Written By Piccola
Sept. 12, 2021, 7:47 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
Traditions are solutions for problems we have forgotten. And if the solutions are forgotten or tossed aside, the problems shall return.
Written By Piccola
Sept. 12, 2021, 7:42 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
One night, wise general, it occurred to me what was impossible before: that I had not spent my life as I should have.
It occurred to me that my scarcely-perceptible attempts to struggle for good might be unnoticed, if they were successful; that my professional duties and the whole arrangement of my life and of my family, and all my social and official interests, might all have been false; and in my mind I tried to defend all those things and suddenly felt the weakness of what I was defending. I lay on my back and began to review my life in an altogether new way. And in the morning I saw my horse, my weapons, and my armor, and knew that every word and movement I had perceived in my mind's eye confirmed the awful truth that had been revealed to me during the night.
In them I saw myself and saw clearly that I was not real at all, but a terrible and huge deception which had hidden both life and death.
It occurred to me that my scarcely-perceptible attempts to struggle for good might be unnoticed, if they were successful; that my professional duties and the whole arrangement of my life and of my family, and all my social and official interests, might all have been false; and in my mind I tried to defend all those things and suddenly felt the weakness of what I was defending. I lay on my back and began to review my life in an altogether new way. And in the morning I saw my horse, my weapons, and my armor, and knew that every word and movement I had perceived in my mind's eye confirmed the awful truth that had been revealed to me during the night.
In them I saw myself and saw clearly that I was not real at all, but a terrible and huge deception which had hidden both life and death.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 12, 2021, 7:06 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
While it is not always the way to go, the beautiful thing about silence is that it can never be misquoted.
Written By Merek
Sept. 12, 2021, 6:58 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
I am enjoying writing and learning about the herbal primer classes. This is useful information, and I really would like a lot more people to get interested in alchemy!
Written By Sorrel
Sept. 12, 2021, 6:55 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
It is troubling to be reminded that there are members of the nobility in our society who take their status as nobles so lightly that they would denigrate it by elevating commoners to positions that they do not understand with responsibilities and obligations they are unprepared to undertake. This is further exacerbated by those who have been recently elevated to the nobility indicating that they do not wish to respect the traditions that make the nobility stable. In doing so, they fail miserably to serve the people of their domains.
Written By Romulius
Sept. 12, 2021, 6:30 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
There has been, in recent years especially, a great deal of attention paid to the ideas of noble birth and of the privileges and duties expected of the station that comes along with it. The same scrutiny has been paid to those elevated to the Peerage despite being of common birth, and rightly so. Those lines that have proven themselves over centuries and generations as proper stewards of their holdings can be reasonably expected to continue that stability, and to provide their vassals and servants with the leadership and steady hand expected of them. There are some who would suggest that blood is insignificant. An altogether foolish statement, by my judgment, but one that bears address. Are there not ties carried implicitly by blood? Is the obligation of family and house not one that weighs heavily upon all those familiar with it?
I am not so foolish as to assume that the furthest back of my forebears were ever titled as nobility. Perhaps that is the case, or perhaps somewhere, a millenium and more ago, an antecedent proved himself worthy of the burden of rule of our holdings and was granted the title. I do not think that there are not exceptional individuals who have proven their own worth, along with an understanding of responsibility, and earned the privilege and burden of nobility. I think they are far fewer in number than so-called 'neo-nobles' are, however, and I think that recent events are indication enough that some titles are given too hastily, and that some beasts need the occasional reining in.
Some, I think, need to be returned to the dirt that they came from.
I am not so foolish as to assume that the furthest back of my forebears were ever titled as nobility. Perhaps that is the case, or perhaps somewhere, a millenium and more ago, an antecedent proved himself worthy of the burden of rule of our holdings and was granted the title. I do not think that there are not exceptional individuals who have proven their own worth, along with an understanding of responsibility, and earned the privilege and burden of nobility. I think they are far fewer in number than so-called 'neo-nobles' are, however, and I think that recent events are indication enough that some titles are given too hastily, and that some beasts need the occasional reining in.
