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Written By Simone

Feb. 19, 2017, 3:04 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

From what I have always heard in my lessons on the Faith:

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)

Things are weird...
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

I trust Percephon enough to help me out when I get lost in the library ... BUT (And this is underlined, and written with a bold line of link:) I DEFINITELY DON'T TRUST HIM NOT TO TEASE ME ABOUT IT.

Written By Lailah

Feb. 19, 2017, 2:33 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Sparte

I hope he realizes my anger lies not with him, but in whom sent him to me. He's a poor, naive fool, and for his own sake I hope he learns quickly that nothing is free, and all must be earned.

Written By Acacia

Feb. 19, 2017, 2:32 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

I'd heard Mistress Julea Sanguine's name more than a time or two. Given that she's Prince Darren Redrain's protege, a known member of the Commoner's Council, and a worthy one to remember in the Valorous Few. Heard a couple other things too - that she was a bit crass and that fiery temper of hers made her seem impatient. It was a lot of words for someone I'd never crossed paths with. As such, I didn't know what to expect at the Assembly when it was her turn to speak on the Borough's situation.

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)

There are some things about me that I feel have been made unclear, and to all that find this I would like to remind you that my time as a Prelate and a Scholar is valuable, as is my personal and family business. If you wish my assistance, please be assured that you are not wasting my time first. I am not unreasonable, but one thing I am not is a charity, and I'm not in the business of issuing loans of silver. If you want my help, I am prepared to give it, but see to it that you have something OF VALUE to offer in return.

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

I like the man. I don't know him well enough for hate to come into play. Not yet. He's possessed of a witty tongue, a capable hand, and the ability to keep silent when it's good for his health. Those are all excellent characteristics for keeping one alive, don't you think? I told him that I'd want to pry through his mind at some point, and I imagine I'll make good on that.

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

I've seen some shit.

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

The first time I met this man was when he was tending the flowers and other memorials at the bridge to remember the late Archduchess Esera Velenosa. He is very respectable and well-spoken, and I quite enjoyed my talk with him, as short as it was.

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)

It has taken some time and so much work, but I think soon everyone will know my Hart and I hope they love it as much as I do.

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)

Today was a disaster. I've been wanting to learn more since I got to the city, and when I was told somebody would pay for me to learn I should've realized it was too good to be true. They must think I'm a fool, and they're probably right.

Written By Anabelle

Feb. 19, 2017, 1:52 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Bianca

It was not that long ago that I was looking at the entirety of the world though the lens that I had formed around me. The shell that once held all that I knew and all that I am. A task for one led me to another, and they to you. Along the way I stumbled and fell, a crack formed in that glass, a crack that grew as I met you. Now it shattered, and I've had to look at everything with a new point of reference.

Thank you.

Written By Margot

Feb. 19, 2017, 1:25 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

Today I stood in Tyde's new hall.
It is a lie.
You CAN go home again.

Written By Dominic

Feb. 19, 2017, 1:21 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

The guildmaster met with me after meeting her outside the assembly to treat her dog which was sick. Arx is a very difficult place, the Gray Forest makes it so ticks and fleas live unhindered. Then you bring a dog who is not comfortable with the region and you have allot of health issues. I have been exporting dogs from the isles and have been having to deal with allot of this. An apocathery taught me a tea to feed the hounds that has seem to be working but I am thinking of bringing a generation or two to the Thrax ward and raise a couple of the next generations here. They have been very succesful in tracking the bringers which has provided allot of interest to see them in action by the other wards. Duchess Calista even inquired about having a couple dogs in her villa, I have to find a breed that can serve two purposes, one of security and aesthetics so that they they are more attractive to the noble looking to protect their home. Captains do not really care if their dogs are ugly as long as they can defend their ship. My family and vassals like Darkwater and Grimhall have all been very supporting, I hope they are content with the dogs.

Written By Anabelle

Feb. 19, 2017, 1:20 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Elrych

It seems so odd. To think not that long ago we were all back home, and I remember you training with the other Knights. I remember you flattening that one with his head in the clouds, the arc of your waster as it rang off the helmet like a dead knell. And then he kinda flopped over with a clatter, and it took nearly three minutes to get him back on his feet.

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)

I met with Khanne and Rowan to speak about the Spirit Walkers. Lord Rowan belongs to Greenmarch, a house I was not too familiar with until after that day. Lady Khanne is a daughter of Halfshav. Halfshav shamans have this very interesting philosophy of which I learned about long ago in my life, unaware that it originated from the Lady's house. The Halfshav believe that there are many truths, each belonging to an individual. That means they are open to external ideas and if they agree with them they adopt them without abandonding their own tradition. It is a very comfortable way of thinking, an ancient way that feels progressive and ahead of its time.

Written By Jael

Feb. 19, 2017, 12:52 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Percephon

Always enjoyable, with an excellent sense of humor. And yet I think there's something much deeper beneath all of that as well. Easy to talk to, even if I wonder if you're hearing far more than I'm saying.

Written By Orazio

Feb. 19, 2017, 12:40 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

To the Faithful Reader:

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)

a gift delivered
cloth of silk lends gravitas
perhaps less than thrilled

Written By Luca

Feb. 19, 2017, 12:23 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)

Another day, another hangover. You know it's fucking bad when _I_ recognize that I'm drinking too much. I need to find a way to heal before this despondency rots me away from the inside out and leads me to a messy end. I need a challenge. Maybe killing Brand will be enough, though I doubt it.

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