Written By Merek
March 24, 2017, 9:05 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Umay
A Priestess of the Pantheon, and a kind one at that. She seems to be from Arx, and I met her at the Trader's Tavern. It is nice to meet more clergy in the city.
Written By Orazio
March 24, 2017, 7:24 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Selene
The Compact exists as it does today because of the work of the Whispers. Many see them only in their brightest public guise - entertainers and trendsetters who fascinate all with their grace and composure. But those of us who are students of history recognize how often it has been the smile of a Whisper that has averted war, and the word of a Whisper that has created an enduring alliance. Sadly, underutilized in these recent days when they have been needed most, the Whisper House, and its Radiant, still shine.
Written By Zhayla
March 24, 2017, 6:32 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
I've often thought it was luck that landed me at Deepwood where I knelt and entered the Marquessa's service, but sometimes I wonder if it might not have been some other hand.
I'm so grateful, either way, and I don't give thanks as often as I should. I'm just glad. I'm glad and I'm grateful and I'm happy that it _was_ Deepwood where I landed. From the first moment I took on the mantle of Prodigal, she has been nothing but kind to me, giving me opportunity -- giving me a home -- when she didn't need to give me anything. She trusted me when she didn't have to, when wiser people might've said 'let's not let the strange Prodigal with the giant sword wander around through our house and also give her a ROOM of her OWN'. But she did. She trusted me. And every day I try to live up to that trust.
I wasn't surprised when I heard of the huge numbers of other Abandoned that looked to her and saw someone worth following. I've never been more proud to serve Deepwood. I've never been more grateful to serve Deepwood.
I'm so grateful, either way, and I don't give thanks as often as I should. I'm just glad. I'm glad and I'm grateful and I'm happy that it _was_ Deepwood where I landed. From the first moment I took on the mantle of Prodigal, she has been nothing but kind to me, giving me opportunity -- giving me a home -- when she didn't need to give me anything. She trusted me when she didn't have to, when wiser people might've said 'let's not let the strange Prodigal with the giant sword wander around through our house and also give her a ROOM of her OWN'. But she did. She trusted me. And every day I try to live up to that trust.
I wasn't surprised when I heard of the huge numbers of other Abandoned that looked to her and saw someone worth following. I've never been more proud to serve Deepwood. I've never been more grateful to serve Deepwood.
Written By Leona
March 24, 2017, 4:42 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
I will miss the Lord Commander, as I missed my right-hand man when he was my First Captain. He goes off to follow other paths though, and those lead him away from the King's Own. He has served with honor and distinction, and while I will miss serving with him, I know this is better for him and also for the King. Yesterday he saved the King. Today he makes his way out of Crownguard tower for the last time. Even as I turn my attention to the leadership of the King's Own, I wish him well.
Written By Leona
March 24, 2017, 3:57 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
The Lord Commander's sword has come back to me. When I voluntarily handed it to Rymarr, it was for any number of reasons, but chief among them was that I was not the Lord Commander that His Majesty needed. The people needed a strong man of the Oathlands, and I had other concerns that may have endangered His Majesty were I still the Lord Commander. And so the sword passed, not only peacefully but - more rarely - without the death of the one who carried it.
And now I am once more the Lord Commander. This time, at Rymarr's determination. There was a vision, and there was an attempt that encroached upon the security of His Majesty, and now there is a new Lord Commander. It was a peaceful transition, but a difficult one. Watching Rymarr, who has stood at my side through so much for the last two years, step away from the King's Own is difficult. He does so with honor, but his path is moving away from the King's Own and what we stand for, and so I am feeling the loss of a strong right hand.
But that is the job I have sworn to undertake, and so I will. I wish Rymarr the best, but I also wish he were staying on in the King's Own. We need all the swords we can get, and our ranks are so green right now I look out over them and see a field of grass. Oh they're good, make no mistake, but they make me wonder - was I ever so young? The answer is, of course, yes. But such is life. They will learn or they will die. And in these difficult times, I very much fear the latter is far more likely than the former.
