Written By Mabelle
Dec. 13, 2023, 7:20 a.m.(5/12/1021 AR)
Stepping into the Shadowoods.
We lost so many to those woods, but what can one do when they need a space they do not mind breaking?
I've taken precaution, but just in case, perhaps I should start thinking who will inherit all my.. all.
We lost so many to those woods, but what can one do when they need a space they do not mind breaking?
I've taken precaution, but just in case, perhaps I should start thinking who will inherit all my.. all.
Written By Theo
Dec. 13, 2023, 1:04 a.m.(5/11/1021 AR)
I guess things could be worse? Princess Renata telling me I look better in red. The Baroness Lys wanting to defend me. I'm a little humored by all of this. I have my own duel to contend to.
I also have the best cousin, Valencia as she gave me some wine for my champion Lord Mattheu to taste so he knows what it is he is fighting for. I'd rather argue about wine and who's honor is being forsaken than the chaos that seems to have overtaken our world. But onwards we go. Or something like that.
I also have the best cousin, Valencia as she gave me some wine for my champion Lord Mattheu to taste so he knows what it is he is fighting for. I'd rather argue about wine and who's honor is being forsaken than the chaos that seems to have overtaken our world. But onwards we go. Or something like that.
Written By Duarte
Dec. 12, 2023, 8:42 p.m.(5/11/1021 AR)
Balance (a jingle)
Some like it salty,
Some like it hot
Some like it sweet,
And some like it naught.
Some like it salty,
Some like it hot
Some like it sweet,
And some like it naught.
Written By Medeia
Dec. 12, 2023, 6:13 p.m.(5/11/1021 AR)
After my uncle attacked me, there was the question of what to do with me. I imagine, if I had died, it could have all been neatly covered up as some vicious attack. Bandits - like he had claimed - or some uppity vassal sending a message to him or something that made sure the truth was never known. Unfortunately for him, I'm very good at being inconvenient.
It was decided that I would be sent back to Saikland before the end of my fostering term. I think that still stands as the most miserable ship voyage I have endured; my wound was not yet healed, and the bandaging was extensive. My reception home was strange, and Neilda was upset because she had been sent home with me. Before anyone thinks ill of her, she was also upset that I had been harmed, but I had become silent. I wouldn't tell her - or anyone - anything other than the lie Marco had chosen for us. This might be the thing I hate him for the most: The rift between us has never fully closed in the wake of me not being able to tell my twin the truth.
I hope that the actions I took out of fear are understandable, if not entirely forgivable. You see, being a Lycene and knowing what I suddenly knew about what my uncle was capable of, I was terrified. Every meal felt like an opportunity for an unscrupulous cook to be bribed to poison me, every walk in the vineyards could invite a blade to my throat. There was no way he'd let me live. I was a liability. And I was certain I was inviting danger to my family.
I fled. I found my way on merchant ships and caravans to Arx. Where better to hide than a place with too many faces?
It was decided that I would be sent back to Saikland before the end of my fostering term. I think that still stands as the most miserable ship voyage I have endured; my wound was not yet healed, and the bandaging was extensive. My reception home was strange, and Neilda was upset because she had been sent home with me. Before anyone thinks ill of her, she was also upset that I had been harmed, but I had become silent. I wouldn't tell her - or anyone - anything other than the lie Marco had chosen for us. This might be the thing I hate him for the most: The rift between us has never fully closed in the wake of me not being able to tell my twin the truth.
I hope that the actions I took out of fear are understandable, if not entirely forgivable. You see, being a Lycene and knowing what I suddenly knew about what my uncle was capable of, I was terrified. Every meal felt like an opportunity for an unscrupulous cook to be bribed to poison me, every walk in the vineyards could invite a blade to my throat. There was no way he'd let me live. I was a liability. And I was certain I was inviting danger to my family.
I fled. I found my way on merchant ships and caravans to Arx. Where better to hide than a place with too many faces?
Written By Renata
Dec. 12, 2023, 5:11 p.m.(5/11/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Theo
You look better in red.
Written By Theo
Dec. 12, 2023, 5:08 p.m.(5/11/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
My cousin is an ever gracious hostess. I do hope I did not spoil things when I and Princess Renata decided to settle a score between us. I need to make it up to Valencia. Scholar, I promise to be on my best behavior the next I enter Golden Hart.
