Written By Agnarr
Dec. 19, 2016, 2:03 p.m.(6/6/1005 AR)
Should probably revise my farewells. Been thinking of the spirits wrong.
Written By Aldwin
Dec. 19, 2016, 10:41 a.m.(6/6/1005 AR)
We have, all of us, been so far removed from the events of our past that many of the references no longer have the proper context to understand them. Idioms take on a certain implied meaning even while we forget their origins; laws remain in effect without our understanding of the situations that gave rise to them. In many cases we choose to continue through this cultural understanding instead of digging deeper to understand the origins. This is not something we should be ashamed of, but we must also understand that there will come a time when we have to examine the world around us and ensure that what we do still makes sense for the world we live in.
To most of us, the term magic has come be a catchall phrase implying any application of unseen force to achieve a goal that does not involve physical action. We think of magic as anything where willpower and some measure of unknown momentum sets something in motion, and perhaps set to it the trappings of vile ritual and human sacrifice to achieve these ends. This definition, though, is imprecise and it captures phenomena in our collective consciousness that we should be excluding. Limerance's Laws, specifically the fourth, bands our use of magic and dealing with those beyond the Mirror, as these actions were what lead to the Reckoning. These laws do not, however, take into account that magic comes from man, while Miracles come form the gods themselves.
As one previous Dominus put it, "Magic is, of course, forbidden, due to the horrors of the Reckoning and the scourge of the Sylv'alfar that we all bore witness to. But we know not all magic comes from the folly of man. Some individuals will perform miracles, touched by the gods. One touched by Mangata might turn water to wine. One touched by Lagoma might shift flames, without knowing this is so. One touched by Vellichor might have the blessing, and the curse, to never forget. Rarely they know they have these gifts, but as Dominus, I felt wise to remind all that these are blessings."
It's important to remember this distinction. Not everything that's supernatural should be qualified as magic. The gods still look upon us and still offer us their guidance and their blessings. Whether this is the hand of Jayus gently guiding Myrinda Grayhope in tailoring, or the blessing of Lagoma healing the lame beggar on the corner. In this area we must question what we see. We must discern what is the charlatan's tricks, the gods blessings, or the work of forbidden magic. We must never just assume that it all falls into the same bucket.
To most of us, the term magic has come be a catchall phrase implying any application of unseen force to achieve a goal that does not involve physical action. We think of magic as anything where willpower and some measure of unknown momentum sets something in motion, and perhaps set to it the trappings of vile ritual and human sacrifice to achieve these ends. This definition, though, is imprecise and it captures phenomena in our collective consciousness that we should be excluding. Limerance's Laws, specifically the fourth, bands our use of magic and dealing with those beyond the Mirror, as these actions were what lead to the Reckoning. These laws do not, however, take into account that magic comes from man, while Miracles come form the gods themselves.
As one previous Dominus put it, "Magic is, of course, forbidden, due to the horrors of the Reckoning and the scourge of the Sylv'alfar that we all bore witness to. But we know not all magic comes from the folly of man. Some individuals will perform miracles, touched by the gods. One touched by Mangata might turn water to wine. One touched by Lagoma might shift flames, without knowing this is so. One touched by Vellichor might have the blessing, and the curse, to never forget. Rarely they know they have these gifts, but as Dominus, I felt wise to remind all that these are blessings."
It's important to remember this distinction. Not everything that's supernatural should be qualified as magic. The gods still look upon us and still offer us their guidance and their blessings. Whether this is the hand of Jayus gently guiding Myrinda Grayhope in tailoring, or the blessing of Lagoma healing the lame beggar on the corner. In this area we must question what we see. We must discern what is the charlatan's tricks, the gods blessings, or the work of forbidden magic. We must never just assume that it all falls into the same bucket.
Written By Larissa
Dec. 19, 2016, 3:06 a.m.(6/5/1005 AR)
I suppose that I must clarify a thing or two.. as it's been brought to my attention by someone quite dear to me that my intent may have been misinterpreted.