Some, I think, need to be returned to the dirt that they came from.
Written By Aureth
Sept. 12, 2021, 5:41 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
It is interesting that there are Houses who appear to believe that voluntarily pledging their word to not be idiotic they might be giving up their autonomy in some way.
Why don't you simply choose not to be a fool of your own will, without concern as to whose idea it was that you not be a fool?
Why don't you simply choose not to be a fool of your own will, without concern as to whose idea it was that you not be a fool?
Written By Thea
Sept. 12, 2021, 5:41 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
So much work to do. I have papers scattered everywhere, projects almost finished. Almost is the key word. I can't tell you how often Im found in the conservatory, face planted in my papers or a book. But with all this work, I haven't forgotten what's most important. Calo is already two months and growing like crazy. No one tells you that part...He's the best part of me and my days.
Written By Thea
Sept. 12, 2021, 5:35 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
I leave soon with my cousin to the Cyrto Archipelago. I haven't been there since my brother--well--yes. Im excited to get out of the compacts for a bit. Help Artorius out a little...not to mention it will be so much warmer.
Written By Rosalind
Sept. 12, 2021, 5:31 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
Sometimes I surprise even myself. But in my darkest moments, at least I know my sister will be there to tackle me to ground..literally.
Written By Raymesin
Sept. 12, 2021, 5:05 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
And there, Scholar, goes any hope I ever had to ever be ennobled.
Yes, yes, when you've finished laughing, I've got some more to add?
Does all this mean that as the bastard son of a silk, despite the fact that polite society holds me to be among the least polite of them all, barely a step above a shav, I'm suddenly more eligible for ennoblement than most of the knights, the generals, the master crafters and the other commoner luminaries of the Compact?
Raymesin Ulbran, orphaned thief made not-at all-good, suddenly a lot more eligible than most of the upstanding citizens of the Compact? Now there's a thing.
Not laughing now, Scholar, are you. No, I didn't think so. Because Pravus have declared that you're not eligible, but this murderous bastard is. Makes you think, really, doesn't it...
Yes, yes, when you've finished laughing, I've got some more to add?
Does all this mean that as the bastard son of a silk, despite the fact that polite society holds me to be among the least polite of them all, barely a step above a shav, I'm suddenly more eligible for ennoblement than most of the knights, the generals, the master crafters and the other commoner luminaries of the Compact?
Raymesin Ulbran, orphaned thief made not-at all-good, suddenly a lot more eligible than most of the upstanding citizens of the Compact? Now there's a thing.
Not laughing now, Scholar, are you. No, I didn't think so. Because Pravus have declared that you're not eligible, but this murderous bastard is. Makes you think, really, doesn't it...
Written By Bahiya
Sept. 12, 2021, 5:04 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
The struggles and burdens of the Arvani, noble and commoner, are sometimes quite perplexing to me. There is still so much to learn of so complicated a culture, but I do confess: in these complications there is compassion and grace, but duty can weigh as heavily as chains.
Written By Natasha
Sept. 12, 2021, 4:59 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
A sickness has deemed it fit to assail me in the last week, but in spite of my fragile body's attempts to keep me in bed, the last few days have been incredibly productive. It has, at least, not prevented me from sailing in parts of the sea that I must reach. The briny air and its unforgiving chill has provided more comfort to me than a soft mattress.
The arrow wound I have taken through my shoulder after one of these excursions appears to be healing quickly, and cleanly. My brother-in-law, Lord Dycard Blackshore, has always nursed a reputation for being skillful with his hands, but I never knew until I found myself in his care that he makes a capable medic as well.
I find myself fortunate that it was the only token I received in that trip, with much credit to the excellent defense my husband, cousin, protégé and father-in-law have provided me to prevent a more dangerous and complicated outcome.
The arrow wound I have taken through my shoulder after one of these excursions appears to be healing quickly, and cleanly. My brother-in-law, Lord Dycard Blackshore, has always nursed a reputation for being skillful with his hands, but I never knew until I found myself in his care that he makes a capable medic as well.