Written By Ann
Dec. 12, 2023, 4:55 p.m.(5/11/1021 AR)
The other night when we were talking to the girls about how they should look after their baby brother it made me go down memory lane and how much fun I had growing up with my brothers. I don't talk about them often but they are never far from my thoughts. All the fun we had horseback riding and climbing up mountains as I would dare them to see how fast they could climb and I'd contemplate out loud if they were goats or not. Because isn't that what an older sibling does? Egg their younger siblings to do more than they ever could? I was always proud of them and what they achieved.
But how I miss you Valerian, Torrus and Angus. I freely give your names to the wind. Perhaps the wind will carry your names to the side of the wheel you are in and whatever life you have there.
Your big sister misses you. Maybe she will see you in her dreams.
But how I miss you Valerian, Torrus and Angus. I freely give your names to the wind. Perhaps the wind will carry your names to the side of the wheel you are in and whatever life you have there.
Your big sister misses you. Maybe she will see you in her dreams.
Written By Mattheu
Dec. 12, 2023, 4:12 p.m.(5/11/1021 AR)
I have learned when acting as my brother's voice, it is best not to have a small trio of children following along all asking a thousand and one questions at the same time. On a side, very unrelated, note, there will be additional cookies available at the mud pit party.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 12, 2023, 9:33 a.m.(5/10/1021 AR)
The things we endure make us stronger. We learn about who we want to be and who we do not. Stories of the past, if we learn from them, help.
Written By Duarte
Dec. 12, 2023, 4:39 a.m.(5/10/1021 AR)
Journal
Marco Argento was a ghost, but ghosts, I've found, leave echoes in their wake. These echoes resonated through the underbelly of Arx and carried whispers of a man who had become a mere specter of his former self - fleeing from the justice he so richly deserved.
My pursuit began not with a chase across the sea, but within the confines of Arx amidst a web of informants and clandestine meetings.
The city's murmurs pieced together a trail as elusive as mist. But one encounter stood out - a sailor whose love for rum was only matched by his love for stories. In these drunken ramblings, littered with tales of sea serpents and lost treasures, I found my first solid lead. In his inebriated state, he spoke of a ship that was notorious for its discretion and speed - a smuggler's boat of matching description, and its course set for Eswynd Rock.
Word was passed to Duchess Belladonna and she, in turn, exacted a straightforward extradition of the fugitive from House Tyde's newly minted prodigal vassal. Marco Argento was presented in chains and ferried to Setarco.
As Pravus forces readied for what was to be an inevitable confrontation, the groundwork was being laid in Nilanza march and its vassal territories. Lianne had long since been acting as Voice of the Stormborn and tending to the ministrations of Nilanza in the absence of Marco Argento, and his Marquis son gone hidden. Her keen intellect and strategic acumen in guiding Nilanza through this chaotic episode earned her the trusted ear of the march's nobles and commoners alike. Assisted by Lady Nicia Pravus, she used that goodwill to urge the people to cooperate. To lay down arms and to share information about the traitors - that they may be rooted out - and that she would ensure Nilanza's continued growth. Her influence was pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the march in the greater strategy of House Pravus.
Following Lianne's lead, my role switched from hunter to mediator. Sent to Bravura, I was to be a voice of persuasion and calm as an emissary of House Pravus. It was a delicate mix of diplomacy and subtle influence, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition of power and minimizing bloodshed. These efforts, flanked by an uncanny whisper campaign composed by Lady Juliana Pravus would pay off in spades.
The fall of House Argento played out like a grim ballet with well-orchestrated precision. Duchess Belladonna's words, declaring her vassal outlaw, was the opening act. She stripped House Argento and its traitorous vassals of their titles and their land. She confiscated their resources and their coffers. She gave them a week to surrender.
They didn't.
The Pravus naval forces, joined by House Thrax - much to the surprise of our adversaries - initiated a blockade on Nilanza and issued immediate demands for surrender.
The turmoil in Nilanza was great as our whisper campaign and bids for cooperation resonated through the populace. Had it not been for the naval presence on the waters, the city itself may have gone into full revolt.
