Written By Victus
July 24, 2016, 7:45 a.m.(2/10/1004 AR)
Fought Fergus in the decathlon's single combat bracket. No audience this time. I don't much care either way, but I'll admit that if people are going to watch, I'd rather then watch me win.
I won.
I even won fairly. Could've brought out old Darkwater by the rules of the tournament, seeing as how Fergus' sword is peace bound. But I didn't. It wasn't because I took the fucker lightly, either. By his reputation he knows his killing business.
But in this sort of thing, winning by any means ain't really winning.
Its not war.
It's just a silly game for the fucking fun of it.
I won.
I even won fairly. Could've brought out old Darkwater by the rules of the tournament, seeing as how Fergus' sword is peace bound. But I didn't. It wasn't because I took the fucker lightly, either. By his reputation he knows his killing business.
But in this sort of thing, winning by any means ain't really winning.
Its not war.
It's just a silly game for the fucking fun of it.
Written By Victus
July 24, 2016, 7:35 a.m.(2/10/1004 AR)
So I lost to that fucker Alrec in the decathlon wrestling bracket. Don't much recall exactly how I went down, only that I was looking up from the ground and tasting blood in my mouth. Gods be damned, that's embarrassing. Now I rocked him back, sure, and for a moment I might've gotten back into it and put him down. He was swaying before he righted himself. And we were both fucking bloody as hell, but in the end none of that matters when I'm the one who lost. I hate losing.
In front of an audience too. Calista fanning herself like she's about to.. Well. I won't put the rest of that in here. Fatima doing less of that, but certainly saw.
Yeah, I hate losing.
In front of an audience too. Calista fanning herself like she's about to.. Well. I won't put the rest of that in here. Fatima doing less of that, but certainly saw.
Yeah, I hate losing.
Written By Victus
July 24, 2016, 7:30 a.m.(2/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fatima
I find it ironic that being a bastard carries more social bloody stigma than being the daughter of a Tehom fucked traitor. Still, I don't hold it against her. She's alright. Sometimes I wonder if she's going to try to run off and see the world like her mother did.
I always figured that'd be a good way to go, myself. But when I'm old. Just take a crew and sail off to the end of the fucking world. Raid, plunder, fuck, see.
I always figured that'd be a good way to go, myself. But when I'm old. Just take a crew and sail off to the end of the fucking world. Raid, plunder, fuck, see.
Written By Ailith
July 24, 2016, 6:33 a.m.(2/10/1004 AR)
In light of what I wrote about the Shamans only worshipping part of the Pantheon, people might ask, what of Tehom? What of the Forgotten Gods? Are you not guilty of the same? Tehom is the god of the Dark Reflection, the Lord of Mirrors, he is not of the same kind as the other deities but rather a twisted inversion of each of them in turn. A dark semblance that seeks to twist and destroy everything we hold dear and seek to embody. The forgotten gods were worshipped at the time of the Reckoning and perhaps formed another Triad, but it was the will of the Pantheon that they were lost to us. Here things are less clear, were they the deities of concepts or things destroyed in the Reckoning? Were they traitors who sided with Tehom? Does the Thirteenth still embody dark reflections of these lost gods? With most records lost during the Great Fire it is hard to say.
Written By Ailith
July 24, 2016, 6:28 a.m.(2/10/1004 AR)
Some followers of the shamanistic faith seem to believe that immediately and reflexive condemnation is all that they can expect from me – perhaps unsurprising given the history of Oathlands crusades into the north. Whilst I cannot condone the activity of those who promote their false believes I do not think they are evil, but they worship a mere fraction of the Pantheon and in an indirect and fragmented manner.
Any souls lost to Tehom through this are too many though and I do find it distressing that even members of House Redrain espouse this, no doubt leading thousands of their followers into the Abyss after they pass through the Mirror.
Any souls lost to Tehom through this are too many though and I do find it distressing that even members of House Redrain espouse this, no doubt leading thousands of their followers into the Abyss after they pass through the Mirror.
Written By Ailith
July 24, 2016, 6:23 a.m.(2/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
I do not know anything of this man, but it speaks well to him that after a triumph his first impulse was to thank the gods, though he seems unsure of how to show such devotion. I will certainly not question such newfound faith but rather be grateful for it.
