Written By Medeia
Nov. 19, 2021, 12:25 a.m.(8/5/1016 AR)
Another trip down to Saikland was just what I needed. The wine festival was well attended, and I was delighted to see how many friends and acquaintances from the city made the trip. I hope they all had an amazing visit and enjoyed all of the hospitality the Saiklanders had to offer. So much food, and music, and learning. It was wonderful to get a chance to share my love of winemaking with so many, show off what the vintners have been doing, and host the vineyard games with Baroness Lucita and Softest Whisper Cesare.
The games were quite a success, as well! Prince Baldessare Velenosa, Lady Ivy Blackram, and Cesare each secured 5000 silver for themselves and a 10000 silver donation to the Physicians Guild, the Lodge of Petrichor, and the Disciples of Jayus. Lady Kiera Wyrmguard was a standout talent in the games, however! She claimed a prize of 10000 silver for herself, 10000 silver each for the Mercies of Lagoma and Physicians Guild, and the right to have a custom wine made to her specifications by the Saikland vintners as the crowd's favorite.
The games were quite a success, as well! Prince Baldessare Velenosa, Lady Ivy Blackram, and Cesare each secured 5000 silver for themselves and a 10000 silver donation to the Physicians Guild, the Lodge of Petrichor, and the Disciples of Jayus. Lady Kiera Wyrmguard was a standout talent in the games, however! She claimed a prize of 10000 silver for herself, 10000 silver each for the Mercies of Lagoma and Physicians Guild, and the right to have a custom wine made to her specifications by the Saikland vintners as the crowd's favorite.
Written By Cambria
Nov. 18, 2021, 11:30 p.m.(8/5/1016 AR)
Gossip is a bit of a past time, and having a good gossip or two in your network just makes sense. It keeps you tapped in and it's the way into some of the best stories around.
Written By Ilira
Nov. 18, 2021, 11:11 p.m.(8/5/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Cesare
Seconded.
Written By Cambria
Nov. 18, 2021, 10:55 p.m.(8/5/1016 AR)
"You weren't there, you don't know what he said to me," those were the words I was told when I came upon the scene. I confess I was a bit dubious until I finally managed to divine the truth of what had been said.
I have to admit...
Definitely would have done the same thing.
I have to admit...
Definitely would have done the same thing.
Written By Jaenelle
Nov. 18, 2021, 8:37 p.m.(8/5/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Please let the Dominus know I was not born yet when he had such a great idea. Ask him if he has more.
Written By Baldessare
Nov. 18, 2021, 8:31 p.m.(8/5/1016 AR)
No Label day at the Black Fox was magnificent, and should become an annual event. And I am not just saying that because somehow I got a glass from a bottle that would costs more than a small sailing vessel...
Written By Ilira
Nov. 18, 2021, 8:23 p.m.(8/5/1016 AR)
Suffice it to say, I do not sleep on a very typical schedule. Perhaps this is the reason my dreams tend toward the strange and uncanny when I do?
Last night I dreamed I was standing on the ocean floor with my head above the clouds. I saw the horizon for miles--beyond miles--as I felt the sea crash around my feet and its secrets slither between my toes. I could have seen the world from that vantage point, if it weren't for all the cloud cover. Instead, I could only feel.
I felt the wind on the ends of my hair, the rain on my palms, the mountains and trees at my fingertips, and the sand at my knees. Waves roiled around my shins. The sun and moon and stars were in my eyes, and when I needed respite I would look into the darkness between them; I distinctly remember equating it to smelling coffee grinds at a perfumier's. As the light imprinted itself upon my vision, the brilliance scattered and reformed into abstract shapes that began to flow past me in a never-ending tableau. This is the more ineffable portion of the dream, where I was aware of all my senses and could sense everything, /everything/, but that is the best I may put to words for now. I awoke as the moon moved to eclipse the sun.
No, scholar, I do not smoke haze.
Last night I dreamed I was standing on the ocean floor with my head above the clouds. I saw the horizon for miles--beyond miles--as I felt the sea crash around my feet and its secrets slither between my toes. I could have seen the world from that vantage point, if it weren't for all the cloud cover. Instead, I could only feel.
I felt the wind on the ends of my hair, the rain on my palms, the mountains and trees at my fingertips, and the sand at my knees. Waves roiled around my shins. The sun and moon and stars were in my eyes, and when I needed respite I would look into the darkness between them; I distinctly remember equating it to smelling coffee grinds at a perfumier's. As the light imprinted itself upon my vision, the brilliance scattered and reformed into abstract shapes that began to flow past me in a never-ending tableau. This is the more ineffable portion of the dream, where I was aware of all my senses and could sense everything, /everything/, but that is the best I may put to words for now. I awoke as the moon moved to eclipse the sun.