Four-fifths of Argento's forces surrendered outright. Those who remained attempted to escape the blockade in a poorly coordinated effort with ships from Caina and Bravura. They were utterly crushed. Then, Nilanza was invaded.
Pravus met little resistance within the city's gates, but the loyalists who did go to battle were made quick, bloody examples of why you don't turn traitor against Pravus. Nearly all of House Argento was captured or killed. Among them, Salazar - Marco's son - the foolish Count of the March who died by the blade for helping his father escape retribution. He was hiding in Nilanza all along.
Marco Argento's end was as somber as it was just. His execution was a stark conclusion to this saga of betrayal and ambition gone awry. As the blade fell, so did the remnants of a house that had strayed too far from honor and loyalty.
Then the transition, well underway in secret, was ratified. Lianne Pravus was named Countess of the March of Nilanza. Lady Nicia Pravus, Countess of Caina, to head up House Inverno.
And I, Duarte Amadeo, cobbler's son orphaned by fate, found myself unexpectedly thrust into the role of Count of Bravura, stepping into the profound emptiness created by the downfall of Argento's most loyal vassal - House Malgetilega.
Marco Argento was a ghost, but ghosts, I've found, leave echoes in their wake. These echoes resonated through the underbelly of Arx and carried whispers of a man who had become a mere specter of his former self - fleeing from the justice he so richly deserved.
My pursuit began not with a chase across the sea, but within the confines of Arx amidst a web of informants and clandestine meetings.
The city's murmurs pieced together a trail as elusive as mist. But one encounter stood out - a sailor whose love for rum was only matched by his love for stories. In these drunken ramblings, littered with tales of sea serpents and lost treasures, I found my first solid lead. In his inebriated state, he spoke of a ship that was notorious for its discretion and speed - a smuggler's boat of matching description, and its course set for Eswynd Rock.
Word was passed to Duchess Belladonna and she, in turn, exacted a straightforward extradition of the fugitive from House Tyde's newly minted prodigal vassal. Marco Argento was presented in chains and ferried to Setarco.
As Pravus forces readied for what was to be an inevitable confrontation, the groundwork was being laid in Nilanza march and its vassal territories. Lianne had long since been acting as Voice of the Stormborn and tending to the ministrations of Nilanza in the absence of Marco Argento, and his Marquis son gone hidden. Her keen intellect and strategic acumen in guiding Nilanza through this chaotic episode earned her the trusted ear of the march's nobles and commoners alike. Assisted by Lady Nicia Pravus, she used that goodwill to urge the people to cooperate. To lay down arms and to share information about the traitors - that they may be rooted out - and that she would ensure Nilanza's continued growth. Her influence was pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the march in the greater strategy of House Pravus.
Following Lianne's lead, my role switched from hunter to mediator. Sent to Bravura, I was to be a voice of persuasion and calm as an emissary of House Pravus. It was a delicate mix of diplomacy and subtle influence, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition of power and minimizing bloodshed. These efforts, flanked by an uncanny whisper campaign composed by Lady Juliana Pravus would pay off in spades.
The fall of House Argento played out like a grim ballet with well-orchestrated precision. Duchess Belladonna's words, declaring her vassal outlaw, was the opening act. She stripped House Argento and its traitorous vassals of their titles and their land. She confiscated their resources and their coffers. She gave them a week to surrender.
They didn't.
The Pravus naval forces, joined by House Thrax - much to the surprise of our adversaries - initiated a blockade on Nilanza and issued immediate demands for surrender.
The turmoil in Nilanza was great as our whisper campaign and bids for cooperation resonated through the populace. Had it not been for the naval presence on the waters, the city itself may have gone into full revolt.
Four-fifths of Argento's forces surrendered outright. Those who remained attempted to escape the blockade in a poorly coordinated effort with ships from Caina and Bravura. They were utterly crushed. Then, Nilanza was invaded.
Pravus met little resistance within the city's gates, but the loyalists who did go to battle were made quick, bloody examples of why you don't turn traitor against Pravus. Nearly all of House Argento was captured or killed. Among them, Salazar - Marco's son - the foolish Count of the March who died by the blade for helping his father escape retribution. He was hiding in Nilanza all along.
