Written By Bethany
Jan. 24, 2017, 6:25 a.m.(10/1/1005 AR)
[ I considered secreting this away in the Black Reflections. But, in good faith, I could not. ]
Fidelity - the element of consistency.
The basis for reliable thought, reason, morals, ethics, trust and loyalty. It is most valuable when applied to most worthy ideas, deeds, or principles. Fidelity is neither fickleness -an arbitrary and unwarranted change-nor obstinacy-unfounded persistence or stubbornness. It is a consistency of thought, reason, morality, and loyalty that persists until some more profound truth, greater good, or more worthy affiliation becomes clear.
I have always told you that I hold myself by a certain set of standards for myself. As such, to be impeccable with my word. Trustworthiness is fidelity to my word. I strive to be trustworthy. Another - abstain from hypocrisy. Align actions to my words. Be consistent. Be true to those who matter most. Seek truth. Seek insight. Know and learn.
I am not trustworthy - I am hypocritical - I am inconsistent - I am cruel to those that matter the most.
(I could list those ways.)
Consistency; it is a choice. To steal from philosophers, I would not be free in my fidelity-it would be imposed upon me by this process. As such, my fidelity would not be morally right (or wrong) and I would not be worthy of praise for my fidelity. For my fidelity to be commendable, it would have to be something that I freely chose as a matter of will.
I choose: to love you - without restraint, to claim you - without hesitation. I chose you as person based on a free and rational choice rather than being locked into fidelity by a stew of passion and emotion. This seems rather cold and calculating-after all, love is supposed to be something one falls into rather than something that one chooses.
I also choose: to love others. To love is to become vulnerable - to love is to open your heart to possibility - willingly; unwillingly. Little did I know that when I opened my heart to you, there would be room enough for others - there, in my heart, is where there is no one that is as important as you are. At the start of every day, when your eyes open - you will see me. At day's end - I will be there.
How else to ally your fears, soothe your jealousy -- than this?
B. Mercier.
Fidelity - the element of consistency.
The basis for reliable thought, reason, morals, ethics, trust and loyalty. It is most valuable when applied to most worthy ideas, deeds, or principles. Fidelity is neither fickleness -an arbitrary and unwarranted change-nor obstinacy-unfounded persistence or stubbornness. It is a consistency of thought, reason, morality, and loyalty that persists until some more profound truth, greater good, or more worthy affiliation becomes clear.
I have always told you that I hold myself by a certain set of standards for myself. As such, to be impeccable with my word. Trustworthiness is fidelity to my word. I strive to be trustworthy. Another - abstain from hypocrisy. Align actions to my words. Be consistent. Be true to those who matter most. Seek truth. Seek insight. Know and learn.
I am not trustworthy - I am hypocritical - I am inconsistent - I am cruel to those that matter the most.
(I could list those ways.)
Consistency; it is a choice. To steal from philosophers, I would not be free in my fidelity-it would be imposed upon me by this process. As such, my fidelity would not be morally right (or wrong) and I would not be worthy of praise for my fidelity. For my fidelity to be commendable, it would have to be something that I freely chose as a matter of will.
I choose: to love you - without restraint, to claim you - without hesitation. I chose you as person based on a free and rational choice rather than being locked into fidelity by a stew of passion and emotion. This seems rather cold and calculating-after all, love is supposed to be something one falls into rather than something that one chooses.
I also choose: to love others. To love is to become vulnerable - to love is to open your heart to possibility - willingly; unwillingly. Little did I know that when I opened my heart to you, there would be room enough for others - there, in my heart, is where there is no one that is as important as you are. At the start of every day, when your eyes open - you will see me. At day's end - I will be there.
How else to ally your fears, soothe your jealousy -- than this?
B. Mercier.
Written By Preston
Jan. 24, 2017, 3:19 a.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Felix
Never that! When my custodianship of your crafting is concluded, another will lift it up.
And from them, another.
The Faith does not have the honor of ancient heirlooms, but we do not cast aside what serves the gods. In time Banisher will be known among my brothers and sisters. I do not expect so in my lifetime: I speak not from pride but faith. It will take time and generations for such honors.
But we are begun upon a path.
But... no. I did not expect such... controversy, over the idea that a defender of the Most Holy would be so equipped. Alas.
