voyage they're fit. But none of these fashionable admirals are crossing the wide sea, and the bloody expense of keeping the things makes them a foul choice for commerce, and they're so deep of draft that without a built mooring, you're fucked.
Oared ships are better for battle, as the Wind Cares Not for the plans of mortal admirals.
As a fighting ship in deep waters, the dromond is vastly superior, as it need not rely on the fickle winds for maneuver, its able to mount artillery, and a body could launch five with their hundreds of crew for the cost of a single caravel. And five dromonds will ruin one caravel, no matter the wind.
In shallow waters, up rivers, and for landing warriors swiftly on any shore, whether or not there is a dock, pier, or wharf, the longship remains best, as it has for centuries. It is the finest vessel for raid, and the most nimble as a scout and picket ship in pitched battle.
Galleys are half assed dromonds, but any body who has tried to board one in a smaller ship knows they're a pain in the ass, and they're cheapest of the big fighting ships, so they fill out the line and prevent dromonds being overwhelmed by greater numbers in battle.
Lastly some respect for cogs.
Any body who prattles about caravels as an anchor of trade has more silvers than sense, and ought just keep their teeth together and hire more cogs. Smallest crew for the greatest hold, and tall enough out of the water that any pirate in a ship smaller than a galley will generally look for easier prey. Pirates loathe fair fights, and few are bold enough to risk their necks in a tough fight, nor rich enough to row about in galleys.
So, in closing: fuck caravels. They're ships, not a fashion trend.
Fuck caravels.
Arvani have this mad impulse that anything newer and more expensive must be better than all that came before, and have gone about filling their fleets the same as they swap out wardrobes and jeweled baubles.
For what they are meant to do, the ships are fine enough: their sterns stand higher out of the water, which makes boarding actions a pain in the ass, and they get more out of the wind than other ships of sail, with a good hold and a small crew, so for a long voyage they're fit. But none of these fashionable admirals are crossing the wide sea, and the bloody expense of keeping the things makes them a foul choice for commerce, and they're so deep of draft that without a built mooring, you're fucked.
Oared ships are better for battle, as the Wind Cares Not for the plans of mortal admirals.
As a fighting ship in deep waters, the dromond is vastly superior, as it need not rely on the fickle winds for maneuver, its able to mount artillery, and a body could launch five with their hundreds of crew for the cost of a single caravel. And five dromonds will ruin one caravel, no matter the wind.
In shallow waters, up rivers, and for landing warriors swiftly on any shore, whether or not there is a dock, pier, or wharf, the longship remains best, as it has for centuries. It is the finest vessel for raid, and the most nimble as a scout and picket ship in pitched battle.
Galleys are half assed dromonds, but any body who has tried to board one in a smaller ship knows they're a pain in the ass, and they're cheapest of the big fighting ships, so they fill out the line and prevent dromonds being overwhelmed by greater numbers in battle.
Lastly some respect for cogs.
Any body who prattles about caravels as an anchor of trade has more silvers than sense, and ought just keep their teeth together and hire more cogs. Smallest crew for the greatest hold, and tall enough out of the water that any pirate in a ship smaller than a galley will generally look for easier prey. Pirates loathe fair fights, and few are bold enough to risk their necks in a tough fight, nor rich enough to row about in galleys.
So, in closing: fuck caravels. They're ships, not a fashion trend.
Written By Aelgar
Dec. 1, 2021, 10:33 a.m.(9/2/1016 AR)
The sloops are coming off the dry docks now, although not in huge numbers. The one I ordered did, however and it is now proudly at dock here in Arx. Named The Curious Mind, with critical input from a friend sorting through my brainstormed choices, she is sound and sleek. I am more than happy with the lines, the craftsmanship and the spirit I see in her. I will take a cabin and the captain will take one, but she reuires little crew for her size. Overall, this is a good day for my own goals and the aims of those who will benefit from her use.
Written By Angelo
Dec. 1, 2021, 10:18 a.m.(9/2/1016 AR)
Build an estate and leave the city! That's a sound idea. Procastination never works in my favor and yet here I am. A part of me wonders why I furnish beyond the base necessities. It's not like I have people over.
Written By Angelo
Dec. 1, 2021, 10:17 a.m.(9/2/1016 AR)
Forgive me Leo, it appears I must hire a small army to tidy up the Estate I've built. Why I built this and left it to accumulate dust is beyond me!
Written By Giada
Dec. 1, 2021, 8:58 a.m.(9/2/1016 AR)
The tenets of the Thirteenth are clear about leaving space for doubt, for respecting unpopular positions as opportunity to grow.
His Mirrormasks will continue to espouse His teachings. We know no politics as it is not the service to which we are called. Our duty is to higher cause.
We will not abandon that responsibility.
