Written By Orazio
Dec. 13, 2016, 10:46 a.m.(5/16/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
I found myself in the peculiar position of having to intervene in a philosophical quarrel among two of my acolytes this morning. They seemed to be discussing, with some excitement, a recent journal turned into the Archives, of which some enterprising clergy have already made copies of. I say "journal" and not "journal entry", because it was no less than thirty pages long. I don't quite understand how those under my care have the time to go trawling the archives, reading random journals, until they find something interesting - but rest assured, dear reader, I have a solution for that.
Still, once I gave the acolytes more suitable tasks, I could not help but sit down and read through the pages, myself. They are quite well-written. If I had to offer a critique at all, it would be that the argument devotes too little time to a bedrock legal assumption of the Compact: with very few exceptions, the lord or lady of a region determines the laws and their punishments. The paper points out that in every other region, the lords and ladies of Arvum are in accord with their position against slavery (and neglects, sadly, to mention the Faith's long-standing condemnation of such, and the scriptural support for it), and in this, the paper is not incorrect. It simply fails to account for the precedent set for the Crown to openly intervene in a practice of a Great House's land in a matter that is not immediately, and directly, relevant to the survival of the Compact. To endanger that risks endangering the ability of the Great Houses to trust that their right to self rule will be respected, and thus, can be a clarion call to civil war. When one does moral calculations, even against a great and persistent evil, one must also consider the effects of intemperate action. It is, sadly, quite possible to burn down a city while attempting to save a single house.
Unfortunately, the copy I have of the text is signed only with a single name, and no indication of family or fealty. I wish it were not so, for I would desire to speak to this gentleman at length; he might have a stellar career under the Sentinel, if he wished it. Or at least a rousing legal discussion or two.
I found myself in the peculiar position of having to intervene in a philosophical quarrel among two of my acolytes this morning. They seemed to be discussing, with some excitement, a recent journal turned into the Archives, of which some enterprising clergy have already made copies of. I say "journal" and not "journal entry", because it was no less than thirty pages long. I don't quite understand how those under my care have the time to go trawling the archives, reading random journals, until they find something interesting - but rest assured, dear reader, I have a solution for that.
Still, once I gave the acolytes more suitable tasks, I could not help but sit down and read through the pages, myself. They are quite well-written. If I had to offer a critique at all, it would be that the argument devotes too little time to a bedrock legal assumption of the Compact: with very few exceptions, the lord or lady of a region determines the laws and their punishments. The paper points out that in every other region, the lords and ladies of Arvum are in accord with their position against slavery (and neglects, sadly, to mention the Faith's long-standing condemnation of such, and the scriptural support for it), and in this, the paper is not incorrect. It simply fails to account for the precedent set for the Crown to openly intervene in a practice of a Great House's land in a matter that is not immediately, and directly, relevant to the survival of the Compact. To endanger that risks endangering the ability of the Great Houses to trust that their right to self rule will be respected, and thus, can be a clarion call to civil war. When one does moral calculations, even against a great and persistent evil, one must also consider the effects of intemperate action. It is, sadly, quite possible to burn down a city while attempting to save a single house.
Unfortunately, the copy I have of the text is signed only with a single name, and no indication of family or fealty. I wish it were not so, for I would desire to speak to this gentleman at length; he might have a stellar career under the Sentinel, if he wished it. Or at least a rousing legal discussion or two.
Written By Julea
Dec. 13, 2016, 9:38 a.m.(5/15/1005 AR)
It has been quite an eventful few days, with the unexpected happening and I don't know quite what to think about it, except that it is probably one of those things that one shouldn't probably think about too much and instead just do and that is what I did.
I finished the gift for the Swan, and he seemed pleased with it. And it pleases me that he liked it. And hopefully it will lead to more work as people spot it out and about and decide that they too must have such a truly wonderous weapon.
I sparred again with Agnarr. This time it was a little more even, partially because I had some of the patches in my gear mended, which held just a bit better against the weight of his blade than it did before. I lead for the first three quarters of the fight, but still. He is stronger than I am fast. And his steel able to turn away more blows.
Saw the wrestling match too, it was quite the event with my Patron and my favourite Redrain in attendance, and I had the opportunity to meet with a few more of their family. The banter between them makes me home sick for my father and my friends. I think I will write a letter to them tomorrow.
Julea
15th of May
I finished the gift for the Swan, and he seemed pleased with it. And it pleases me that he liked it. And hopefully it will lead to more work as people spot it out and about and decide that they too must have such a truly wonderous weapon.
I sparred again with Agnarr. This time it was a little more even, partially because I had some of the patches in my gear mended, which held just a bit better against the weight of his blade than it did before. I lead for the first three quarters of the fight, but still. He is stronger than I am fast. And his steel able to turn away more blows.