Written By Isolde
July 24, 2016, 1:30 a.m.(2/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
This delightful woman spoke about the Shav who worship 'creatures from beyond the Reflection,' then pointedly looked at me. Wonderful, I could deal with that insult, and... correct her behavior. However, then she claimed they were responsible for Mama's murder. Now, I'll have to deal with this in a significantly different way. I haven't decided my course, but she has limited time to make amends. The Inquisition has already contacted me. This could end up being very bad.
Written By Kima
July 23, 2016, 9:13 p.m.(2/9/1004 AR)
I think I should walk things back a bit. So my friends are dead, and I suppose those that know me or knew them - or care enough to read these things - aren't ignorant of that fact. What most people do not know, however, are the events that lead up to that ill-fated moment.
As I pen this, I've come to the realization that what I intend to write here is most certainly not how I would have told it a few years ago. Perhaps I needed the time to come to terms with their loss. The time to mature.
Before, I had always viewed their deaths purely through the eyes of grief. I could see no wrong in what we did. Now I do, and it smacks of stupidity and arrogance. Ah, but I am perhaps too harsh. Is not every solider a master strategist after the fact?
No matter! I've determined to tell it all and tell it true, as you'll see in the coming pages...
As I pen this, I've come to the realization that what I intend to write here is most certainly not how I would have told it a few years ago. Perhaps I needed the time to come to terms with their loss. The time to mature.
Before, I had always viewed their deaths purely through the eyes of grief. I could see no wrong in what we did. Now I do, and it smacks of stupidity and arrogance. Ah, but I am perhaps too harsh. Is not every solider a master strategist after the fact?
No matter! I've determined to tell it all and tell it true, as you'll see in the coming pages...
Written By Esera
July 23, 2016, 5:34 p.m.(2/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Long before Talen was my Sword, he was my friend -- when I was still a princess, and he a Ward of House Velenosa. Poor boy, trapped between two worlds. Higher than a servant, less than a noble. Tormented and twisted by both. He belonged to neither -- now he belongs to me. I am his liege: my life and heart are his to protect.
Written By Esera
July 23, 2016, 4:59 p.m.(2/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
My sister. My shadow. I love her -- I will always love her. A Mirrormask she may be, but she was my sister before that. My sweet little sister, before she was claimed by the Dark Reflection. Her mask changes nothing. I will protect her, with all that I have, and all that I am. Some bonds cannot be broken.
Written By Esera
July 23, 2016, 4:53 p.m.(2/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
I met Deva when I was still a Princess. King Alaric invited us both to the Palace -- and mistook us, immediately. I never imagined I could be mistaken for a Northerner. He called me Princess Deva, called her Princess Esera. In the great halls of the Palace of Arx, the lines between us began to overlap, and we became each other. Since that day, we have shared in friendship. Now, with the loss of her father, and the loss of my mother, we share in grief. In this, we again overlap.
Written By Jaenelle
July 23, 2016, 4:19 p.m.(2/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fatima
Fatima! She is an amazing woman, despite all that she has had to endure. She is charming, and beautiful, and /mysteriously foreign/, though she has never been anywhere foreign. I suppose it doesn't matter, as long as you can claim to be foreign and she can! She is certainly one of my most favorite cousins, and any moment spent with her is a learning experience and grand adventure. I feel we will get each other into a lot trouble the more we are around one another, but sometimes scandal can be fun! Not the major scandals...like stealing a ship and running off to get married to a foreigner major, but equally entertaining.
Written By Alrec
July 23, 2016, 3:07 p.m.(2/8/1004 AR)
I don't know how to those freaking messengers keep finding me but this morning they did and I was told to report to the training ground to wrestle Victus. Yeah, Lord Victus. How could I say no? The crew been working so I figured watching their admiral get punch in the face would raise spirits. Well, I beat the shit out Lord Victus. He been training though. Got a step and big lungs that make him deadly in drawn out combat. I won't deny him that. The cruise went well, those in attendence found themselves enjoying their trip. Magnata kept her end of the bargain and gave me fair winds. I wonder what I paid for it?
