Skip to main content.

Written By Joscelin

Nov. 27, 2016, 9:19 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Wolbrand was my mentor, the last of several and by far the most skilled. His grunt of approval would have me brimming with pride for days, and his disapproval taught me to take the criticism constructively and let everything else fall away.

His disappearance is a shock. I remember his tools, so lovingly kept, a hammer he promised to will to me, begrudgingly, that I doubt I'll see again, or hold in my hand. His worn, well-broken in anvils, his gravers, his stone-setting tools.

His hands were gnarled but could do the most delicate of work.

I am conflicted. As his student, I am sad that he is gone, I grieve the loss of his skill and knowledge. As his Guildmaster, I am worried about the rest of my crafters, the desire to draw them in protectively battles with my instinct to let trade and commerce continue uninterrupted.

Written By Leo

Nov. 27, 2016, 9:06 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Eirene

A Malvici noble by blood, but a medic by trade, I find her experiences well suited to dealing with soldiers like me. She is another possible avenue to reconciliation. May the gods protect her in her travels.

Written By Leo

Nov. 27, 2016, 8:55 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Victus

Brusque in manner, crude in speech, but a warrior nonetheless. It has been long since I've been spoken to in that manner, but it inspires only some small nostalgia. I may be able to work with a man like this.

Written By Deva

Nov. 27, 2016, 8:47 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Anze

Anze has a great sense of humor and a good head on his shoulders. It's a relief to see more familiar faces around the city, while at the same time it makes me miss Farhaven all the more. I think he too knows what it's like to be the one just outside the focus of attention. It's a blessing and a curse. Thank the gods for more Redrain cousins to drink with -- it's so hard to find people who will keep the pace with whiskey.

Written By Nadia

Nov. 27, 2016, 8:41 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Aksel

Aksel Nygard, Sword of Stonedeep. Right-Hand, Confidant, Best Friend. This man holds many titles, and few ever truly describe how much he and his family means to not only myself and the rest of my house. It was he who was there in my darkest of hours, and his family who were my pillars of strength when I first became a duchess naught but a year ago. There is no better man than him who deserves to carry my family's sword, nor a greater and more loyal friend than he. If only the women would stop swooning over him at every turn, then I wouldn't feel as though I need to be the overbearing little "big" sister between us. Having him here in the city, however, brings me immeasurable relief. We've a lot of things to do that will go so much easier now that he is here.

Written By Lark

Nov. 27, 2016, 8:09 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Viktarkim

Viktarkim is going to help me safely navigate the boroughs in the course of my endeavors. I’m not entirely sure how a foreign warrior is going to be less isolating than a Grayson guardsman, but I’m eager to find out.

Incidentally, I find his general manner somewhat reassuring.

Written By Abbas

Nov. 27, 2016, 8:06 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Many do not understand thralldom. It is not a bound cruelty. The strong can only give so much to the weak. The strong must focus on the strong. Thralldom is truly Thraxian charity and kindness. The alternative for those who cannot stand the relentless hammering of the surf is not a kind one; the mercy of Thralldom is often misunderstood.

Written By Abbas

Nov. 27, 2016, 8:03 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

I crave to see the longships with their serpent banners stretched in the Salt wind. I crave to feel the splinter of wood and the mad rush of fury when my butchers go leaping over the rails. I miss the Salt. It calls for blood and steel.

Written By Dominique

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:45 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

This has been the longest week since my arrival. I shall not have rest until I am dead and buried in the ground I fear. However I think I shall have a shiny new weapon soon to make the worry go away for awhile.

Meetings this week:
Prince Edain
Miss Ferron
Lady Juliet
Lord Prospero

I need to meet with my brother soon. And get my armor in line. No rest for those of us vigilant.

Written By Lazarus

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:39 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

The Silver Consortium, founded by Prince Cicero, is a hit. Merchants looking to trade with the foreigners now have a place to go to, to make contacts and pool resources. Alongside Cicero, Mister Rook a renown courtier and Grayward stands alongside the prince and at every turn promoted the prince's vision. While I am not sure if we disagree or agree, there is still allot to learn about this association, I am extremely excited to be working with Cicero and Rook. They stand out as men of destiny.

Written By Valkieri

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:37 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

So I have proposed, if you can call it that. I have laid out for Sylvie the opportunities that exist for us and for Gemecitta, and she has the wisdom to set aside our differences for agreement in this.

It is -- difficult not being able to turn to those I would normally turn to. Cara was surprisingly astute in guessing what I needed before I said it, and she shares my feelings about our father. But where I would normally reach for Vincere and Pietro for help -- no. Not in this. It is not a question one asks of a vassal. I will not ask to strip them of their honor.