Marco Argento's end was as somber as it was just. His execution was a stark conclusion to this saga of betrayal and ambition gone awry. As the blade fell, so did the remnants of a house that had strayed too far from honor and loyalty.
Then the transition, well underway in secret, was ratified. Lianne Pravus was named Countess of the March of Nilanza. Lady Nicia Pravus, Countess of Caina, to head up House Inverno.
And I, Duarte Amadeo, cobbler's son orphaned by fate, found myself unexpectedly thrust into the role of Count of Bravura, stepping into the profound emptiness created by the downfall of Argento's most loyal vassal - House Malgetilega.
Written By Medeia
Dec. 11, 2023, 8:32 p.m.(5/9/1021 AR)
It occurred to me, while reading Count Amadeo's most recent memoirs, that I have never written in my journal of what Marco Argento did to me - not even in my blacks. It further occurs to me that few may recall that one of his brothers yet lives - my father.
The fall of Argento has haunted me for half my life, nipping at my heels and rearing up in unexpected places. But I have, in recent years, felt the grasp of my uncle upon me loosen. Perhaps the telling of it will help.
As such things go in noble marriages, there was an expectation that my siblings and I spend time in Nilanza before coming of age. Of course, being the nieces and nephews of the marquis, we were welcomed fairly often, and I was granted the joy of knowing many of my cousins. While Neilda found other diversions, I was always happiest when Cassimir and I could hide away in the nooks of the library or listen to the tales Rylan would spin for us. We both wanted to know everything we could know. And that is how many of our visits went, with me learning where all the best hiding spots were within the library.
I was a naive girl. In the stories i'd read about people acting dishonorably, I always thought they were just that - stories. Childhood innocence began to wear off as I read more and more, but the shattering of that naivete very nearly cost me my life. In a way, it did.
The timing of my official fostering period in Nilanza was matched to the early days of my uncle's scheming. Some plans had been set in motion, and the gossips talked endlessly about what was happening with Pravus and other vassals. At least, they did out in the city proper. Within the walls of the library, it all seemed so impossibly far away. One day, I heard my uncle and another enter the library, discussing the matter - and his schemes - while I was tucked into a nook, out of sight but able to hear everything. I listened intently; if anyone would know the truth of what was happening, it would be him!
I must have gasped. I don't remember. I do remember him grabbing me, and me breaking loose. My legs carried me out of the library, through the gardens, towards a spot I thought I could hide in at the edge of the property. But he was bigger and faster. And the ground rose up to meet me. Did I trip? Did he take hold of me and throw me down? The details become fuzzy, lost in blinding pain unlike anything I had experienced. Someone was screaming - me? He slipped, or I managed to throw him off, and the pain spread across my chest to my shoulder. A knife, his knife, clattered away on the ground. And people came. And he told them about how he had been out for a walk, how he had seen me being accosted by bandits, and he came to my rescue.
And that was the story I learned to tell. For a few years, anyway.
The fall of Argento has haunted me for half my life, nipping at my heels and rearing up in unexpected places. But I have, in recent years, felt the grasp of my uncle upon me loosen. Perhaps the telling of it will help.
As such things go in noble marriages, there was an expectation that my siblings and I spend time in Nilanza before coming of age. Of course, being the nieces and nephews of the marquis, we were welcomed fairly often, and I was granted the joy of knowing many of my cousins. While Neilda found other diversions, I was always happiest when Cassimir and I could hide away in the nooks of the library or listen to the tales Rylan would spin for us. We both wanted to know everything we could know. And that is how many of our visits went, with me learning where all the best hiding spots were within the library.
I was a naive girl. In the stories i'd read about people acting dishonorably, I always thought they were just that - stories. Childhood innocence began to wear off as I read more and more, but the shattering of that naivete very nearly cost me my life. In a way, it did.
The timing of my official fostering period in Nilanza was matched to the early days of my uncle's scheming. Some plans had been set in motion, and the gossips talked endlessly about what was happening with Pravus and other vassals. At least, they did out in the city proper. Within the walls of the library, it all seemed so impossibly far away. One day, I heard my uncle and another enter the library, discussing the matter - and his schemes - while I was tucked into a nook, out of sight but able to hear everything. I listened intently; if anyone would know the truth of what was happening, it would be him!