And now I am once more the Lord Commander. This time, at Rymarr's determination. There was a vision, and there was an attempt that encroached upon the security of His Majesty, and now there is a new Lord Commander. It was a peaceful transition, but a difficult one. Watching Rymarr, who has stood at my side through so much for the last two years, step away from the King's Own is difficult. He does so with honor, but his path is moving away from the King's Own and what we stand for, and so I am feeling the loss of a strong right hand.
But that is the job I have sworn to undertake, and so I will. I wish Rymarr the best, but I also wish he were staying on in the King's Own. We need all the swords we can get, and our ranks are so green right now I look out over them and see a field of grass. Oh they're good, make no mistake, but they make me wonder - was I ever so young? The answer is, of course, yes. But such is life. They will learn or they will die. And in these difficult times, I very much fear the latter is far more likely than the former.
Written By Donella
March 24, 2017, 2:06 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
It is my eve of my natality, tomorrow. It occurred to me as I was out, checking on the repair of our ward gates, and the state of out southern walls. It's not my family's way to mark such things with celebration, or gifts. Really, right now, marking it at all seems like the mind trying to distract itself, or looking for an excuse to eat sand peony cakes until I gain a stone of weight.
I told Prince Darren the other night, that I am becoming soft as a mainlander, that I fret for my friends or relations at war. The outcome is out of my hands—why waste time or sentiment on what you cannot do anything about? I know the war effort is in capable hands, and so far, things have gone well. Still, I lie awake in the bitter watches and wonder if these cavalier attitudes I have toward possible loss are faith, fatalism, or scar tissue?
My brother went away, and we took no leave of each other. None of us do, the cousins Thrax. He survived, of course, because he is fearless and fierce in battle. But what if he had not? Is there anything I could say to him, or to any of the others, that if they didn't return would make me feel better about those relationships in hindsight? No, not really, says my mind. But my heart — I assure you, I do have one, priest — aches to think that the reality is so cold; there is nothing that would make my grief less, if someone dear to me fell. I would toast them, and praise the virtues of a good death (if there is such a thing).
But I would not die of it.
If I am honest with myself, I don't think people really die of broken hearts; not really. I mean, they do if their chests are crushed or cloven through, or if they expire as the very old sometimes do, clutching at the organ. Sometimes I have even heard that some will refuse to eat and waste away, but that I think is stubbornness or narcissism. Otherwise we just persist, and learn ways to honor our dead, and transmute grief into something useful.
So I don't understand where this anxiety comes from. We win, or we all die. It's not much of a choice, so we must, we will prevail. And after...?
Cake, I think.
I told Prince Darren the other night, that I am becoming soft as a mainlander, that I fret for my friends or relations at war. The outcome is out of my hands—why waste time or sentiment on what you cannot do anything about? I know the war effort is in capable hands, and so far, things have gone well. Still, I lie awake in the bitter watches and wonder if these cavalier attitudes I have toward possible loss are faith, fatalism, or scar tissue?
My brother went away, and we took no leave of each other. None of us do, the cousins Thrax. He survived, of course, because he is fearless and fierce in battle. But what if he had not? Is there anything I could say to him, or to any of the others, that if they didn't return would make me feel better about those relationships in hindsight? No, not really, says my mind. But my heart — I assure you, I do have one, priest — aches to think that the reality is so cold; there is nothing that would make my grief less, if someone dear to me fell. I would toast them, and praise the virtues of a good death (if there is such a thing).
But I would not die of it.
If I am honest with myself, I don't think people really die of broken hearts; not really. I mean, they do if their chests are crushed or cloven through, or if they expire as the very old sometimes do, clutching at the organ. Sometimes I have even heard that some will refuse to eat and waste away, but that I think is stubbornness or narcissism. Otherwise we just persist, and learn ways to honor our dead, and transmute grief into something useful.
So I don't understand where this anxiety comes from. We win, or we all die. It's not much of a choice, so we must, we will prevail. And after...?