*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*

Written By Eirene

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:35 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Hadrian

Adora's son, the one who gets all the politics and scheming. 'Lovable scamp' is the first thing that comes to mind and the second is 'clever little bastard.' Not literal bastard.

Written By Valkieri

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:31 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

So Vincere has fucked my sister.

I am not /inherently/ opposed to this fact. I am not. Vincere may do as he pleases, and Cara may do likewise. I hold no claim on Vincere's heart or body; whatever dalliances we may have on occasion now, that passion was in our youth.

I do not /care/ that Vincere fucked my sister. I care that he did it after lying to me, stridently and emphatically. That he refused the obvious facts that he was enamored of her when we were young, and that he still is.

I care that my entire life, I have always come second to someone. The least of my siblings.

When Zaccheri died, my father did not weep. He stared at me with hard eyes and told me that I should have been taken in his place.

*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*

Written By Edain

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:25 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Aislin

Lady Aislin is an adventurer at heart, but I was very pleased to find that when I spoke with her, her passion for discovering the precious history and knowledge that has been lost to us, has not robbed her of her sense of pragmatism. She seems to have a very solid head on her shoulders and keeps her head in the now, even if if her heart is in the lost corners of Arvum.

Written By Aksel

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:23 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Eirene

By the spirits she is gorgeous. Her looks are only matched by her no nonsense attitude and ability with a sword.

I would dearly like to get to know her better.

As my older brother used to say when he saw a woman he was smitten with, "There goes my future ex-wife."

Though, I feel like I'm only just slightly out of my league.

Written By Aksel

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:21 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Anze

I like this man. He speaks plainly and seems to give everyone a fair shot. To that, he gave me more lumps than I had expected. Honestly, he made me wonder just how good I was as a soldier. Though we seemed to agree on the point that the training weapons in the training center are complete garbage, and said he wanted a rematch when I had a proper weapon that I was more accustomed to. Said it wasn't a fair fight.

Normally I'd agree with that, but the weapon doesn't make the man or warrior. So it's clear I have my work cut out for me if I'm going give this role as Sword of Stonedeep the credit it deserves.

Still, good man. Should have a drink with him sometime.

Written By Sudara

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:20 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

I have recently been introduced to the notion of a duel of gifts, as manifested in paintings of unusual character and aspect. It seems to be a rather erudite and delightfully polite alternative to the fashion of champions, and would seem to combine a greater degree of personal involvement with an opportunity to demonstrate skill, wit, taste, and every kind of humour from the most salacious to the most refined. Whether it will ever become widespread, I cannot say. But I do confess that I am glad it exists at all.

Written By Aksel

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:17 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

I've arrived in Arx from Stonedeep. This place is larger than I had expected it to be. I'm not really sure what to expect here, or what's expected of me. Not sure why I was needed or if my presence is really needed.

At least I've come during winter. Not really sure how I would've fared if I had made the journey south during summer months. Really, the idea of warmer weather is a little distasteful to me, I like the cold. Or well, I like being able to put on more layers. I can't really shed my skin.

The first welcome I received was at the hands of Prince Anze Redrain, who I founded reminded me of the temperment back home. Though he did thrash me like a welp. I suppose I should've expected that. Still have a great deal to learn.

I don't know where I'll be staying or what Nadia has in store for me. As much as I'll miss my younger sisters back home, I can't really ignore the request of an old friend.

Written By Freja

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:13 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Anze

Another older brother that makes it his duty to make me overly aware I am the 'baby' no matter how old I get. He has a fury that Fergus and I are famed for, but his is far more rare. He keeps me smiling where others may fail. I am happier for him being here, but hope he finds purpose here and does not feel as aimless as his siblings do.

Written By Vincere

Nov. 27, 2016, 7:09 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

The difference in tone from yesterday to today's events could not be more striking, from the set of the table to the tone of the discussion. Well -- excepting that very Valardin interruption.

Lady Sylvie handled that Valardin's words -- evil god, indeed -- with all the grace and wit I would expect from her. It's worth writing down, so that I can remember her words for my own use. Of the Thirteenth, she said: "The only thing sinister about your own reflection is what you find in it."

I owe Lady Aislin a very great deal for arranging for the invitation to the gathering. I seem to have repaid her by setting her and my sister together on a project. I'm not entirely certain that is very fair, but they both seemed to be enjoying themselves. Perhaps it was a better thanks than I expected. I hope that Lady Aislin proves a formative influence on Iovita.

I noted a number of friends among the Archscholar's gathering -- some faces that surprised me, and some that I'd hope to become friends in the future. The Archscholar is to be commended for arranging a meeting of some of the brightest minds and most fascinating individuals.

(And also Pietro.)

Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.

Leave blank if this journal is not a relationship

Mark if this is a private, black journal entry