I must have gasped. I don't remember. I do remember him grabbing me, and me breaking loose. My legs carried me out of the library, through the gardens, towards a spot I thought I could hide in at the edge of the property. But he was bigger and faster. And the ground rose up to meet me. Did I trip? Did he take hold of me and throw me down? The details become fuzzy, lost in blinding pain unlike anything I had experienced. Someone was screaming - me? He slipped, or I managed to throw him off, and the pain spread across my chest to my shoulder. A knife, his knife, clattered away on the ground. And people came. And he told them about how he had been out for a walk, how he had seen me being accosted by bandits, and he came to my rescue.
And that was the story I learned to tell. For a few years, anyway.
Written By Rosalind
Dec. 11, 2023, 5:46 p.m.(5/9/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunaia
I'm glad you've been freed. I love and miss you a lot, Sunny! I promise to not give up my own endeavors. I'll look for you in every adventure, every time I go my quiet time. You'll be with me. I know it!
Written By Duarte
Dec. 11, 2023, 5:41 a.m.(5/8/1021 AR)
Journal
The trail of Marco Argento was as elusive as the shadows he seemed to merge into. It was a meticulous process to sift through rumors and gossip to locate the man. Of course, I was not alone in determining the route of the fugitive Marquis. Another man by the name of Orathy Culler (whom I would later come to meet) was also looking - using his own singular talents.
The breakthrough came with word that there was a fleeting sighting of Marco Argento at the Murder of Crows, speaking with men known to deal in smuggling. He then left the city on a smuggler's ship rumored to be departed to either the Saffron Chain or Darkwater Reach.
For all intents and purposes, Marco was a ghost. A traitor. A cretin of the lowest order. He sentenced his House to destruction, moved his family to Luciva, and then fled. And it was his heirs and those loyal to him who paid the ultimate price in the end.
Luciva is a small harbor on the southern side of Setara. It has been traditionally of little value to House Pravus, and this inattention has historically allowed for corsairs to set up shop. Duke Piero would purge them out every few years. In the wake of House Argento's treachery, however, a new settlement sprung to life in Luciva led by the Argento family, aware that their time was coming to an end.
There was work to do yet before House Pravus could move in. Preparations had to be precise and the plans were multi-faceted. Duchess Belladonna was indeed righteously vengeful, but she was not merciless or unjust. And it was important to not make moves on Nilanza without crafting a plan that would remove the risk of endangering the people of the march, keep their economy intact and secure a smooth transition to new leadership.
The pirates in Luciva, however, had to be confronted head-on.
Under the leadership of Duke Cassius Pravus (RIP), a contingent of us set out from Arx to Setara and the harbor town of Luciva. My injuries were still yet healed and in hindsight, it was a bit overly ambitious of me to attend. Indeed, the Duchess had made clear her preference for me to remain in Arx. At the last moment she bid I go.
It was the time of year when the seas get rough, and approaching Setara from the South made it all the worse. The sun was setting and our arrival to Luciva was to be completed just past nightfall.
I made myself as comfortable as I could on the ship. My injuries were wrapped and despite being none too pleased, Lianne had provided me with just these lovely concoctions that made my days manageable - despite the tragic (temporary) loss of my mustache.
Before setting upon the settlement, we held a brief meeting to discuss strategy. Lord Sebastian Pravus, Lady Nicia Pravus and Felix Meadson attended. We advised a scouting run and to use the cover of dark to find a way to get the jump and surprise our adversaries. The air was thick with tension as we each weighed the risks in balancing a strategy. Duke Cassius was of another mind - and his was the only mind that mattered. With his commanding presence, Cassius insisted on a direct assault - to strike hard and fast. And that's what you need to know about the late and beloved Duke Cassius.
The harbor of Luciva is naturally protected by a spur of high land. The terrain is sheer cliffs that climb right into the mountains and much of the land is uninhabitable. There's maybe a few square miles of room to navigate inward and we drove right toward it. (After a fitful night of thunderstorms which did very little for my comfort.)
As the land came into view, Duke Cassius gave the order to prepare rowboats and direct the ships to block the harbor. I ascended the mast and with a spyglass took an assessment of our target. The Argentos had built three seige weapons and were clearing their ship from port. Men in armor were directing the passengers to jump ship (or tossing them overboard - however you wish to view it) and those on land were fleeing further inland.