For any who struggle, His Mirrormasks offer Consultations and a listening ear no matter what is said. We will Reflect back what you perceive. We will help you question , help you examine your circumstances. You will have the support of the Dark Reflection's shrine. In this, you may be secure.
His Mirrormasks will continue to espouse His teachings. We know no politics as it is not the service to which we are called. Our duty is to higher cause.
We will not abandon that responsibility.
For any who struggle, His Mirrormasks offer Consultations and a listening ear no matter what is said. We will Reflect back what you perceive. We will help you question , help you examine your circumstances. You will have the support of the Dark Reflection's shrine. In this, you may be secure.
Written By Tikva
Dec. 1, 2021, 12:52 a.m.(9/1/1016 AR)
Lord Tiber says that if the journals you are reading are making you scowl a lot, you are definitely reading selections from the wrong people, and you should read different ones.
He recommends that you find white journals that make you laugh, instead, or that contain interesting facts about weaponry or military history. It's even better if you find a journal that can make you laugh _and_ contains interesting facts about weaponry or military history, but he assures me that this is almost impossible, like finding his other sock, which is completely beyond the power of anyone at all.
Maybe His Majesty could find Tiber's other sock, he reasons, but he has much more important things to do than that, and it would of course be extremely silly of me to suggest it.
He recommends that you find white journals that make you laugh, instead, or that contain interesting facts about weaponry or military history. It's even better if you find a journal that can make you laugh _and_ contains interesting facts about weaponry or military history, but he assures me that this is almost impossible, like finding his other sock, which is completely beyond the power of anyone at all.
Maybe His Majesty could find Tiber's other sock, he reasons, but he has much more important things to do than that, and it would of course be extremely silly of me to suggest it.
Written By Noah
Nov. 30, 2021, 11:29 p.m.(9/1/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Felix
Archlector,
I appreciate the attention you gave to making statues of my wife. Can't wait to hear your sermon on the respect and concepts of the faith next you give one.
I appreciate the attention you gave to making statues of my wife. Can't wait to hear your sermon on the respect and concepts of the faith next you give one.
Written By Cambria
Nov. 30, 2021, 9:28 p.m.(9/1/1016 AR)
Between what matters and what seems to matter, how are we to judge wisely?
Written By Isolde
Nov. 30, 2021, 5:57 p.m.(9/1/1016 AR)
I know as a mirrormask there's an expectation for me to question popular opinion and the consensus of my fellow peers. However, I write this journal as a Princess of House Velenosa rather than a disciple of the Dark Reflection.
After my dear sister's reign, I was to be the ruler of Velenosa, being the heir. However, this was not the path that I wished to follow for I had passions that would get in the way of a role that would ask more of me than I was willing to give. That isn't to say I haven't done all I can for my family, it's only that sometimes the expected order of things isn't the -best- idea for a given situation.
Archduke Niccolo and Archduchess Eleyna, some would have said, usurped my right to the rulership of Lenosia. Yet I dismiss anyone who would speak for me in this way. If I wished to claim it, I would have. I didn't. Those who were more worthy and more willing to give their all for my family's lands took on the duty, or some will say, burden.
Now the duty falls to Archduchess Jaenelle and she has served remarkably. The Lyceum has seen remarkable peace in the last few years, growing in prosperity, stability and faith. She has my full support as someone who wishes for this peace to continue, for the strength of our house to remain. I have no doubts of her love for Prince Donato. Of her desire to do everything she can to protect him. He is surrounded by family that adore him, make no mistake of that.
Her Grace has the support of the Faith, she has the support of a majority of the peerage and she has the support of her family. Especially me. The Lyceum will thrive.
After my dear sister's reign, I was to be the ruler of Velenosa, being the heir. However, this was not the path that I wished to follow for I had passions that would get in the way of a role that would ask more of me than I was willing to give. That isn't to say I haven't done all I can for my family, it's only that sometimes the expected order of things isn't the -best- idea for a given situation.
Archduke Niccolo and Archduchess Eleyna, some would have said, usurped my right to the rulership of Lenosia. Yet I dismiss anyone who would speak for me in this way. If I wished to claim it, I would have. I didn't. Those who were more worthy and more willing to give their all for my family's lands took on the duty, or some will say, burden.
Now the duty falls to Archduchess Jaenelle and she has served remarkably. The Lyceum has seen remarkable peace in the last few years, growing in prosperity, stability and faith. She has my full support as someone who wishes for this peace to continue, for the strength of our house to remain. I have no doubts of her love for Prince Donato. Of her desire to do everything she can to protect him. He is surrounded by family that adore him, make no mistake of that.
Her Grace has the support of the Faith, she has the support of a majority of the peerage and she has the support of her family. Especially me. The Lyceum will thrive.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 30, 2021, 5:49 p.m.(9/1/1016 AR)
Sometimes the best thing to say is... nothing.