Cake, I think.
Written By Leta
March 24, 2017, 12:32 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
(In the sloppiest of handwritings.)
In celebration of our victory.
There once was a giant so tall
That its ass was once bound to enthrall,
But the poor misbegotten
Creature was so rotten
When it died it had no ass at all.
In celebration of our victory.
There once was a giant so tall
That its ass was once bound to enthrall,
But the poor misbegotten
Creature was so rotten
When it died it had no ass at all.
Written By Merek
March 24, 2017, 10:58 a.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
It seems that it will be within the next week that the forces will arrive. I have prepared all I need for it, for the most part. I imagine Arx will be under siege, which is a better outlook than actually being overrun. I have many people that I want to keep safe, so I believe I'll be doing what I can to protect others. The loyal citizens that remain in the city, are now where they have the best chance of safety, though I've seen a fair few take up their weapons to fight. Most wars, well... Victory and defeat come and go. Here? We have to win, and there isn't another avenue. Who will come to our assistance, and who remained to fight, will be the ones that decide our new future. I'm hopeful. Because I know that each man that comes to defense of Arx, is willing to give it all that we may win, and I will be honored to stand beside all of them.
Written By Arcelia
March 24, 2017, 4 a.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
I am happy for the success of the river attack but I am most glad that those I love have come home safe. I am glad that so many people returned home safe to their loved ones this time. But the danger of war is just beginning and there will be so many lives lost in the days to come. I pray that this war ends quickly and I will do anything I can to help that happen.
Written By Arcelia
March 24, 2017, 3:19 a.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I used to listen to Orazio talk about the Gods as a young girl, unable to sit still but still loving to listen. Event today I still like to sit down with him and have a good conversation, he has much wisdom and advice to offer. I would be a fool to dismiss him and I would never want to. I love my uncle dearly.
Written By Arcelia
March 24, 2017, 3:13 a.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
We did not spend a lot of time together growing up but I have always admired Kima and I have respect for the path she walks in life.
Written By Arcelia
March 24, 2017, 3:06 a.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
Sweet cousin how I miss leaping out of trees and coating you with mud. Childhood has passed for us both but there will always be enough mud to cover you in.
Written By Arcelia
March 24, 2017, 3:05 a.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
Estaban is my brother, I love my brother and I know that he adores me very much. I have always been close with my brother, even distance and time apart could not chance that. We fight sometimes, the way siblings tend to do, but we very much wish the other well and would do just about anything for one another.
Written By Silas
March 24, 2017, 2:53 a.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Mathias
His skill is genuine. I told him to stop suggesting it was always luck.
Also he's easy to get along with. I like him.
Also he's easy to get along with. I like him.
Written By Marius
March 24, 2017, 12:43 a.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
I am to be a father.
In the middle of this crisis, my wife and I choose to bring into the world a baby. Someone might think this foolish or selfish - not in close proximity to me if they want to keep all their fingers, kind - but it was nothing of the sort. Nor was it the political need for an heir.
No. It was this: love so rich it spurs confidence in the future as certainty.
In the middle of this crisis, my wife and I choose to bring into the world a baby. Someone might think this foolish or selfish - not in close proximity to me if they want to keep all their fingers, kind - but it was nothing of the sort. Nor was it the political need for an heir.
No. It was this: love so rich it spurs confidence in the future as certainty.
Written By Leola
March 23, 2017, 11:35 p.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
The Role of a Host,
Or, What I expect of my leaders.
I wrote, recently, about how I expect the vassals of a house, or a great house, to behave, and the demands placed on a commoner, and the expectations of them in their service to their lord. Let me now, in turn, say what I, as a servant to the Barony of Saik, expect of my lords and ladies.
As a vassal, I am expected to serve my lord's will. I cannot do this if my lord has not communicated their goals and aims. If you have not done this, you cannot expect service from those below you. If I see your actions and your words part company, how can I trust your words?