And from them, another.
The Faith does not have the honor of ancient heirlooms, but we do not cast aside what serves the gods. In time Banisher will be known among my brothers and sisters. I do not expect so in my lifetime: I speak not from pride but faith. It will take time and generations for such honors.
But we are begun upon a path.
But... no. I did not expect such... controversy, over the idea that a defender of the Most Holy would be so equipped. Alas.
Written By Preston
Jan. 24, 2017, 3:15 a.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
As the Legate of Concepts as so spoken, I do embrace his wisdom that I acknowledge greater then my own.
Princess, I offer you my compassion and sincere hope that you return to the embrace of the Faith, and should you have any desire at all to speak to one such as I, then I will welcome that opportunity.
We are both children of the gods, and the Faith is both our salvation and our sanctuary. I understand that you may see an act of excommunication as a door closing, but I assure you, it is not. The Faith is open to you.
I will pray your return to the fold and if there is anything at all I can do to aide it with honor, I will do it.
Princess, I offer you my compassion and sincere hope that you return to the embrace of the Faith, and should you have any desire at all to speak to one such as I, then I will welcome that opportunity.
We are both children of the gods, and the Faith is both our salvation and our sanctuary. I understand that you may see an act of excommunication as a door closing, but I assure you, it is not. The Faith is open to you.
I will pray your return to the fold and if there is anything at all I can do to aide it with honor, I will do it.
Written By Calandra
Jan. 24, 2017, 2:09 a.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Oh, it is product by the Jeweler Joscelin. My apologizes. In my joy, I wrote too fast.
-The Whispering Songbird.
-The Whispering Songbird.
Written By Calandra
Jan. 24, 2017, 2:07 a.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Festival Prizes and Donations
Thank you everyone who donated. Here is the list.
Rubicund custom crafted weapon of choice - from Prince Darren, Captain Audric, Larissa Whisper, Calandra Whisper. (Smith Hana, Smith Julea and Smith Felix offered to craft.)
Rubicund custom crafted breastplate - Count Max and Black Mountain Trading
Largesse - Provided by Lady Juliet
Steel Sword - Crafted by Ms. Julea
Custom crafted steal sword - by Ms. Ida
Voucher for 5,000 silver worth of produce - by Jeweler Joscelin
Sapphire Necklace - Princess Eleyna
Jade Necklace - Radiant Selene
One Week of Sword Training - Sword Master Costas
Porcelain Tea Set - Marquesa Samantha
Wooden tables - Sir Silas
Custom Perfume - Mirari Whisper
Silver Fox Cloak - Sir Rymarr
Winter Cloak - Ms. Leola
Spread of Food - Ms. Bethany
Blushing Nightingale Wine - Sir Silas
Southport Wines - Healer Eirene
2 Crowns - Radiant Selene
Thank you everyone who donated. Here is the list.
Rubicund custom crafted weapon of choice - from Prince Darren, Captain Audric, Larissa Whisper, Calandra Whisper. (Smith Hana, Smith Julea and Smith Felix offered to craft.)
Rubicund custom crafted breastplate - Count Max and Black Mountain Trading
Largesse - Provided by Lady Juliet
Steel Sword - Crafted by Ms. Julea
Custom crafted steal sword - by Ms. Ida
Voucher for 5,000 silver worth of produce - by Jeweler Joscelin
Sapphire Necklace - Princess Eleyna
Jade Necklace - Radiant Selene
One Week of Sword Training - Sword Master Costas
Porcelain Tea Set - Marquesa Samantha
Wooden tables - Sir Silas
Custom Perfume - Mirari Whisper
Silver Fox Cloak - Sir Rymarr
Winter Cloak - Ms. Leola
Spread of Food - Ms. Bethany
Blushing Nightingale Wine - Sir Silas
Southport Wines - Healer Eirene
2 Crowns - Radiant Selene
Written By Calandra
Jan. 24, 2017, 1:39 a.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Princess Eleyna Velenosa donated a lovely necklace made of many sapphires to the Festival a a prize. Thank you Princess, it so beautiful.
Written By Calandra
Jan. 24, 2017, 12:55 a.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Max
Count Max of Darkwater and Black Mountain Trading has offered to provide the funds to have a personalized rubicund breast plate commissioned for a winner at the festival.