I find myself fortunate that it was the only token I received in that trip, with much credit to the excellent defense my husband, cousin, protégé and father-in-law have provided me to prevent a more dangerous and complicated outcome.
Written By Tanith
Sept. 12, 2021, 4:53 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
I'm not a stranger to the odd sobbing customer at the Murder. It's a job hazard, given my position. Sometimes the one serving the booze is the one that gets to listen. Sometimes it's typical, bad day at work, horrible weather, shitty luck, family spat, and so on.
But today? Today I had a first.
Relationship troubles are the most common theme, break-ups chasing more people into my bar about as often as the end of a work shift. There's money to be made from these heart-broken folk but I've a policy about only charging every other drink when the customer comes in sobbing.
This fellow was big, big as my man in height but as muscular as a bear. Fine clothes, too, but the air of a courtier and not a noble, and not quite the manner of most Whispers I've met. His face was wet, his square jaw clenched, and he quietly asked me for the 'drink that acts quickest but bought cheapest'. I obliged him, and soon enough, he told me his problem in a long ramble I only caught portions of between all the sobbing:
Apparently, he'd been working on a long-term seduction of a noble, a woman of good standing and old blood, with the intent of maybe one day marrying her. This story isn't unusual, especially not lately, but he remarked that he'd lost hope and in the last year he felt it renewed. Enobled commoners! Prodigals! -Anything- was possible! And he liked the lass, they got on and her affection was genuine, but he couldn't lay down his ambitions to one day be Count SnowTrousers*, and who can blame him? You hold on to a dream for so long, find it encouraged for years and then finally, when it seems like the final steps are bound to happen-
He told me something about a proclamation from House Pravus, how the support coming in for the cease of enoblements was 'waves and waves of approval!'.
I didn't know what to say, scholar. He ended their arrangement, even after she begged him to stay.
I patted him on the back as he wailed that he'd even shaved his beard for this woman, gave her the three best years of his life, even made himself like her pet marmot and cat and bird and fish and he 'absolutely hates forest creatures, ghastly messes they make, tedious upkeep-!'
Yeah. I'm ... not sure what to say about any of it, scholar.
And after he stumbled upstairs, there were three others sobbing in my bar not an hour later, with stories too similar to ignore.
I made a lot of money tonight, and I didn't even do it on purpose.
*Yes, scholar, I'm keeping it unclear and garbled on purpose. Poor sod.
But today? Today I had a first.
Relationship troubles are the most common theme, break-ups chasing more people into my bar about as often as the end of a work shift. There's money to be made from these heart-broken folk but I've a policy about only charging every other drink when the customer comes in sobbing.
This fellow was big, big as my man in height but as muscular as a bear. Fine clothes, too, but the air of a courtier and not a noble, and not quite the manner of most Whispers I've met. His face was wet, his square jaw clenched, and he quietly asked me for the 'drink that acts quickest but bought cheapest'. I obliged him, and soon enough, he told me his problem in a long ramble I only caught portions of between all the sobbing:
Apparently, he'd been working on a long-term seduction of a noble, a woman of good standing and old blood, with the intent of maybe one day marrying her. This story isn't unusual, especially not lately, but he remarked that he'd lost hope and in the last year he felt it renewed. Enobled commoners! Prodigals! -Anything- was possible! And he liked the lass, they got on and her affection was genuine, but he couldn't lay down his ambitions to one day be Count SnowTrousers*, and who can blame him? You hold on to a dream for so long, find it encouraged for years and then finally, when it seems like the final steps are bound to happen-
He told me something about a proclamation from House Pravus, how the support coming in for the cease of enoblements was 'waves and waves of approval!'.
I didn't know what to say, scholar. He ended their arrangement, even after she begged him to stay.
I patted him on the back as he wailed that he'd even shaved his beard for this woman, gave her the three best years of his life, even made himself like her pet marmot and cat and bird and fish and he 'absolutely hates forest creatures, ghastly messes they make, tedious upkeep-!'
Yeah. I'm ... not sure what to say about any of it, scholar.
And after he stumbled upstairs, there were three others sobbing in my bar not an hour later, with stories too similar to ignore.
