Skip to main content.

Written By Prospero

Aug. 27, 2016, 6:16 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Jaenelle

There are many things I expected to accomplish this morning over breakfast; I left with none of those intellectual goals achieved. Instead, I dined with the Princess Jaenelle and I find no reason to call my morning unproductive for it. In exchange for my continued freedom, I now owe her a ride and a sailtrip. I pray to the gods we might survive both.

Written By Aurora

Aug. 27, 2016, 5:06 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Eithne

My sister and I are so much alike and yet so different from one another. The forge is her home, while mine is bending over a table covered in bolts of cloth and thread. She has agreed to let me make her a dress, anything to get her out of those leather clothes she is fond of. I have the perfect design in mind, and it has nothing to do with cherries.

Written By Aurora

Aug. 27, 2016, 5:02 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Alarissa

Princess Alarissa heeded my call for a patron. We had a lovely meeting, and while nothing has been set in stone, I did leave her presence inspired to create something. The inspiration ended up being a lovely white silk gown with beautiful roses twisted around the skirt. She seemed as pleased with the creation as I was, and I look forward to speaking with her again.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 27, 2016, 2:57 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)

I don't remember passing out next to a hammer and a bottle of wine that is strangely empty. Both are in my bed and this journal was on my face.

I need more friends.

Written By Dawn

Aug. 27, 2016, 12:47 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Denon

This Whisper is a true artisan. It has been so many years since I last saw my father; one of my fears is that I will wake up one day and realize so much time has passed that I've forgotten what he looks like. Thanks to Master Denon, that will no longer be a fear of mine. He has crafted a bust of my father that now sits proudly in the entrance hall and it is perfect in every detail.

Written By Alrec

Aug. 27, 2016, 12:37 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Max

My friend, if you weren't as resourceful as you are I would have called you my son but here is a boy, well a man really, who at 13 was already hoisting the flag and sailing alongside some of Darkwater's best captains. If there is anyone who is my equal it is young Cap'n Maximilian. So I'll call him brother. Now, I've watched this young captain go from scoaring the Saffron Chains to sitting at court as Darkwater's Count and couldn't be prouder. He is bound by their court and I understand that my relationship with his family it is not the best. So should the time come that he is order to come after my head, oh, what a glorious day that will be. Where we will be tested both at sea and at sword and only the best shall survive. They will write stories about our encounter. In the meantime know this, a slight againt Maximilian is an insult against this admiral and for that man I would split the sea.

Written By Dawn

Aug. 27, 2016, 12:36 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Ida

I have no real need for weapons, my skill with blades is nonexistent and even my ability with a bow has grown rusty, though with so many guardsmen around me at any given hour of the day, safety is not a concern. Still, I own two weapons and a suit of practice armor made by her, a veritable surplus of gear I can only use rarely or not at all... and yet every time I see an example of her work, I want to purchase more.

In addition to being incredibly skill, she also seems a most pleasant woman, full of energy and enthusiasm for both her work and the people around her. More than one of the gods have blessed her, I think.

Written By Dawn

Aug. 27, 2016, 12:23 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)

Market Day has come and gone. All of the work put into it, all of the time spent planning, and the reward was seeing so many of Arx's people out in the sunshine enjoying the day. And the crafters! I knew they'd work hard to impress us but they went above and beyond to create true art.

Master Denon Whisper produced a painted bust of my father. When he unveiled his work, it took all I had to keep from tearing up; he captured his likeness exactly and returned me to my childhood when I'd do everything I could to win a smile from him. It sits now in the entrance hall of Grayson Mansion to greet me every time I return to the house.

I knew Mistress Ida's booth would take my breath away, having already received several commissions from her. But no matter that I have a sword from her already, I still found myself coveting the matching sword and hairpin she'd produced. It was beautiful work, and a joy to finally meet a woman who had won my respect already through our correspondence. Duke Niccolo made quick work of securing sword and hairpin for himself, a gift for someone in his acquaintance, I believe he said. Whomever receives that token from the Voice of Velenosa is fortunate indeed.