Thank you Count Max!
In order to qualify one must meet the following:
1. Be a commoner
2. Be a warrior, sellsword or fighter.
3. Be willing to state they have the intention of keeping and using the breast plate (not selling such)
4. They must not have a rubicund or greater breastplate already.
5. Not be part of the Culler family (Sorry Uncle Torian and Gibson!)
6. Be willing to state they will attempt to use the armor to help defend Compact and/or the boroughs against Bringers if need be.
-The Whispering Bird
Thank you Count Max!
In order to qualify one must meet the following:
1. Be a commoner
2. Be a warrior, sellsword or fighter.
3. Be willing to state they have the intention of keeping and using the breast plate (not selling such)
4. They must not have a rubicund or greater breastplate already.
5. Not be part of the Culler family (Sorry Uncle Torian and Gibson!)
6. Be willing to state they will attempt to use the armor to help defend Compact and/or the boroughs against Bringers if need be.
-The Whispering Bird
Written By Calandra
Jan. 24, 2017, 12:35 a.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Relating to the Rubicund weapon, I will be not allowing Cullers to compete for such since the Festival is hosted by a Culler and on our new lands, such could be dishonorable. I apologize to my Uncle Torian and my Cousin Gibson.
Written By Calandra
Jan. 24, 2017, 12:21 a.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Hana Grayhope, Felix Arterius and Julea Sanguine all offered to craft the Rubicund weapon. I have heard they are all wonderful smiths and I found myself utterly unable to choose between them. I decided to let the winner of the weapon pick their smith.
I should note that qualify for the weapon the following must be in place:
1. The winner must be a commoner.
2. The winner must not already own a Rubicund or greater weapon than such.
3. The winner must be a warrior, fighter or sellsword who is trained to use a weapon.
4. The winner must be willing to state they plan to keep their weapon (not sell such)
5. The winner must be wiling to state they plan to use their weapon against bringers or in defense of Compact should the need arise.
-Nightingale
I should note that qualify for the weapon the following must be in place:
1. The winner must be a commoner.
2. The winner must not already own a Rubicund or greater weapon than such.
3. The winner must be a warrior, fighter or sellsword who is trained to use a weapon.
4. The winner must be willing to state they plan to keep their weapon (not sell such)
5. The winner must be wiling to state they plan to use their weapon against bringers or in defense of Compact should the need arise.
-Nightingale
Written By Calandra
Jan. 23, 2017, 11:41 p.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Costas
Costas offered a week of training in the art of sword work as a prize for the festival. Thank you Costas
Written By Calandra
Jan. 23, 2017, 11:39 p.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
I have the best news! Funds to have a Rubicund weapon will be provided as a prize at the Festival of the Commons. This is thanks to Prince Darren who gave 10,000 silver, Captain Audric who gave 10,000 silver and Larissa Whisper gave 500 silver. I will provide the rest of the silver needed to finish the refining. The prize will be given to a commoner warrior who is devoted to helping protect the boroughs and fighter the bringers.
-Songbird.
-Songbird.
Written By Calandra
Jan. 23, 2017, 10:53 p.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
The crafter Joscelin offered a 5,000 silver voucher for her products as a prize. Amazing, 5,000!
Written By Sebell
Jan. 23, 2017, 10:10 p.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
To the Faithful
At a time such as this, I believe it is pertinent to remind all followers of the Pantheon that Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Azure Mother, Pearl of Grace, Bright Star of the Ocean, Queen of Tempests and Typhoon (I ran out ‘em!) ...Mangata... is ever present in her Spirits, to drown away all worry and make old friends of all kinds.
Brother Sebell
At a time such as this, I believe it is pertinent to remind all followers of the Pantheon that Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Azure Mother, Pearl of Grace, Bright Star of the Ocean, Queen of Tempests and Typhoon (I ran out ‘em!) ...Mangata... is ever present in her Spirits, to drown away all worry and make old friends of all kinds.
Brother Sebell
Written By Felix
Jan. 23, 2017, 9:47 p.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
That was...an interesting turn of events, my friend. One would think I sold you something entirely useless. Like a pig in a tiara.