No, scholar, I do not smoke haze.
Written By Bhandn
Nov. 18, 2021, 7:03 p.m.(8/5/1016 AR)
I finally managed to get my hands on those baker books that I heard murmured about at the House. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard at anything written in my life.
I can't wait to show these to the lad. He is going to murder me in my sleep when he reads the first one.
I wonder how many in the Order have read them all? I'll have to find out.
I can't wait to show these to the lad. He is going to murder me in my sleep when he reads the first one.
I wonder how many in the Order have read them all? I'll have to find out.
Written By Zakhar
Nov. 18, 2021, 3:36 p.m.(8/4/1016 AR)
One of the quirks of amusing conversation that has come up, where do my ideas for puzzles come from?
I can go into long detail, though instead of being forced to hold a scholar captive. It's easier to simply state for people to come and ask me directly. The muse for a puzzle can be many different items and people all at once.
Such as the largest puzzle that is still being constructed. A miniature playset of the city. thirteen puzzles in one. twelve required steps to open the final, each with their own perils if a riddle is failed.
No. there is not a buyer for it yet. It's a passion project.
I can go into long detail, though instead of being forced to hold a scholar captive. It's easier to simply state for people to come and ask me directly. The muse for a puzzle can be many different items and people all at once.
Such as the largest puzzle that is still being constructed. A miniature playset of the city. thirteen puzzles in one. twelve required steps to open the final, each with their own perils if a riddle is failed.
No. there is not a buyer for it yet. It's a passion project.
Written By Zakhar
Nov. 18, 2021, 3:32 p.m.(8/4/1016 AR)
Marching a pig through the streets from the market is an amusing scenario. Especially, when the animal is all too aware of its fate.
It's much easer to send a few into the woods to get a wild one then bring it back already slaughtered.
That said, there's plenty of boar stews, pies, sausages available now.
It's much easer to send a few into the woods to get a wild one then bring it back already slaughtered.
That said, there's plenty of boar stews, pies, sausages available now.
Written By Cesare
Nov. 18, 2021, 2:09 p.m.(8/4/1016 AR)
I enjoy the early morning hours. It's probably unsurprising that they are often the only time I find truly to myself, while most of the city still slumbers and the smoke of the breakfast fires is just beginning to rise above the rooftops. The sunlight in the post-dawn hour has a surreal quality; it is not quite like those afternoon golden hours, because it is finer, paler, more rosy-hued, but there is a similar feeling, a distance from all the cares that weigh us down in the bustle of our daily lives when all our troubles and concerns come to press and crowd in on us. Usually the early mornings are when I get my most productive work done on whatever song I am writing - for a given value of productive, anyway. Sometimes it's just writing down rhymes, many of them very stupid.
I am pleased to say that Seawatch Sanctuary has a new resident. Since Mssr. Vulpiano returned to Tor, it has been a bit lonely on the upper floors. Not the lower, certainly; summer is always bustling with gardeners and visitors to the garden who have sought Lady Medeia's advice on some herb which will ease an ailment or simply make an aromatic bouquet. But it is a rather large building and one rather feels like a ghost drifting about those empty rooms by oneself, visitors or no. Additionally, my new neighbor, Gio diFidante, has proven himself entirely charming company, and if he tries to protest, do not believe him. In my meddlesome way, I am doing what I can to make his adjustment to the city easier, as I remember what a shock this place can be rather keenly. Strange to think I've only really been here a year now. A year of upheaval and change, but a year nonetheless.
It seems I am to return to Bastion again. I am glad to assist, though I admit this period of knowing little about what may be done against certain threats chafes against my desire to be moving forward. Still, Archlector Roran did advise me once that one must not pursue change doggedly at all costs, and it is advice I have taken to heart, and will do my best to continue so. There are always moments for reflection even in these times of fraught and constant turmoil. To take a breath, to cherish the small moments of stillness and beauty - the way sunlight catches on eyelashes in the morning, turning them gold - those are the moments in which I am most wholly one with the world.
