Written By Simone
Feb. 19, 2017, 3:04 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
The stewardship of knowledge is sacred. It shouldn't be lorded over anyone that has the desire to learn.
Teaching without expectation is a way to honor Vellichor.
Written By Valery
Feb. 19, 2017, 3:02 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
I've been asked by a man to write some names on his skin to not forget them. With a knife. It was pretty scary... And really really weird.
The Duchess is dead. And it still feels irreal.
People is angry. And easy to upset.
People is sad.
And half of the time, people is drunk, trying to kill the other two feelings.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:38 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
Written By Lailah
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:33 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Written By Acacia
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:32 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Frankly, she was brilliant.
It takes a lot of guts and particular strong beliefs to stand up among a multitude of peers and denizens, silence bits of old habits and keep a list of etiquette rules at mind. It's harder when you haven't grown up around it and you find yourself utilizing that survival instinct to adapt to any situation instead. Many people can recognize this.
But she spoke words that even I had heard ushered from the lips of the Borough citizens that were frank and passionate.
The Iron Guard went through hard times. Their numbers may have been cut, but the process of getting to this point has left a bad taste from years of suffering through certain incidents in the Lower Boroughs. The Lord Commander Silas was one of those people who took up an early stance to try to stomp out the corruption that existed -- but the issue is - that it did exist and isn't something so easily stomped out.
With threats at the walls and soldiers needed more than ever, issues that are harsh at the backs of the people do little to ease minds. No one wants to have to worry about both their enemies in front of them, and unrest behind them.
It's a noble idea, that concept that the Iron Guard of the people shouldn't have a separate division that relies on castes or particular areas to be watched over. That concept of non-bias is certainly something that perhaps should ever be worked for. But the fact of the matter is, it does exist. It exists even in that same Assembly Hall which is separated by Great Houses, into the seating arrangements at the Black Rose Theatre and how the quadrants of Arx itself has grown to be overtime.
I don't think anyone is seeking to alter the status quo, to rise people up when they haven't been properly educated or guided by blood by this new concept of having a separate division for a Borough Guard. It certainly isn't for the sake of being unruly or breaking off to further add division. It's only a matter of trying to settle minds, ease tensions, and perhaps bring a greater sense of peace and unity to the common people. That also, is a noble idea.
There's no guarantee that it'll work. That's true. But there's a number of common people, who have proved themselves adept, who would fight for such an opportunity and crave it even now. Try something new, ease tensions, reduce the hardship to the Guard who already needs new recruits, and allow them to step forth so that the Compact can focus on more important things. Is that so terrible?
Written By Lailah
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:26 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
I am always available to be reached by messenger should anybody need help, just don't waste my time.
Written By Acacia
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:13 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Garza
That said. You know, there's nothing wrong with fat people, Garza. Or the vast majority of devious birds.
Written By Ford
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:04 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
No, not the horrors of battle. Not the shocking and stomach churning viscera that streaks battlefields red.
No.
I watched a man, and his skeleton crew, lure out six ships into a storm. I watched that man send those six ships to the depths without so much as a scratch, all while the storm threw his ship to and fro.
Mangata smiles down on Abbas Thrax. And that scares the shit out of me.
Written By Iona
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:03 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Branan
And then I met him again somewhere inbetween the Stacks of the Great Archive. He was just as pleasant as last time, but to disappoint any gutterbrains looking for scandal: there is none of that. Rather, he took the initiative of showering me in curious comments regarding historical footnotes, and finally showing me number of things after I displayed my inept bumbling about inside the stacks. Thanks to him I truly learned a great many things. Things no doubt Lailah could have told me had she been there; perhaps I'll drag her along to watch me making a fool of myself in the future. (Or maybe I'll just let her do all of it. That seems a far better use of everybodies time.)
Meanwhile, I'm waiting for a small token of my appreciation to be crafted so that I can adequately thank the man. One should not forget about the simple etiquette of appreciating those who help one out, after all. I suspect he will enjoy it, but I'll know for sure when I get to hand it to him personally.