It has been my pleasure and honor through the years to act as patron to Mistress Joscelin and to have her in attendance was wonderful. I've rarely met an artisan with so keen an eye for design, and determining what will be the best complement in adornment for any individual. She did herself proud with a pair of pewter earrings, which I believe were purchased by another woman I hold in some esteem, Mistress Acacia Culler, and a pearl encrusted set of hair combs designed in the style of mermaids. These I made a gift of to Lady Kima Saik, a southern knight of some renown. They suited her perfectly, as Mistress Joscelin said they would.

Sir Silas Mercier was also in attendance and I confess, I'm not certain how the man does it, even with two apprentices to assist him. He must sleep only a scant few hours every night to achieve the amount of work he does, and at such a high level of finesse. The wardrobe I commissioned from him is one of the finest things I own, and I knew I would be impressed but he too exceeded expectations. His offerings were an impressive trophy case with mirror, a very fine dining set, and a sweet little rocking chair made by his apprentice Callum, which I am proud of having purchased for myself. It will inspire me to find a quiet hour here and there for my reading.

I think the finest thing to come of the day was to see nobles and commoners alike together, sharing a spirit of merriment and celebration. We have all of us had little reason for that of late but it seemed we were all able to set our worries aside for a day, and simply enjoy the comradery and creativity of our fellow Arxians. Inquisitors Alistair and Prince Gareth, Larissa Whisper, Master Hammer my champion of the card table, people from the Lower Boroughs and those who've walked in the palace, or in lands far from this one, they were all there. For a day, there were no divisions that I could see and we seemed to all be of one mind, united in the purpose of remembering what is good in life.

It did my heart good, and also reminded me of a lesson instilled in me when I was small: It is easy to lead when the days are sweet and full of sunlight, but when events conspire and times grow dark and cold, the people need light and warmth the most. Grayson must be that light for they have always looked to us and we have always served.

It was a good day, with good people.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 27, 2016, 1:17 a.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Market Day.

I've been working for months to create enough work to satisfy the reputation I want to maintain, and I have to say, it paid off.

Many folks perused the wares, had questions, and I think I've even managed to snag a permanent client or two. Not much to complain about.



Though I may have drunk too much wine there, towards the end.


Was it just me, or did that large, giant Hammar man have a cute tookus?



Written By Joscelin

Aug. 27, 2016, 1:06 a.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Ida

A local smith I'm proud to call both 'peer' and 'friend'.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 27, 2016, 1:04 a.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Ida

A local smith I'm proud to call both a peer, and a friend.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 27, 2016, 12:55 a.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Ida

My fellow 'smith was there at the Market Day event, and I caught her eyeing a few of my pieces. The woman -knows- I'll make her anything she likes, but sometimes I have to pretend to just make her things and accidentally send them to her.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 27, 2016, 12:55 a.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Acacia

A woman of fine taste purchased a beautiful pair of earrings from me. While I normally dislike working in pewter, I enjoyed making these. Acacia herself was jovial and intelligent, and I hope to speak with her again.

Written By Joscelin

Aug. 27, 2016, 12:35 a.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Dawn

My patron lady is by far the most generous woman I've ever encountered, personally sponsoring my craft and education simply because she enjoys what I create. Many artisans twice as talented as I aren't nearly so lucky. I am thankful for her presence in my work.

Written By Ida

Aug. 27, 2016, 12:13 a.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Wow. Wow! Market Day - y'know, I'm not much of an event goer. I have never been part of something like this, here or back in the hamlet near Sanctum. It was pretty amazing. The entertainment weaving through the crowds were just beyond what I expected, I guess. The wine fountain, fire-breathers... It felt like such a celebration! There were poignant moments, too. Whisper Denon made the must stunning bust of King Alaric III that, if you were close enough, you could tell touched Lady Dawn when she saw it - probably anyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Mistress Joscelin made a stunning pearl-encrusted haircomb. Oh! And pewter earrings that I was sorely tempted to purchase! Sir Silas, who I noticed had a sword I crafted on his belt, had some very impressive furniture pieces as well. Mistress Acacia, who I always love to see, noted how skilled he is, so I hope to go by his shop soon. I could use a trunk for the shop and the man is, without doubt, exceptionally skilled.

The sword and hairpins I made were purchased by Duke Niccolo. I didn't really expect the pieces to be bought, to be honest, at least not /at/ the event. He had asked some time ago about a rubicund weapon and I was to send word when I mastered the skill, which has yet to happen. Despite that, he bought those pieces and asked about having a sword commissioned, which we're to discuss soon.