Regarding Saedrus Cicisbeo: He is mine.
He is mine the way the Moon belongs to the Sun. He is the brother of my heart and my soulmate. And as we stand together, he and I, heartache a tangible, choking thing around us - we find ourselves at a loss as though we are a great and mighty ship but our sail has been lost to the kind of storm that swallows ships whole without a second thought. No matter the fight. No matter the struggle. Grief is a dangerous Mistress and one that would render flesh from bone and have us believing it was mercy.
So, my darlings, No. My claim upon Saedrus is not one of monogamy, nor any other inexplicable limitation I may have implied to be put upon him and vice versa. We are Courtesans, it is our lifes work to entertain and serve the many glorious houses of Arx. It is quite simply that in our darkest hours, the places we must go where humanity is stripped from us and all that we see is the ugly and broken, unfixable parts of ourselves, our horror and sorrow and grief and self pity, that he shall not go alone. Wherever he stands, I will stand beside him. Through grief and heartache. Through loves lost and found. Through the sorrow of the past and the potential joys of the future.
Regarding Saedrus Cicisbeo: He is mine.
He is mine the way the Moon belongs to the Sun. He is the brother of my heart and my soulmate. And as we stand together, he and I, heartache a tangible, choking thing around us - we find ourselves at a loss as though we are a great and mighty ship but our sail has been lost to the kind of storm that swallows ships whole without a second thought. No matter the fight. No matter the struggle. Grief is a dangerous Mistress and one that would render flesh from bone and have us believing it was mercy.
So, my darlings, No. My claim upon Saedrus is not one of monogamy, nor any other inexplicable limitation I may have implied to be put upon him and vice versa. We are Courtesans, it is our lifes work to entertain and serve the many glorious houses of Arx. It is quite simply that in our darkest hours, the places we must go where humanity is stripped from us and all that we see is the ugly and broken, unfixable parts of ourselves, our horror and sorrow and grief and self pity, that he shall not go alone. Wherever he stands, I will stand beside him. Through grief and heartache. Through loves lost and found. Through the sorrow of the past and the potential joys of the future.
Written By Dominic
Dec. 19, 2016, 2:09 a.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Who the fuck is this Dominique and why do I keep getting messengers delivering his fucking mail to me?
Written By Nadia
Dec. 19, 2016, 12:07 a.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
He'll come back to me safe, I know he will.
Written By Nadia
Dec. 19, 2016, 12:06 a.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Godsdamn, I need a drink.
Written By Serafine
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:59 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Sometimes it takes a stranger speaking softly to finally listen to the same words loved ones have shouted at you for days.
Written By Harlan
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:46 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
It is good to have another Ashford man back from the wilds. Time will tell whether or not he shares his brother's shortcomings, but I don't believe that to be the case. He seems to have a decent head on his shoulders. Let's try to keep it there.
Written By Leo
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:42 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
Captain of the Valorous Few, a mercenary crew that operates around Arx. He was more at ease in my presence than I had expected and sharp enough to understand our situation. I will have to remember him for future endeavors.
Written By Harlan
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:40 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
I am in desperate need of a long, quiet hunt away from the city. I would usually want it to be solitary as well, but not this time. Perhaps that is a change in the right direction, or perhaps I am letting myself get too carried away. I don't know how one can trust themselves in these matters.
Written By Leo
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:36 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hana
Barely old enough to be called it, this young woman is still worthy of the title Master Smith. Such a strange juxtaposition between who she is as a crafter and a person, but I appreciate competence in all forms.
Written By Julea
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:30 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
todway tow mroge siklps camme down to murqer of croks. but at least chtey were onot stuicd nouh to wear sks lknie tuhat svoty obchr. and bwe had msbhine nad i drank ua lot. i love you all aznd i hoepe ti dotn' diue tomorrowswww. if ei dfo sell everythhing pin mry shtop and aesnd it hto father. also favite epoyple in acrx form top bto bottmo: aauaaaaudc gaaarza azecee arren faajoa oivaaaa srstisund saifvne [what follows is a very long list of mis-spelled names that ends with] vainenca.