Saw the wrestling match too, it was quite the event with my Patron and my favourite Redrain in attendance, and I had the opportunity to meet with a few more of their family. The banter between them makes me home sick for my father and my friends. I think I will write a letter to them tomorrow.
Julea
15th of May
Written By Silas
Dec. 13, 2016, 8:06 a.m.(5/15/1005 AR)
I intend to give out sets of essential clothing from the shelter in the near future, preferably to those in need. I have inquired after my fellow crafters to assist me since I'm really, really terrible at sewing.
Perhaps I shall present them in chests, too.
Perhaps I shall present them in chests, too.
Written By Lark
Dec. 13, 2016, 2:17 a.m.(5/15/1005 AR)
A messenger came today bearing an anonymous gift.
I find myself revisiting the short list of all the people in Arvum that would send me such treasure: A bird of course, which tells me it can only have been from a man.
...I'm briefly reminded of years ago when a certain Lord who shall remain nameless sent me a bird in a cage. Can you imagine such a romantic gesture? I shamed the poor man until he set it free. A lark, obviously. Anything else would have been too subtle!
This bird, though... in full flight with its fierce face and form, carved out of a gemstone bolder than anything I dare to own. There's no cage, here. A dangerous little creature. Mysterious and thought provoking.
I find myself revisiting the short list of all the people in Arvum that would send me such treasure: A bird of course, which tells me it can only have been from a man.
...I'm briefly reminded of years ago when a certain Lord who shall remain nameless sent me a bird in a cage. Can you imagine such a romantic gesture? I shamed the poor man until he set it free. A lark, obviously. Anything else would have been too subtle!
This bird, though... in full flight with its fierce face and form, carved out of a gemstone bolder than anything I dare to own. There's no cage, here. A dangerous little creature. Mysterious and thought provoking.
Written By Alis
Dec. 13, 2016, 12:52 a.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Okay, I will admit it. I am duly impressed that the Redrain actually wrestle bears. It was definitely quite a sight!
I expect if I tried to wrestle a bear, it would keel over chuffing with amusement before it even took a swipe at me.
I expect if I tried to wrestle a bear, it would keel over chuffing with amusement before it even took a swipe at me.
Written By Juliet
Dec. 13, 2016, 12:36 a.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Selene
Madame Radiant.
I understand so very well why she is given that title. To be in her presence is to be kissed by sunlight.
She is an understandably busy woman, and I am honoured to have procured her company.
I will hear her farewell to me in my dreams tonight, I expect.
I understand so very well why she is given that title. To be in her presence is to be kissed by sunlight.
She is an understandably busy woman, and I am honoured to have procured her company.
I will hear her farewell to me in my dreams tonight, I expect.
Written By Khanne
Dec. 12, 2016, 11:52 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
I was completely exhausted today. After staying awake /far/ too late for drinks with Lord Sigurd, I woke at an ungodly hour. I am still far, far too tired, but just had to write about my day before it was completely over.
I decided to walk the halls of Halfshav House and take a look at the decor, since I usually just rush on through to my suite. Prince Fergus happened upon me during a patrol and stopped to greet me. He once fought very closely with my uncle in some brutal campaigns. We spoke at great length about the balance, and of weaponry and a great number of things. I found it interesting, to say the least, how very alike we are in some ways, and yet so vastly different. I do look forward to speaking with him more.
I took a much needed, MUCH needed nap, then off to the wrestling pit it was! (With a brief stop at the bar, of course). I was fortunate enough to be accompanied by Lord Mydas Nightgold, whom I had not had an opportunity to speak with before, really. The evening... was amazing! Not only was I treated to wonderful conversation, but my dear cousin, Brianna, did the Halfshav's proud (as if there was a chance she wouldn't? I simply adore her)! Suddenly, all my tiredness was gone. I know my words now are not doing it justice, my pillow is beckoning, loudly.. but wow. I have not smiled this much in a while. Proud to be Halfshav! Proud to be Redrain! To the last!
....I may go looking for spiderwebs tomorrow.....
I decided to walk the halls of Halfshav House and take a look at the decor, since I usually just rush on through to my suite. Prince Fergus happened upon me during a patrol and stopped to greet me. He once fought very closely with my uncle in some brutal campaigns. We spoke at great length about the balance, and of weaponry and a great number of things. I found it interesting, to say the least, how very alike we are in some ways, and yet so vastly different. I do look forward to speaking with him more.
I took a much needed, MUCH needed nap, then off to the wrestling pit it was! (With a brief stop at the bar, of course). I was fortunate enough to be accompanied by Lord Mydas Nightgold, whom I had not had an opportunity to speak with before, really. The evening... was amazing! Not only was I treated to wonderful conversation, but my dear cousin, Brianna, did the Halfshav's proud (as if there was a chance she wouldn't? I simply adore her)! Suddenly, all my tiredness was gone. I know my words now are not doing it justice, my pillow is beckoning, loudly.. but wow. I have not smiled this much in a while. Proud to be Halfshav! Proud to be Redrain! To the last!