I am pleased to say that Seawatch Sanctuary has a new resident. Since Mssr. Vulpiano returned to Tor, it has been a bit lonely on the upper floors. Not the lower, certainly; summer is always bustling with gardeners and visitors to the garden who have sought Lady Medeia's advice on some herb which will ease an ailment or simply make an aromatic bouquet. But it is a rather large building and one rather feels like a ghost drifting about those empty rooms by oneself, visitors or no. Additionally, my new neighbor, Gio diFidante, has proven himself entirely charming company, and if he tries to protest, do not believe him. In my meddlesome way, I am doing what I can to make his adjustment to the city easier, as I remember what a shock this place can be rather keenly. Strange to think I've only really been here a year now. A year of upheaval and change, but a year nonetheless.
It seems I am to return to Bastion again. I am glad to assist, though I admit this period of knowing little about what may be done against certain threats chafes against my desire to be moving forward. Still, Archlector Roran did advise me once that one must not pursue change doggedly at all costs, and it is advice I have taken to heart, and will do my best to continue so. There are always moments for reflection even in these times of fraught and constant turmoil. To take a breath, to cherish the small moments of stillness and beauty - the way sunlight catches on eyelashes in the morning, turning them gold - those are the moments in which I am most wholly one with the world.
Written By Aureth
Nov. 18, 2021, 1:25 p.m.(8/4/1016 AR)
Many years ago, when I ran the Murder, I had a drinks menu item that was a mystery drink, which was basically a pour from any random bottle that we had that I couldn't read the label of or that the label had been removed. I'm glad to see that high society is finally catching up with the Grayhopes.
Written By Jaenelle
Nov. 18, 2021, 7:30 a.m.(8/4/1016 AR)
Julius and the Thirteen Swings
The chill of the water shocked him as much as his decision to follow the journey he set himself on. The deeper he trekked the more his thoughts turned towards home, the Capital so alive and vibrant and each new person who came through the Black Fox doors an experience. How he missed that, waist deep in a river which wants nothing more than to suck him beneath the surface, to pull everything away once and for all.
No. Not today he tells himself as he spots what he is seeking beneath the chilly, crystal waters. The thrill of his find returning his smile as he takes a deep breath. No, he thought again, not today as he plunges towards the river bed.
Pre-order your copy soon.
The chill of the water shocked him as much as his decision to follow the journey he set himself on. The deeper he trekked the more his thoughts turned towards home, the Capital so alive and vibrant and each new person who came through the Black Fox doors an experience. How he missed that, waist deep in a river which wants nothing more than to suck him beneath the surface, to pull everything away once and for all.
No. Not today he tells himself as he spots what he is seeking beneath the chilly, crystal waters. The thrill of his find returning his smile as he takes a deep breath. No, he thought again, not today as he plunges towards the river bed.
Pre-order your copy soon.
Written By Jaenelle
Nov. 18, 2021, 7:14 a.m.(8/4/1016 AR)
I hosted a lovely event the other day called "No" in the Black Fox. The theme was that you came into the establishment, ordered a drink, and were informed no, you can not, and poured a glass at random. All the bottles have had their labels removed so it was truly anyone's guess what you were given. It was surely one of my favorite moments being a hostess!
We shall see if the new bartender can determine what the bottles actually are as I'm not sure many people will enjoy the game for the next month. Who knows though!
We shall see if the new bartender can determine what the bottles actually are as I'm not sure many people will enjoy the game for the next month. Who knows though!
Written By Aureth
Nov. 17, 2021, 10:27 p.m.(8/3/1016 AR)
Lady Sylvie Zaffria, once the Duchess Whisper, has returned to the city of Arx after a storied disappearance ten years or so ago, and I find that the lady is resplendent as the last day I saw her. I believe the last time I saw her, before she vanished, she consulted with me about the design of a building I was devoted to developing at the time: the Shrine to the Queen of Endings, which now stands in the Sanctum of the Lost, and any grace in its design I credit to her art and inspiration, whereas anything you don't like about it is probably my fault.
Unless you just can't stand the spiders, but there's really no helping that.
Unless you just can't stand the spiders, but there's really no helping that.
Written By Raymesin
Nov. 17, 2021, 7:08 p.m.(8/3/1016 AR)
I'm wondering what was going on at the Black Fox, Scholar. They were saying that the barmaid was Jaenelle Velenosa, the Archduchess herself. Either they were trying to see if folks'd fall for it, or the barmaid lost a bet.