Written By Eleyna
Jan. 23, 2017, 8:55 p.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
At last, after much hassle and a expenditures of favors both promised and owed, I've brought Jiacomo to Arx. He's been my father's servant since before I was born and, by extension, he's been a steadfast presence in my life when few others have been. Beyond that, he's loyal, he's clever, and he's discreet. Father nearly didn't let him come, but I made an offer he couldn't refuse.
Serafine should be pleased.
Father is decidedly less so, but, I got my way, so I can't bring myself to care.
Serafine should be pleased.
Father is decidedly less so, but, I got my way, so I can't bring myself to care.
Written By Mydas
Jan. 23, 2017, 8:39 p.m.(9/28/1005 AR)
Aurum is taking his entrance within society relatively well, for a direwolf who has been used to the northern mountains for most of his life. He still growls and glares more than the norm, but I assume that once he's used to Arx, he'll be back to dismissing everything and everyone with a snort. No one tried to pet him so far, which is definitely a plus.
Written By Serafine
Jan. 23, 2017, 7:15 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Torian
Never underestimate the skilled hands of a master craftsman.
I may never take off these boots ever again.
I may never take off these boots ever again.
Written By Rymarr
Jan. 23, 2017, 6:33 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
It feels as though it has been an age since I first arrived in Arx. That first day I took my oath to His Majesty and began my duty alongside my fellow knights of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard. It was, and is, an honor to serve alongside many of the greatest knights in all of Arvum. The King's Own operate within special circumstances, their sworn oath of loyalty held to the one who wears the Crown of the Compact. As a result they maintain a position of neutrality, their only concern being the protection of His Majesty and His interests. In effect this allows for a humble servant of His Majesty to look upon matters from afar and recognize when problems present themselves; without bias. Of course, I digress, as this is not the purpose behind this entry in my public memoirs.
No, this is to speak of the atmosphere of the city upon my first arrival. Jovial people walked the streets, talking of unity and cohesion, that no matter the danger looming on the horizon that we must always maintain our bonds of friendship to one another, within our Compact. Paramount to all we must remember that our survival is not segregated from one another, but instead dependent upon one another. How have those sentiments been so quickly forgotten? We now face infighting on a daily basis. It has not erupted into wholesale violence yet, but unless our people turn their eyes and the focus of their ire to the enemies quickly approaching our gates, it will. Do not forget those months ago, that now feel as though it were an age past, when unity was the word of the day. Mistakes have been made on the behalf of some, but it has been nothing which we can not rebound and progress from.
It is not something which I speak of regularly, but I will mention it now in the hope that it will provide some perspective. I have fought a Bringer. Alone? No. I, accompanying many others, fought off an attack cast toward our number in the Gray Forest. Threatened by Abandoned which had been corrupted and their apparent Bringer master, we defended ourselves against that attack. While many of the corrupted Abandoned sought to waylay those who traveled with the then Lady Regent Dawn and her retinue, the Bringer approached the Lady Regent herself. Faced by over a half dozen of the King's Own, a war hound, the Lady Regent, and myself - as well as a number of our companions which broke off from the fighting with the Abandoned once they were able - we engaged that thing. Cut upon cut, slash upon slash, stab upon stab, it endured. It took nearly half a score of armed, skilled, and determined men and women to see the thing felled. One. It took roughly ten warriors to fell one. It was not a feat which could have been easily, or readily, accomplished by a lone warrior. The resilience of that opponent was too great for a single sword to overcome. It took a coordinated effort to harry the thing until it could fight no longer.
Keep this in mind the next time you, or a loved one, may wish to cast stones within their own Compact. They should be readying their stones to be cast toward the forest and the tide that approaches. Unity must still be maintained and the schisms forming within ourselves must be mended. Threats remain within and such must be acknowledged. Our vigilance must be constant, though our petty squabbles must not. Return to the discussions of combined efforts and unity, the survival of the whole demands it.