Again, I find myself both very impressed and fond of Lady Dawn. She seems to appreciate...everything. I don't know how to explain it. I'm really glad she sent word to have some things crafted and that she invited me along with the other crafters to the event. It was, I suspect, one of those experiences you tell the story of, the rest of your life.

Written By Silas

Aug. 26, 2016, 11:34 p.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Master Callum is thrilled that Lady Dawn had purchased the rocking chair he had made and I swear he must have grown three inches taller the instant I told him.

Master Enzo is right in his sentiment to see the common youth skilled and aspiring. As much as we respect the nobility for their fair governance and dignity, it is wise to remember that the cogs of civilization are worked by the hands of the lower castes and without them we would perish.

Written By Acacia

Aug. 26, 2016, 11:20 p.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

The event from Lady Dawn was filled with life and excitement from the jugglers to the flamethrowers to the craftsmen who truly were the stars of the show.

Master Smith Ida's work was exceptional, as always. One of these days, I'm going to run out of places to put knives. Is that possible?

I ended up stealing a purchase from Sir Silas. Admittedly, I wanted a trophy case for all my not-trophies for some time now. I might have to send him a bottle of whiskey in thanks.

Mistress Joscelin seems to create quite intricate work, favored to Lady Dawn, I'm curious to what she'll make in the future and walked away with a pair of earrings from her.

I've seen Courtier Denon's work previously and the man is truly gifted, in a multitude of ways, really. But his piece was poignant, I thought. The styling reminded me of a particular garden creature though.

Overall, well. Praise to House Grayson?

Written By Aurora

Aug. 26, 2016, 11:16 p.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

A masterpiece does not end when a painter completes the final brush stroke. When a sculptor casts the final chip aside. Art is not just what one sees in passing. It is a living, breathing entity that thrives on being seen, used, touched, and of course worn. Clothing is more than a simple means to an end. It is more than a social obligation to indicate rank, class, and occupation. A person may say the correct lines, may behave the correct way, but without looking the part, the scene is doomed to fail before the curtain closes.

Written By Alrec

Aug. 26, 2016, 8:28 p.m.(5/27/1004 AR)

Do not mistake my love for Thrax and Darkwater as my lack of loyalty towards Pravus. Duchess Belladonna knows where I stand. She knows what kind of man I am and she knows how easy it is to extinguish me. I am bound to Pravus through silver and contract and they have done nothing to warrant any sort of betrayal. Pravus has stood by me and my men when all other houses would not. They took me after I came to them and in exchange I bolden their Navy and continue to make it the best the world has to offer. My blood maybe Thrax but my will is that of Duchess Belladonna. Do not listen to the gossip for they are designed to be a weapon. A weapon that can not hurt me. Prince Donrai of Thrax is a man I served all my life, a man I continue to try to resemble as many sailors do. It is a man I respect dearly and who's legacy of dread at sea I continue to extend. That is a personal feeling and does not stand as evidence of my betrayal of Pravus. Pravus does not need your help in dealing with traitors, if they think I am one, trust that they will take care of it.

Written By Eos

Aug. 26, 2016, 4:45 p.m.(5/26/1004 AR)

It would appear as though all it requires for the locks of opportunity to turn is to be ten years of age. In our short time in the city, young Vomas has received offers of tutelage or patronage from no less than three women of means. Lady Kima would take him on as a student of the sword - which I admittedly might take as a slight from my sister if she were not offering the service at large, while Mistress Larissa would see him taught the proper manners of court and how not to trod upon the feet of those ladies he might one day dance with. It is Lady Calista, however, who has left Vomas most excited, setting before him the challenge of painting a full fresco when construction of the Fidante manor has been completed. I can only say that I am pleased beyond expectation with the robust education he is poised to receive while in Arx.

For myself, years enough have come and gone between me and ten summers that many of those days have fallen to the fog of lost memory. I may have spent more time making introductions and learning new faces to go alongside old names this past week than in the last two years combined; and it seems that there are still twice what I have crossed from the list of those I ought reach out to left yet. With the free flow of wine, my social graces - for what they are - might just hold out to greet them all.

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