....I may go looking for spiderwebs tomorrow.....
Written By Isolde
Dec. 12, 2016, 10:49 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
My poor servants, looking at me like I'm mad. Better that than the fear if they actually knew what I was doing. Thirteenth, give them a spirit of courage, and me... give me the stamina to finish what I've started.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 12, 2016, 9:27 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Observations as writ by B. Mercier:
* Bears.
* Is it terrible to wish that the bears win.
* It's a terribly diverse crowd.
* Redrain in numbers: Redstorm?
* S is looking for whom - must ask.
* Nightgolds. (Forget it.)
* SO much nobility here, it's nice to feel like a little mouse. (Squeak!) Especially once the drink begins. No wonder elder brother does not partake.
* Bears.
* Is it terrible to wish that the bears win.
* It's a terribly diverse crowd.
* Redrain in numbers: Redstorm?
* S is looking for whom - must ask.
* Nightgolds. (Forget it.)
* SO much nobility here, it's nice to feel like a little mouse. (Squeak!) Especially once the drink begins. No wonder elder brother does not partake.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 12, 2016, 8:31 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Cybele
For two from such different cultures, I found a surprising amount of common ground with Walker Cybele. Including an appreciation of treehouses.
I find myself looking forward to future discussions.
I find myself looking forward to future discussions.
Written By Blacktongue
Dec. 12, 2016, 8:27 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianthe
Haven't heard from her in a while, no, not the Nightingale. Interests have a way of waxing and waning on either side of the spectrum, yes. I do hope her trades have improved, whatever she was trading.
I still get asked however, "Did she want the B?"
I still get asked however, "Did she want the B?"
Written By Bethany
Dec. 12, 2016, 6:24 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeremiah
( From the neat-as-a-pin desk of B. Mercier, Steward: )
I cannot in all good faith and conscience decide if he is mad or brilliant.
Brilliantly mad.
I read every word.
I cannot in all good faith and conscience decide if he is mad or brilliant.
Brilliantly mad.
I read every word.
Written By Jeremiah
Dec. 12, 2016, 4:41 p.m.(5/13/1005 AR)
[What follows is nothing short of a thirty-page position paper regarding the morality and legality of Thraxian Thralls. It is scribed in a precise, flowing, almost delicate hand. At times charming and smooth, at times a fiery invective, and yet further sometimes slightly dry and focused on the law and philosophy, it is perhaps only slightly more leaning on charisma than raw logic. The position, in short, is that the 'Thraxian Institution of Thralldom is rife with corruption down to the core, irredeemably immoral despite any bankrupt attempts to defend it from its own terminal infection.' In particular, the actual length of thralldom compared to the crimes committed is examined from an economic standpoint, claiming that the cost of individual thralldom compared to the cost of paying a freeman grants whatever noble holds their 'debts' incredible profit over the loss due to crime and feeding and clothing the Thralls are 'so very generously provided.' 'Beyond that,' it is claimed, 'the unique enforcement of violence and fines upon distant family is unique in Compact law in that there is no real equivocation or even link between the criminal and crimes committed and those suffering and bearing the debt, with the harsh iron of the law bearing the potential to punish even those who have committed no crime, taking threats to their very lives and freedom based upon the misjudgments of even the most distant relatives.' Later, the 'generational slavery of Thrax' is furiously flayed as 'crimes committed before even conception being visited upon the very definition of innocence, newly-born descendants,' Furthermore, the economic effects of Thraxian Thralldom on the common folk are given a deep and considering examination, resulting in the conclusion that 'Thraxian Thralldom benefits the common man none, for a job that a laborer would be paid well do to, a Thrall may do for but the cost of weevil-ridden grain and hand-me-down clothing made by the Thrall's grandfather.' Even yet later, the 'Institution' is derisively and extensively mocked for being self-defeating: 'Indeed, the brief moment of justice is that an Institution so extensively designed to punish generations-yet-unborn will in the not-distant future destroy itself; the future noble descendants of the Thraxian houses will, inevitably, come to the brink of their very dissolution and collapse due to the economic problems caused by the slavery permitted and persecuted by their forbears. If thralldom is not abolished, and the longer it goes unabolished, the graver the slow and otherwise-unavoidable economic collapse will become. In the end, pitifully, this may be the final straw that removes the abhorrent Institution and leads to the emancipation and manumission of the most unfortunate, maligned, and abandoned members of the Compact.'