Written By Orland
Nov. 30, 2021, 5:35 p.m.(9/1/1016 AR)
Thoughts of how I used to start these journals... but I don't know if that is something I can continue with. Am I a student any longer? My philosophizing may suggest one way or another.
....
It's been a while since I last documented my story into my whites; six months give or take a few days. My last entry was about Bastion and my patron. There's been a lot that's transpired since, like getting married and living out a legendary performance! I'll start back where I left off.
What happened in Bastion added to the change in me that started with the War of Two Queens and the Sacking of Tremorus, or prior to that, at Greypeak. Maybe it's always been there inside of me, since I was an urchin on the streets, and it didn't fully root in my mind until I had no control.
This idea, this way of looking at life, a philosophy, has always been floating before me but I chose to ignore it and somehow existed thinking that I'd get to see tomorrow, that I was promised tomorrow as well as today. The truth is, the future is not certain, it never was, it never will be. The future is a muddled ideal of my hopes and dreams, of my ambitions and desires, a place that I try to steer my today towards. The reality is that right now, this moment that I'm writing down, is really the only time that is real and promised to me. Thus, I better make it count and take time to reflect, to record, to exist on the page.
The wars and the deaths, the things I have seen, the things I know, the things I've done - they have changed me.
I thought only a few years back, when I came to Arx a student, without having yet wet my blade in battle, that I had time. I had all the time in the world to shape my life, that I had all the time in the world to learn things, to experience life, to live it. I had all the time in the world to become someone of greater purpose. But I was young.
I think, over the last six months, I've really held fast to the idea that this moment, this day, could be my last - so I better live today better than I lived yesterday!
After Bastion, I desired to be wed. Two years ago, I joked that I wouldn't be married until I was thirty. Now, I can't be certain I'll make it to thirty. I nearly didn't make it out of Bastion.
Because of all the risks that I've taken and will continue to take, I knew it was time to enjoy the fruits of life that could be offered today. This was a life I could never have envisioned when I was freezing under the stars on streets of Lower Arx. I am grateful for it.
One of those fruits of life, is marriage. It is finding someone to partner with, to face today with. I would not be where I am today without the compassion, support, and love of many in my life, but undoubtedly one man has been there at my side, since Greypeak. I wanted him to be with me in all ways, in all aspects. I feel myself truly smiling and knowing what happiness is. I am content. I'm smiling right now. It is no jest.
I know I have not felt this way before, ever. I was never content, I was always searching and hustling. I was angry, cynical, and distrusting. Maybe I am still that, in certain degrees, but, less. Now, there are moments I look down upon my ring, with a cup of coffee in my hands, maybe some burnt toast, and enjoy the simple moments knowing that when I look over my shoulder he'll be there with that look in his eye - a look he shares just for me. It's unconditional. We exist, him and I, my husband and I, now. In this time. Together. And it is sweet. It is incomparable to anything else in life that I've yet experienced.
What will tomorrow bring? I cannot say. I would have never guessed I would be here now, ten years ago. But I can say, I understand time. I understand today. I understand nothing is guaranteed, nothing today could exist tomorrow, and tomorrow won't exist without today, and today wouldn't have existed without yesterday. Yet, I will make my decisions the best they can be, so the threads of that choice weave a fruitful dream in the days to come, even if I may not be around to see it.
Today I exist; happy.
....
It's been a while since I last documented my story into my whites; six months give or take a few days. My last entry was about Bastion and my patron. There's been a lot that's transpired since, like getting married and living out a legendary performance! I'll start back where I left off.
What happened in Bastion added to the change in me that started with the War of Two Queens and the Sacking of Tremorus, or prior to that, at Greypeak. Maybe it's always been there inside of me, since I was an urchin on the streets, and it didn't fully root in my mind until I had no control.
This idea, this way of looking at life, a philosophy, has always been floating before me but I chose to ignore it and somehow existed thinking that I'd get to see tomorrow, that I was promised tomorrow as well as today. The truth is, the future is not certain, it never was, it never will be. The future is a muddled ideal of my hopes and dreams, of my ambitions and desires, a place that I try to steer my today towards. The reality is that right now, this moment that I'm writing down, is really the only time that is real and promised to me. Thus, I better make it count and take time to reflect, to record, to exist on the page.
The wars and the deaths, the things I have seen, the things I know, the things I've done - they have changed me.
I thought only a few years back, when I came to Arx a student, without having yet wet my blade in battle, that I had time. I had all the time in the world to shape my life, that I had all the time in the world to learn things, to experience life, to live it. I had all the time in the world to become someone of greater purpose. But I was young.
I think, over the last six months, I've really held fast to the idea that this moment, this day, could be my last - so I better live today better than I lived yesterday!