In Service,
Sir Rymarr Lyonesse
First Captain of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard
9/27/1005 AR
No, this is to speak of the atmosphere of the city upon my first arrival. Jovial people walked the streets, talking of unity and cohesion, that no matter the danger looming on the horizon that we must always maintain our bonds of friendship to one another, within our Compact. Paramount to all we must remember that our survival is not segregated from one another, but instead dependent upon one another. How have those sentiments been so quickly forgotten? We now face infighting on a daily basis. It has not erupted into wholesale violence yet, but unless our people turn their eyes and the focus of their ire to the enemies quickly approaching our gates, it will. Do not forget those months ago, that now feel as though it were an age past, when unity was the word of the day. Mistakes have been made on the behalf of some, but it has been nothing which we can not rebound and progress from.
It is not something which I speak of regularly, but I will mention it now in the hope that it will provide some perspective. I have fought a Bringer. Alone? No. I, accompanying many others, fought off an attack cast toward our number in the Gray Forest. Threatened by Abandoned which had been corrupted and their apparent Bringer master, we defended ourselves against that attack. While many of the corrupted Abandoned sought to waylay those who traveled with the then Lady Regent Dawn and her retinue, the Bringer approached the Lady Regent herself. Faced by over a half dozen of the King's Own, a war hound, the Lady Regent, and myself - as well as a number of our companions which broke off from the fighting with the Abandoned once they were able - we engaged that thing. Cut upon cut, slash upon slash, stab upon stab, it endured. It took nearly half a score of armed, skilled, and determined men and women to see the thing felled. One. It took roughly ten warriors to fell one. It was not a feat which could have been easily, or readily, accomplished by a lone warrior. The resilience of that opponent was too great for a single sword to overcome. It took a coordinated effort to harry the thing until it could fight no longer.
Keep this in mind the next time you, or a loved one, may wish to cast stones within their own Compact. They should be readying their stones to be cast toward the forest and the tide that approaches. Unity must still be maintained and the schisms forming within ourselves must be mended. Threats remain within and such must be acknowledged. Our vigilance must be constant, though our petty squabbles must not. Return to the discussions of combined efforts and unity, the survival of the whole demands it.
In Service,
Sir Rymarr Lyonesse
First Captain of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard
9/27/1005 AR
Written By Samantha
Jan. 23, 2017, 4:18 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
What we have here is an excellent example of an old saying in Deepwood: "Don't lose the forest for the trees." Translated; don't pay so much attention to the individual details that you lose sight of the bigger picture. (The reverse is also true, pay too much attention to the broad scope of what you see and you lose important detail.)
It is entirely reasonable, given the weight of condemning evidence, to look at an exorbitant expense on behalf of a singular Templar and merit it worthy of investigation. It is equally reasonable to simply produce the information regarding the details of the transaction and reasonable assurance from trusted sources that it was a legitimate purchase that the Faith as a whole validates.
However, this does not mean that all other evidence that condemns the Dominus is to be automatically dismissed. His writings and his actions prove him to be heretical and unworthy of the lofty, sacred position he holds. The Faith has taken a blow - and the person I frankly feel most sorry for is Sir Preston; who I believe is sincere in his actions and his piety. That he has unknowingly come under the patronage and influence of this corrupt man should be regarded with sympathy and empathy.
If there are those who would dispute the evidence of Fawkul's own hand, I'm sure we would all be interested in seeing their proof.
It is entirely reasonable, given the weight of condemning evidence, to look at an exorbitant expense on behalf of a singular Templar and merit it worthy of investigation. It is equally reasonable to simply produce the information regarding the details of the transaction and reasonable assurance from trusted sources that it was a legitimate purchase that the Faith as a whole validates.
However, this does not mean that all other evidence that condemns the Dominus is to be automatically dismissed. His writings and his actions prove him to be heretical and unworthy of the lofty, sacred position he holds. The Faith has taken a blow - and the person I frankly feel most sorry for is Sir Preston; who I believe is sincere in his actions and his piety. That he has unknowingly come under the patronage and influence of this corrupt man should be regarded with sympathy and empathy.
If there are those who would dispute the evidence of Fawkul's own hand, I'm sure we would all be interested in seeing their proof.
Written By Merek
Jan. 23, 2017, 4:11 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
I've been learning more about how to use a weapon in these trying times, and even done a little sparring. Not much support has been given to me as of the moment, but I'm still hopeful about it all. That said, had a chance to sit with a friend and talk, and enjoy my new patronage. It has been quite the experience to be here in Arx, if a little bit hard to make friends!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.