I am expected, at all times, to maintain decorum and politeness to those I owe fealty to. If the family I serve has no line of descent, this is impossible; I must know to whom my fealty is offered, and the line the title shall follow, to know who has priority in their requests of my time. If this is unclear, or the household in disarray, you risk dissent amongst your vassals; and ultimately, their loss.
A noble should be generous. Not solely with money, as the silver of the house is given through the sweat of your vassals, but with your time. If you do not know me, how can you make the best use of my talents?
I serve the Faith. My family has held to the Pantheon since before my grandfather's grandfather's grandfather's time. I appreciate a noble may hold to a different standard of their faith, but I still hope to see that they venerate the Pantheon. If you do not, if you do not support the Faith or speak against it without explaining your reason, and the virtues of the Faith, what trust in tradition do I have that you will not abandon your vassals when it suits you?
Ultimately, I expect my lords and ladies to be honest, decorous, generous and steadfast. These are virtues that enrich both the master and their vassal.
Leola Allenatore
Vassal of Saik, of Malvici, of Velenosa
Disciple of Petrichor
Or, What I expect of my leaders.
I wrote, recently, about how I expect the vassals of a house, or a great house, to behave, and the demands placed on a commoner, and the expectations of them in their service to their lord. Let me now, in turn, say what I, as a servant to the Barony of Saik, expect of my lords and ladies.
As a vassal, I am expected to serve my lord's will. I cannot do this if my lord has not communicated their goals and aims. If you have not done this, you cannot expect service from those below you. If I see your actions and your words part company, how can I trust your words?
I am expected, at all times, to maintain decorum and politeness to those I owe fealty to. If the family I serve has no line of descent, this is impossible; I must know to whom my fealty is offered, and the line the title shall follow, to know who has priority in their requests of my time. If this is unclear, or the household in disarray, you risk dissent amongst your vassals; and ultimately, their loss.
A noble should be generous. Not solely with money, as the silver of the house is given through the sweat of your vassals, but with your time. If you do not know me, how can you make the best use of my talents?
I serve the Faith. My family has held to the Pantheon since before my grandfather's grandfather's grandfather's time. I appreciate a noble may hold to a different standard of their faith, but I still hope to see that they venerate the Pantheon. If you do not, if you do not support the Faith or speak against it without explaining your reason, and the virtues of the Faith, what trust in tradition do I have that you will not abandon your vassals when it suits you?
Ultimately, I expect my lords and ladies to be honest, decorous, generous and steadfast. These are virtues that enrich both the master and their vassal.
Leola Allenatore
Vassal of Saik, of Malvici, of Velenosa
Disciple of Petrichor
Written By Simone
March 23, 2017, 11:30 p.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
Barely met, Duchess Zaffria. Neither allies nor friends, but the possibilities existed--
Still, I sincerely wish you well.
(To note: your heir has an excellent sense of propriety.
And humor.)
Still, I sincerely wish you well.
(To note: your heir has an excellent sense of propriety.
And humor.)
Written By Calaudrin
March 23, 2017, 11:03 p.m.(2/22/1006 AR)
I made a joke tonight. But maybe the joke was a good idea. Maybe I should be given a ring for /every/ year of service in the Iron Guard. Twenty rings to turn into one gaudy necklace that I'd wear in my free time.
Written By Ford
March 23, 2017, 10:53 p.m.(2/22/1006 AR)
Seem that duchys are getting handed out like candied petals lately.
Where does the queue form?
Where does the queue form?
Written By Mathias
March 23, 2017, 4:04 p.m.(2/22/1006 AR)
Brand might come through the walls, or he might not. Whether I'm to face Shavs, Bringers or a bloody "Herald" doesn't concern me. Can't change the will of the Gods. What you can do is fight as much as you can, fight as long as you can, and fight as hard as you can. My family's gone. But the people of the Lower Boroughs remain. The people of Arx remain.
They're just as worthy to fight for.
They're just as worthy to fight for.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.