Written By Leo
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:28 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
High Lord Edain's younger sister, it was only recently that I had the opportunity to speak with her for the first time. She impressed me. Like all of her brothers, I expect she will bring honor to her house.
Written By Damon
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:15 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
The tension here in Arx seems to be boiling over. The unity that was so hard fought to achieve among the great houses is easily melting down. People are secluding themselves to their families and their families only.
Seclusion and conspiratorial glances over shoulders has become the norm.
Is hardship all it takes for a promising call of unity to fall to pieces? Is the fear of the unknown all it takes for us to erect walls, intent on keeping anyone else out?
Surely this wasn't what was intended. To champion unity only to become as divided as ever.
Seclusion and conspiratorial glances over shoulders has become the norm.
Is hardship all it takes for a promising call of unity to fall to pieces? Is the fear of the unknown all it takes for us to erect walls, intent on keeping anyone else out?
Surely this wasn't what was intended. To champion unity only to become as divided as ever.
Written By Branan
Dec. 18, 2016, 11:08 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
I ought to know better than to involve my emotions in any transaction.
I ought.
I ought.
Written By Kieran
Dec. 18, 2016, 10:52 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
My dear, deeply loved, and very stoic brother Darren is a bit of a bore at times, but at least he puts up with my antics with a smile. I think with both Deva and I, we have broken his will enough that he can't put up too much of a fight or get too angry when he finds frogs in his bed or hears we have been out drinking all night and the tavern was set on fire. That just comes with the territory of being the oldest sibling. The suffering we have put him through has been good preparation for dealing with the rigors of politics in the city, so, in essence, that tavern fire was simply my way of helping him prepare and be a better ruler. Aren't I the greatest and most thoughful brother ever?
Written By Valkieri
Dec. 18, 2016, 10:48 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Zaccheri
I saw you today. You appeared in front of me, and you were real. You reached to touch me, and your touch was ice.
All I wanted was for you to stay.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
All I wanted was for you to stay.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Aleksei
Dec. 18, 2016, 10:47 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Pretty cool for a silk. Well, anyone who gives me free alcohol is cool in my books.
Written By Kieran
Dec. 18, 2016, 10:46 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Friends, family, and a few priests of Vellichor have been prodding me, telling me I really should write down my thoughts in this empty book reserved just for this very silly purpose. Until recently, I ignored them, but it was pointed out that, with a position under the Crown, it would look a bit poorly if I kept ignoring my duties to the gods. Here I am then, jotting down a few words to keep people happy. You, nosy person of the present or studious future person, you have better things to do than read this. Go cause some trouble, stir up a bit of chaos, bring a smile to someone's face.
Anyways, I have been living in the city for about a year now. It went from a warm, idle spring to a summer of sadness, a winter of sorrow, and now another spring, this one of tense foreboding. To liven things up and take people's minds off of present events, Lady Regent Dawn felt it a wise decision to name me to a new position, Master of Revelry. I am to organize events and monitor morale in an effort to keep the populace smiling. Lucky me!
Anyways, I have been living in the city for about a year now. It went from a warm, idle spring to a summer of sadness, a winter of sorrow, and now another spring, this one of tense foreboding. To liven things up and take people's minds off of present events, Lady Regent Dawn felt it a wise decision to name me to a new position, Master of Revelry. I am to organize events and monitor morale in an effort to keep the populace smiling. Lucky me!
Written By Niccolo
Dec. 18, 2016, 10:46 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
You're wise beyond your years. You've always had a way to make me see things in a different way. To look at things from all angles.
I've missed having you with the family. I'm certainly glad you are now.
I've missed having you with the family. I'm certainly glad you are now.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.