Cassius at this moment knew surrender would be no option. He ordered the ballista readied and barrelled us toward them - two ships behind us and three to block the harbor.
The trebuchents unloaded their first volley of rocks toward our ship. The seige weapon must've been severely aged, as the load made it only half the reach in our direction and the bucket flew with them - rendering their offensives inoperational against the oncoming fleet.
It was clear this battle would soon meet steel to steel and, as I was recently well reminded, I don't do steel on steel.
Reaching the port, Cassius led the charge of marines with cover from the boat-posted archers. The way I like to tell it, the sheer ferocity of this man sent a good 30% of our enemies on the retreat. The remaining Argento loyals were the foolish ones, and the untrained ones - dominated by folly rather than skill - our forces led by Cassius, Sebastian, Nicia and Felix made short work of them.
The dock was secured and we started sweeping buildings. The armored contingent of Argentos fled to caves in the mountains and we spent the next few days patching up wounded and interrogating prisoners and those who surrendered.
The Lucivia pirate operation was established by Argento siblings who had already begun to cut their losses and considered Nilanza lost. They sought to mine the caves and bought slaves to do so, using them as labor in the mines. The ships were being used to smuggle dust.
Once the village was secure, we began an assault on the caves. It was a short thing. I hung back in town and served as a medic and lookout. The Pravus forces took considerably more losses in the caves in pursuit of the Argento brothers. But with Cassius, Nicia, Sebastian and Felix at the fore, they routed them out. Among those to fall was Lunara Argento - the famed Blackheart and Sword of Bravura.
From my vantage point on the docks I spotted a ship attempting to come to port, but soon turning to flee upon sight of the Pravus navy boats. Taking quick action, it was chased down and confiscated, along with Amelia Argento - the last of the siblings.
Luciva had been retaken. Next would be Nilanza.
The trail of Marco Argento was as elusive as the shadows he seemed to merge into. It was a meticulous process to sift through rumors and gossip to locate the man. Of course, I was not alone in determining the route of the fugitive Marquis. Another man by the name of Orathy Culler (whom I would later come to meet) was also looking - using his own singular talents.
The breakthrough came with word that there was a fleeting sighting of Marco Argento at the Murder of Crows, speaking with men known to deal in smuggling. He then left the city on a smuggler's ship rumored to be departed to either the Saffron Chain or Darkwater Reach.
For all intents and purposes, Marco was a ghost. A traitor. A cretin of the lowest order. He sentenced his House to destruction, moved his family to Luciva, and then fled. And it was his heirs and those loyal to him who paid the ultimate price in the end.
Luciva is a small harbor on the southern side of Setara. It has been traditionally of little value to House Pravus, and this inattention has historically allowed for corsairs to set up shop. Duke Piero would purge them out every few years. In the wake of House Argento's treachery, however, a new settlement sprung to life in Luciva led by the Argento family, aware that their time was coming to an end.
There was work to do yet before House Pravus could move in. Preparations had to be precise and the plans were multi-faceted. Duchess Belladonna was indeed righteously vengeful, but she was not merciless or unjust. And it was important to not make moves on Nilanza without crafting a plan that would remove the risk of endangering the people of the march, keep their economy intact and secure a smooth transition to new leadership.
The pirates in Luciva, however, had to be confronted head-on.
Under the leadership of Duke Cassius Pravus (RIP), a contingent of us set out from Arx to Setara and the harbor town of Luciva. My injuries were still yet healed and in hindsight, it was a bit overly ambitious of me to attend. Indeed, the Duchess had made clear her preference for me to remain in Arx. At the last moment she bid I go.
It was the time of year when the seas get rough, and approaching Setara from the South made it all the worse. The sun was setting and our arrival to Luciva was to be completed just past nightfall.
I made myself as comfortable as I could on the ship. My injuries were wrapped and despite being none too pleased, Lianne had provided me with just these lovely concoctions that made my days manageable - despite the tragic (temporary) loss of my mustache.