After Bastion, I desired to be wed. Two years ago, I joked that I wouldn't be married until I was thirty. Now, I can't be certain I'll make it to thirty. I nearly didn't make it out of Bastion.
Because of all the risks that I've taken and will continue to take, I knew it was time to enjoy the fruits of life that could be offered today. This was a life I could never have envisioned when I was freezing under the stars on streets of Lower Arx. I am grateful for it.
One of those fruits of life, is marriage. It is finding someone to partner with, to face today with. I would not be where I am today without the compassion, support, and love of many in my life, but undoubtedly one man has been there at my side, since Greypeak. I wanted him to be with me in all ways, in all aspects. I feel myself truly smiling and knowing what happiness is. I am content. I'm smiling right now. It is no jest.
I know I have not felt this way before, ever. I was never content, I was always searching and hustling. I was angry, cynical, and distrusting. Maybe I am still that, in certain degrees, but, less. Now, there are moments I look down upon my ring, with a cup of coffee in my hands, maybe some burnt toast, and enjoy the simple moments knowing that when I look over my shoulder he'll be there with that look in his eye - a look he shares just for me. It's unconditional. We exist, him and I, my husband and I, now. In this time. Together. And it is sweet. It is incomparable to anything else in life that I've yet experienced.
What will tomorrow bring? I cannot say. I would have never guessed I would be here now, ten years ago. But I can say, I understand time. I understand today. I understand nothing is guaranteed, nothing today could exist tomorrow, and tomorrow won't exist without today, and today wouldn't have existed without yesterday. Yet, I will make my decisions the best they can be, so the threads of that choice weave a fruitful dream in the days to come, even if I may not be around to see it.
Today I exist; happy.
Written By Lore
Nov. 30, 2021, 12:12 p.m.(8/28/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
She's grown bored of the easy prey the spiders present and has moved on to larger, more aggressive options.
You may need a lesser cat to fill in the gaps.
You may need a lesser cat to fill in the gaps.
Written By Berenice
Nov. 30, 2021, 11:56 a.m.(8/28/1016 AR)
One must never forget that there is both a cost and a responsibility to the privileges of nobility.
Written By Cosimo
Nov. 30, 2021, 10:09 a.m.(8/28/1016 AR)
I decided to depart the Villa yesterday.
I didn't travel far, simply took a stroll around the Ward to stretch my legs and clear my head.
My wandering eventually lead to the Black Fox where I met the most interesting trio of characters. The charming Lady Sylvie, Count Artorius, and the most interesting Lord Mattheu.
Their conversation and antics helped to right my mind more than the night air. I do hope to see them again soon.
I didn't travel far, simply took a stroll around the Ward to stretch my legs and clear my head.
My wandering eventually lead to the Black Fox where I met the most interesting trio of characters. The charming Lady Sylvie, Count Artorius, and the most interesting Lord Mattheu.
Their conversation and antics helped to right my mind more than the night air. I do hope to see them again soon.
Written By Sydney
Nov. 30, 2021, 9:36 a.m.(8/28/1016 AR)
Sometimes, it is the smallest of victories that strike the truest chord in the heart - even if that victory is just the courage to take an outstretched hand.
Written By Camilla
Nov. 30, 2021, 9:13 a.m.(8/28/1016 AR)
When one is presented with a golden opportunity, one takes it without questioning why it is there to take.
Written By Vitalis
Nov. 30, 2021, 5:11 a.m.(8/28/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlex
I was referring to the Slaver, not Skald. I've been thinking on a recent reading, the relevant bit: "...any sort of grouping of humans implies a dehumanization that is how the Tyrant of Chains draws its strength."
That same text also calls for such groupings to keep individuals in mind. So who is making the call for unity matters.
I'd add that *an* opposite of unity is strife. Another is dissent or disagreement, which could be strife, but doesn't have to be - like this.
It was a thought exercise in extremes. Unsurprisingly ill-fitting as extremes tend to be. I have a lot to learn and welcome constructive exchanges.
That same text also calls for such groupings to keep individuals in mind. So who is making the call for unity matters.
I'd add that *an* opposite of unity is strife. Another is dissent or disagreement, which could be strife, but doesn't have to be - like this.
It was a thought exercise in extremes. Unsurprisingly ill-fitting as extremes tend to be. I have a lot to learn and welcome constructive exchanges.
Written By Aureth
Nov. 30, 2021, 4:01 a.m.(8/28/1016 AR)
Surcease, for a moment, from foolishness. It is a relief as potent as cold water on a hot day.
Of course, then unfathomable nonsense reasserts itself, redoubled, but I'll treasure the moment anyhow.
Of course, then unfathomable nonsense reasserts itself, redoubled, but I'll treasure the moment anyhow.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.