Written By Valencia
Feb. 19, 2017, 1:59 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
There is much to be done in this city and I hope to to my part, with the greatest of joy and charity.
I have been told that I am lucky and I agree. All the people I have met, those who I love and care for so very deeply, those who I am growing closer to, how can this be anything but lucky.
And though this may seem a little thing for now, I think it has such great potential and I hope it will bring at least a little happiness and luck to others.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Sparte
Feb. 19, 2017, 1:54 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Written By Anabelle
Feb. 19, 2017, 1:52 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
Thank you.
Written By Margot
Feb. 19, 2017, 1:25 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
It is a lie.
You CAN go home again.
Written By Dominic
Feb. 19, 2017, 1:21 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Written By Anabelle
Feb. 19, 2017, 1:20 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Elrych
And now? Now you're asking if you can pursue a Lady. Literally, a Lady. You've grown, and I'm proud of you for it.
Written By Dominic
Feb. 19, 2017, 1:14 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Written By Jael
Feb. 19, 2017, 12:52 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
Written By Orazio
Feb. 19, 2017, 12:40 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
It is difficult to find the right words to express certain things about faith, and devotion to the Pantheon. Understand that when I speak, I come from the perspective of a man who gave up a noble title, and all hope of marriage to advance my family's needs, or children to raise and love as my own. A man who has served the gods for over twenty years, and has seen many come to, and leave, the devotion of the Faith. I do not regret this sacrifice. I did what my heart led me to do, and I do not condemn others for not following my footsteps. Duty to one's family, to one's name, is important. One serves Limerance as well in a marriage, as a parent, or a stalwart vassal or liege, as one does a priest. We are all called to our paths.
However, it disturbs me - offends me, if I must be honest - to see the gods approached as a means to an end, rather than as those who we follow in faith and trust. To see the blessings offered not as gifts to be humbly accepted and celebrated, but as tools to be used, mere mechanics to be followed simply for the effects that they might have. To see the Faith mocked and scorned with one hand, its authority disdained, while blessings are pleaded for with the other. More, to see people turn to any tradition that might give them the effects that they seek - caring not whether it is the Faith of the Pantheon, or shamanism. I wonder if the shamans feel any of the same concern that I do, to see so many of the nobility turn to talk of spirits and old gods not because they have any desire to worship or respect those traditions, but because those things might be useful. Because it is not faith that motivates such demands, but desire for power. Ah, but I know some will say, power is needed. We face a dire threat, one with power of its own in warriors and other resources. We must use every available resource to its fullest extent, or we shall lose.
I say, in return, that the gods of the Pantheon are not a resource to be used. Prayer is not simply mouthing the right words, making the right gestures, and getting the effect that you asked for in return. It had been my hope, as times began to grow dark, that we might see a revitalization of worship, a return to faith for those who had so long simply paid tithe, attended the occasional service, and mouthed the gods names at the right times. Instead, we are in danger of moving from apathy to idolatry, a desire to use the gods through the trappings of the Faith without asking of the gods, "What is your desire for me? What can I do to show you my devotion?"
But, Father, I may hear someone say, does this mean it is an offense to ask for the blessings of the gods? To ask for lands to be consecrated, the sick to be healed, and to pray for miracles? Of course not. The Faith has always provided blessings to the faithful. We have always consecrated lands and made them holy. We have always asked for the sick to be blessed by Lagoma...and then we have dispatched Mercies to do the work with our own hands, as well. The Faith has never ceased in these activities, even if they have gone unregarded and unremarked when the perceived 'need' is not as great. I only ask that before one asks a favor of the gods, one also asks, "What would the gods have of me?" and commits to seeing that through, whether the gods choose to grant your request or not.
Written By Cicero
Feb. 19, 2017, 12:24 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
cloth of silk lends gravitas
perhaps less than thrilled
Written By Luca
Feb. 19, 2017, 12:23 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.