Before setting upon the settlement, we held a brief meeting to discuss strategy. Lord Sebastian Pravus, Lady Nicia Pravus and Felix Meadson attended. We advised a scouting run and to use the cover of dark to find a way to get the jump and surprise our adversaries. The air was thick with tension as we each weighed the risks in balancing a strategy. Duke Cassius was of another mind - and his was the only mind that mattered. With his commanding presence, Cassius insisted on a direct assault - to strike hard and fast. And that's what you need to know about the late and beloved Duke Cassius.
The harbor of Luciva is naturally protected by a spur of high land. The terrain is sheer cliffs that climb right into the mountains and much of the land is uninhabitable. There's maybe a few square miles of room to navigate inward and we drove right toward it. (After a fitful night of thunderstorms which did very little for my comfort.)
As the land came into view, Duke Cassius gave the order to prepare rowboats and direct the ships to block the harbor. I ascended the mast and with a spyglass took an assessment of our target. The Argentos had built three seige weapons and were clearing their ship from port. Men in armor were directing the passengers to jump ship (or tossing them overboard - however you wish to view it) and those on land were fleeing further inland.
Cassius at this moment knew surrender would be no option. He ordered the ballista readied and barrelled us toward them - two ships behind us and three to block the harbor.
The trebuchents unloaded their first volley of rocks toward our ship. The seige weapon must've been severely aged, as the load made it only half the reach in our direction and the bucket flew with them - rendering their offensives inoperational against the oncoming fleet.
It was clear this battle would soon meet steel to steel and, as I was recently well reminded, I don't do steel on steel.
Reaching the port, Cassius led the charge of marines with cover from the boat-posted archers. The way I like to tell it, the sheer ferocity of this man sent a good 30% of our enemies on the retreat. The remaining Argento loyals were the foolish ones, and the untrained ones - dominated by folly rather than skill - our forces led by Cassius, Sebastian, Nicia and Felix made short work of them.
The dock was secured and we started sweeping buildings. The armored contingent of Argentos fled to caves in the mountains and we spent the next few days patching up wounded and interrogating prisoners and those who surrendered.
The Lucivia pirate operation was established by Argento siblings who had already begun to cut their losses and considered Nilanza lost. They sought to mine the caves and bought slaves to do so, using them as labor in the mines. The ships were being used to smuggle dust.
Once the village was secure, we began an assault on the caves. It was a short thing. I hung back in town and served as a medic and lookout. The Pravus forces took considerably more losses in the caves in pursuit of the Argento brothers. But with Cassius, Nicia, Sebastian and Felix at the fore, they routed them out. Among those to fall was Lunara Argento - the famed Blackheart and Sword of Bravura.
From my vantage point on the docks I spotted a ship attempting to come to port, but soon turning to flee upon sight of the Pravus navy boats. Taking quick action, it was chased down and confiscated, along with Amelia Argento - the last of the siblings.
Luciva had been retaken. Next would be Nilanza.
Written By Lys
Dec. 11, 2023, 4:14 a.m.(5/8/1021 AR)
I dreamt of a king dressed in obsidian with a wide brimmed hat. He sat upon a throne made from the skulls of his enemies. In his lap sat an unassuming longsword made of alaricite. It gleamed bright with a wicked point. He held the blade out to me and went I wrapped my fingers around it cut deep into my palm. He told me in a voice like a falling boulder, "You are not your own. You are my creature now."
I woke drenched in sweat.
I woke drenched in sweat.
Written By Pasquale
Dec. 11, 2023, 3:07 a.m.(5/7/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Jan
Things end and things begin and somehow Jan stands by my side despite it. She is truly the best of wives.
Written By Pasquale
Dec. 11, 2023, 3:05 a.m.(5/7/1021 AR)
I made a promise once, years ago, to my wife Sunaia. I promised that should she be enslaved by the Traitor then I would go and free her.
And finally it is done - My promise is fulfilled - and it is all because I had people willing to stand by my side.
Thank you Lianne. Thank you Ian. Thank you Jan. Thank you Aleksei. Thank you Mabelle. Thank you Titus. Thank you Aconite and most of all Thank you Tolv.
Without your help she would still be a slave and I would probably be dead.
Without your help we could never have achieved what we did.
And finally it is done - My promise is fulfilled - and it is all because I had people willing to stand by my side.