I made a lot of money tonight, and I didn't even do it on purpose.
*Yes, scholar, I'm keeping it unclear and garbled on purpose. Poor sod.
Written By Victus
Sept. 12, 2021, 3:15 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
It's always refreshing to be validated.
Written By Sydney
Sept. 12, 2021, 2:40 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
I found myself quite taken with Marquessa Inverno's proclamation.
Always a pleasure to discover that even nobles agree that we need fewer nobles.
Always a pleasure to discover that even nobles agree that we need fewer nobles.
Written By Calista
Sept. 12, 2021, 1:19 p.m.(3/10/1016 AR)
Perhaps I do not say this very often, but I am very thankful for all who work for me. I truly could not in the position I am in, as ruling Duchess of Tor without the support, love, and guidance of everyone who works so diligently at their jobs. From my family to our military and person guards, to the stewards and servants; my lady's maids who always keep me on schedule, the nannies, governess, tutors, instructors who all have a hand in the raising of Fidante's future.
I am humbled and could not possibly repay all of your kindness in one lifetime alone.
I am humbled and could not possibly repay all of your kindness in one lifetime alone.
Written By Acacia
Sept. 12, 2021, 1:11 p.m.(3/10/1016 AR)
Was thinking about the dust-twisted nightmare the other eve and about those who helped out Noxy Embassy by gathering their pets up safe and sound.
Credit where credit is due. It wasn't my gentle and patient work that got the bloated buggers back into the Embassy, it was the silks. I was just shouting down from my humble perch where they had wobbled to.
When you think of it, it’s actually kind of impressive in a strange way. Especially considering how the monstrous insects are often harbingers of some god-forsaken, messed up misery, death and destruction. Most would have screamed and turned tail. Especially after Bastian.
And, that it was done without violence, even more impressive. That’s not to say that I have problem with such activities as required. I actually don’t mind a good set-to when my blood is up. Lets a bit of the steam off. In fact, I was getting ready for it, when some lass begged us spare them as she rushed by.
It’s good to know that some of us are clever enough to know when to change tactics and to good results.
Though, I’m still wondering what, or who, the bloody things had been eaten. Mackey says mages considering how blood-drunk they were. Not a pretty thought. I think he was jesting. Or maybe not. Hard to tell with him when the man’s been in his cups.
Credit where credit is due. It wasn't my gentle and patient work that got the bloated buggers back into the Embassy, it was the silks. I was just shouting down from my humble perch where they had wobbled to.
When you think of it, it’s actually kind of impressive in a strange way. Especially considering how the monstrous insects are often harbingers of some god-forsaken, messed up misery, death and destruction. Most would have screamed and turned tail. Especially after Bastian.
And, that it was done without violence, even more impressive. That’s not to say that I have problem with such activities as required. I actually don’t mind a good set-to when my blood is up. Lets a bit of the steam off. In fact, I was getting ready for it, when some lass begged us spare them as she rushed by.
It’s good to know that some of us are clever enough to know when to change tactics and to good results.
Though, I’m still wondering what, or who, the bloody things had been eaten. Mackey says mages considering how blood-drunk they were. Not a pretty thought. I think he was jesting. Or maybe not. Hard to tell with him when the man’s been in his cups.
Written By Kia
Sept. 12, 2021, 10:06 a.m.(3/10/1016 AR)
Things are settling into that now familiar routine that I had the last time I was here in the city, despite the bone-chilling cold that I am still trying to adjust to. Which makes it a little poignant for me that I will be unable to join Count Artorius when he returns later this month to the Cyrto Archipelago where snow was never seen. But I shall wave his ship off from the docks with a smile pinned on my face, knowing that the very next time it heads to the southern seas, I too, shall be stood on its deck.
Written By Piccola
Sept. 12, 2021, 12:38 a.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
Death gives meaning to life.
Living in fear of death is living in denial. It's not really living at all, because there is no life without death.
It's two sides of the one.
Living in fear of death is living in denial. It's not really living at all, because there is no life without death.
It's two sides of the one.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.