Written By Ramona
Nov. 17, 2021, 4:59 p.m.(8/3/1016 AR)
Why are we feeding wolves, Archlector Giada? After a long moment of consideration (in this instance, I am hoping this is just an analogy) I think the wolf that is being fed is the wolf that has been tamed, and is now defending its resource - its ally. Unless, that wolf isn't really a wolf. It might be something worse. If so, then the wolf attacking the home is an actual wolf - behaving as wolves ought. That would be the one winning, I posit.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 17, 2021, 2:20 p.m.(8/2/1016 AR)
Like no few nobles of the city, I have a fairly decent collection of jewelry. Many pieces are part of a set meant to compliment clothing outfits, which surely surprises few. I have other pieces, however, that are stand-alone -- generally special items that were gifts, or have some other special meaning to them. I don't wear those often, but I do try to wear them for special occasions or the like. It's always a bit of a mental balance I have to strike -- the risk of losing something special verses it just collecting dust in a jewelry box. The latter of those two always seems a bit more insulting to the piece, and thus they are worn.
The irony, of course, is that I did not lose a special piece or let it collect dust - it apparently was flat-out stolen and I was none the wiser! Events have a way of being distracting, and I can't for the life of me remember when it might have been plucked away. I didn't even notice until I was back at the villa, where there was little to no chance of even trying to catch someone with it at that point. It seems I am not alone, at least, which makes the sting of embarrassment a bit easier to contend with.
The irony, of course, is that I did not lose a special piece or let it collect dust - it apparently was flat-out stolen and I was none the wiser! Events have a way of being distracting, and I can't for the life of me remember when it might have been plucked away. I didn't even notice until I was back at the villa, where there was little to no chance of even trying to catch someone with it at that point. It seems I am not alone, at least, which makes the sting of embarrassment a bit easier to contend with.
Written By Lou
Nov. 17, 2021, 8:55 a.m.(8/2/1016 AR)
I am glad to see that the bards of this city have had the good sense not to take my cousin up on his offer. There's too much to do surrounding Bastion that the distraction would not have been a welcomed one.
Our progress after last week's series of meetings has moved along nicely. The groups are filling in. I even got another volunteer last evening at the Grayson Fealty Dinner, one which I'm certain Aindre will approve. He and I just need to decide if we are taking one or two groups. If it's just one, the remaining two members left to be recruited are his to choose. If it's two, I might have two more people to choose and he three. It'll all just depend on how fruitful we think we'll be together or apart.
I know Liara is eager to get things moving. Time is needed to put all the moving pieces into place. We're going to be going to the Western Gates after all, after we had initially decided not to go there. We'll need a leader for that mission, if she has not already found one herself, and then they will need to recruit the people needed to attend to that section of the city.
There is so much going on, and Liara is so busy, that I'm certain there's something for everyone to do, even our most diplomatic and social people who had originally expressed interest in a certain project involving a certain district.
I can be found, often, at the Pathfinder's Study at the Society of Explorers for any who wish to discuss anything, anything at all, regarding Bastion.
Our progress after last week's series of meetings has moved along nicely. The groups are filling in. I even got another volunteer last evening at the Grayson Fealty Dinner, one which I'm certain Aindre will approve. He and I just need to decide if we are taking one or two groups. If it's just one, the remaining two members left to be recruited are his to choose. If it's two, I might have two more people to choose and he three. It'll all just depend on how fruitful we think we'll be together or apart.
I know Liara is eager to get things moving. Time is needed to put all the moving pieces into place. We're going to be going to the Western Gates after all, after we had initially decided not to go there. We'll need a leader for that mission, if she has not already found one herself, and then they will need to recruit the people needed to attend to that section of the city.
There is so much going on, and Liara is so busy, that I'm certain there's something for everyone to do, even our most diplomatic and social people who had originally expressed interest in a certain project involving a certain district.
I can be found, often, at the Pathfinder's Study at the Society of Explorers for any who wish to discuss anything, anything at all, regarding Bastion.
Written By Giada
Nov. 17, 2021, 8:05 a.m.(8/2/1016 AR)
Changing and unchanging are more than related. Both states are always there, locked in a battle for control. The question begged is best summed up by the story of two wolves and a man in the forest.
An old man lives in a house in the middle of the forest, and every night two wolves appear. One is trying to attack the house, to kill the man within it; the other tries to the protect the home and the man. Which wolf wins?
The one the old man feeds.
An old man lives in a house in the middle of the forest, and every night two wolves appear. One is trying to attack the house, to kill the man within it; the other tries to the protect the home and the man. Which wolf wins?
The one the old man feeds.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.