Thank you Lianne. Thank you Ian. Thank you Jan. Thank you Aleksei. Thank you Mabelle. Thank you Titus. Thank you Aconite and most of all Thank you Tolv.
Without your help she would still be a slave and I would probably be dead.
Without your help we could never have achieved what we did.
Written By Skaldia
Dec. 11, 2023, 12:51 a.m.(5/7/1021 AR)
I attended my first Sip'n'Spar tonight. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was made to feel welcome right away.
I decided to compete in the archery, and it was an honor to find myself matched against Lady Titania Kennex. I would hunt with her anytime.
Valencia was very kind, and a wonderful hostess. Prince Patrizio was also very welcoming, and was a very good sport after being trounced thoroughly by Mirari Corsetina. I get the sense he is a bit of a regular there.
Princess Renata Pravus and Prince Theo Velenosa... well, let us just say I shall never look at wine in quite the same way. It was nice to meet them, too though.
I also met the Baroness Lucita Saik. She apparently wrote a song in honor of Petrichor that I would dearly love to hear her sing one day.
All in all, it was nice.
I also was gifted a tannery by my sister. I am looking forward to having a little more space to spread out, closer to the market. Tomorrow, I will spend some time moving in and getting it all set up.
I decided to compete in the archery, and it was an honor to find myself matched against Lady Titania Kennex. I would hunt with her anytime.
Valencia was very kind, and a wonderful hostess. Prince Patrizio was also very welcoming, and was a very good sport after being trounced thoroughly by Mirari Corsetina. I get the sense he is a bit of a regular there.
Princess Renata Pravus and Prince Theo Velenosa... well, let us just say I shall never look at wine in quite the same way. It was nice to meet them, too though.
I also met the Baroness Lucita Saik. She apparently wrote a song in honor of Petrichor that I would dearly love to hear her sing one day.
All in all, it was nice.
I also was gifted a tannery by my sister. I am looking forward to having a little more space to spread out, closer to the market. Tomorrow, I will spend some time moving in and getting it all set up.
Written By Lianne
Dec. 10, 2023, 9:52 p.m.(5/7/1021 AR)
I have a new blade. A proper dagger made for me, to fit my hand, my technique, with duskstone I fished from the fountain at this year's Mirror Masquerade capping the pommel. I'm nearly Apollo's equal these days, and I expect I'll need to seek a new teacher if I mean to hone my skill any further. I've enjoyed training with my husband; it's a different sort of a dialog, a poetry of motion. Will my interest hold absent that intimacy?
I think I'd like to try. I think there's something satisfying about the fulfillment of a promise leading to more. I no longer train to see that duty done, but because I like it. I like the work. I like learning. I like the way my blade feels in my hand. I like knowing how terribly capable I am with it.
What will I do with the blade Cassius gave me, then? I thought to give it to Cassia, but I already know it's not suited to her tastes. Not yet five years old and already so magnificently opinionated. Still, it seems right that it might be hers. An off-hand weapon, perhaps, when she takes to swords instead. I wish he could see her. I wish she could know him. Stories will have to do.
I think I'd like to try. I think there's something satisfying about the fulfillment of a promise leading to more. I no longer train to see that duty done, but because I like it. I like the work. I like learning. I like the way my blade feels in my hand. I like knowing how terribly capable I am with it.
What will I do with the blade Cassius gave me, then? I thought to give it to Cassia, but I already know it's not suited to her tastes. Not yet five years old and already so magnificently opinionated. Still, it seems right that it might be hers. An off-hand weapon, perhaps, when she takes to swords instead. I wish he could see her. I wish she could know him. Stories will have to do.
Written By Raymesin
Dec. 10, 2023, 7:13 p.m.(5/7/1021 AR)
I'm not sure if I'm really following the spirit of Limerance's Fast, Scholar, when I don't drink much anyway. I'm not exactly turning down my favourite tipple when asking for tea. I don't count the stuff in the Murder, that ale is almost making love in a dinghy already. Eh? Oh, right, sorry. Fucking close to water.
Written By Jeffeth
Dec. 10, 2023, 4:02 p.m.(5/7/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
I have never seen anyone swing a sword the way Lord Ian does. He saved my life and a lot of others, too. If things go well with what we did, the Compact will owe him a debt of gratitude.
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