A deeper investigation might reveal that the author borrows some phrases from even more critical, directly-scandalous philosophers and past authors on Thraxian slavery, including one that directly criticized 'the Crown Itself for Allowing the very Existence of Thralldom,' though neither the paper nor the author seem to go so far as to take that opinion in direct expression nor in implication. It is signed simply 'Jeremiah' at the very end, in the same hand that scribed the entire thing.]
A deeper investigation might reveal that the author borrows some phrases from even more critical, directly-scandalous philosophers and past authors on Thraxian slavery, including one that directly criticized 'the Crown Itself for Allowing the very Existence of Thralldom,' though neither the paper nor the author seem to go so far as to take that opinion in direct expression nor in implication. It is signed simply 'Jeremiah' at the very end, in the same hand that scribed the entire thing.]
Written By Eirene
Dec. 12, 2016, 4:25 p.m.(5/13/1005 AR)
*As reported by Carissa, aide de camp to Lady Eirene*
Oh! Tell Sera and Soph that I appreciate them thinking about dead shit as scientifically important and how we better know what the fuck we're up against. We should shoot the shit and get on the same page. I hope we can at least have -some- fun taking dead things apart, maybe share a drink and some stories other people would puke at.
**Message sent to Princess Sophie and Princess Serafine**
Your highnesses, thank you both for thinking of our general welfare and the prudent need to understand the nature of our foes. We should share company and compare notes on issues of grave importance. I do hope it at least proves a socially rewarding meeting for ourselves.
Yours, Lady Eirene Malvici
Oh! Tell Sera and Soph that I appreciate them thinking about dead shit as scientifically important and how we better know what the fuck we're up against. We should shoot the shit and get on the same page. I hope we can at least have -some- fun taking dead things apart, maybe share a drink and some stories other people would puke at.
**Message sent to Princess Sophie and Princess Serafine**
Your highnesses, thank you both for thinking of our general welfare and the prudent need to understand the nature of our foes. We should share company and compare notes on issues of grave importance. I do hope it at least proves a socially rewarding meeting for ourselves.
Yours, Lady Eirene Malvici
Written By Larissa
Dec. 12, 2016, 2:07 p.m.(5/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Branan
Paint me.
Written By Larissa
Dec. 12, 2016, 2:06 p.m.(5/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
I love Summer.
Anze loves Winter.
I love the loud bustle of the city.
Anze loves the long silence of the mountains.
I love the world to the south.
Anze loves all of the north.
I love all the many beautiful, wordly pleasures.
Aze loves simplicity and minimalistic values.
I love wine.
Anze loves whiskey.
We both love coffee - and perhaps that is all it takes for friendships to flicker to life.
Anze loves Winter.
I love the loud bustle of the city.
Anze loves the long silence of the mountains.
I love the world to the south.
Anze loves all of the north.
I love all the many beautiful, wordly pleasures.
Aze loves simplicity and minimalistic values.
I love wine.
Anze loves whiskey.
We both love coffee - and perhaps that is all it takes for friendships to flicker to life.
Written By Larissa
Dec. 12, 2016, 1:53 p.m.(5/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
If I am the unforgiving heat of the sun, then Saedrus is the soothing calm of the moon. He is endless night that wraps so softly around you, so silken and unrestrained that you begin to forget the rest of all the very many things that no longer matter. In his company - you are whisked away. You are pampered with such graceful ease that you almost don't realize it.. you only understand that your burdens have lifted and that this charming man is the cause. No more could be my complete opposite in all ways, and no more could one move so effortlessly in tune with me. We are sun and moon and everyone else is our universe spilling out around us.
Written By Valery
Dec. 12, 2016, 1:34 p.m.(5/13/1005 AR)
The other day I discovered the public bathhouse. It's such an amazing place, with a garden between baths.
The House also have their own baths, but I doubt I'll go there often, since I have to cross a couple of rooms where I'm not sure if I'm allowed to be.
In any case, I'm not sure how good they are. Since I've been in the Grotto, I must smell 'funny', since all the animals I crossed decided to come and sniff me...
The House also have their own baths, but I doubt I'll go there often, since I have to cross a couple of rooms where I'm not sure if I'm allowed to be.
In any case, I'm not sure how good they are. Since I've been in the Grotto, I must smell 'funny', since all the animals I crossed decided to come and sniff me...
Written By Eirene
Dec. 12, 2016, 11:10 a.m.(5/13/1005 AR)
How much does it say of my personality if (based on all accounts I've read and heard) I want to dissect a Bringer for the sake of learning...
And I think I would get along with the elves?
Bring it, sarcastic motherfu-- ahem. I have a limited lifespan so I won't put up with your bullshit.
And I think I would get along with the elves?
Bring it, sarcastic motherfu-- ahem. I have a limited lifespan so I won't put up with your bullshit.
Written By Agnarr
Dec. 12, 2016, 11:06 a.m.(5/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
Garrulous, for his trade. He knows where the silver flows.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.