Written By Valencia
July 23, 2016, 1 p.m.(2/8/1004 AR)
On Pride & Vanity
Pride is what we think of ourselves. It is how we hold our heads when we face our reflections, it is the honor with which we regard ourselves, it is the dignity with which we carry ourselves. Pride sets men apart from beasts, pride is a self-perpetuating system by which we govern our actions and our expectations of our fellow man.
Vanity is what we would have others think of us. It is in how we speak of ourselves in the hope of those words reaching the 'right' ears. It is in how we speak to others, putting them down to lift ourselves up. It is in the many little comparisons we make to others, oftentimes unconsciously. What jewels is she wearing, what sword does she carry, whose company does she keep, what ladies give him her favor, how much silver does he spend, who did he last best in a duel?
It is pride that causes us to stand up for what we believe in, it is pride that guides the righteous, it is pride that allows a body to address the gods, be it in silent prayer or a Rite of Gloria. For one that has no pride has no reason to seek the favor of the gods, he would not be worthy in his own eyes.
It is vanity masquerading as pride that leads people into all manner of troublesome thought. The fear of looking weak is a vanity, it leads those of lesser talent or skill or accuity to disparage those with pride in their deeds or accomplishments. Vanity leads people to petty hatred and ill-timed words, whether spoken or written or simply thought.
Be petty, be vain. But for the sake of your own pride, be silent about it.
Written By Acacia
July 23, 2016, 5:09 a.m.(2/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
Ida Ferron's name first reached me early on as one of the people that I should certainly take my time to meet in this city. For reasons only the Gods know, it took me awhile to meet her in person, but it was definitely worth it. Prince Edain had mentioned her in passing in regards to being highly acknowledged. The woman truly has character, depth, energy. At her suggestion, I stopped by her shop east of the City Center, unmistakeable as Ferron Arms and Armor. Although she can only forge up to a standard gauge of steel for now, I admittedly found myself surprised at the quality of her weapons. Each one was rendered with both care and exquisite style. This likely sounds like a shameless advertisement (since in part, it is), but it's honestly rather doubtful as her skill continues to increase that I'd get my weapons anywhere else.
Written By Ida
July 22, 2016, 11:35 p.m.(2/6/1004 AR)
Oathballs but Princess Alis is one helluva knight! Not sure I particularly care for the way that Sword of Lenosia fights, but I suppose it's not unexpected. In any case, I wish now more than ever that I could fashion the better steels, as Princess Alis was wearing the set Prince Edain commissioned me to make her and it did not protect her as well as I would have hoped against the Velanosa. She made some great shots and fought with exceptional honor. I was so proud! Not that she needs me to be. All told, the fight was a grand one and I even managed to meet face to face with Mistress Acacia. Nice conversation, that. Prince Edain sends such wonderful people to my door.
Written By Viviana
July 22, 2016, 8:51 a.m.(2/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
I highly suspect Talen may actually have some noble blood somewhere in his lineage. He's not perfect of course, too crass, to apolitic, and too unaware of the importance of appearances to be a true born noble, yet he has more noble qualities than many others I've met in this city of pure blood. He's brave, capable, intelligent, loyal, willing to sacrifice and make hard choices for his house, and has a sharp wit when he chooses to use it. I quite enjoy his company, and his bladework. I still do not think a commoner should be given an ancestral blade, but I will admit I'm somewhat jealous of my cousin, the Archduchess Esera, for securing his services none the less.
Written By Viviana
July 22, 2016, 5:02 a.m.(2/4/1004 AR)
I fought Duchess Nadia Nightgold on the tournament grounds for the Decathlon qualifiers. I fought with a token of favor from Princess Ophelia Velenosa, she with one from Princess Valencia Redrain. It's odd to say that it's the first time I've seen the woman in person despite exchanging correspondance with her many times. She's beautiful, which is no surprise, her armor was also rather exquisitely stylish, I'm almost jealous really. I think she's the first person I've seen besides myself who took the time and effort to fashion dueling armor that is also appealing to look at.
The fight itself was over fairly quickly, she has a lot of raw skill, but I suspect not the time to really hone it with her obligations as a ruler. It makes me worry that my own work as Voice will eventually start to eat into my own training time and I'll lose my edge. She kept fighting well beyond first blood, and displayed honor and bravery as well as her skill, I commend her highly. It is a far more remarkable person who steps into an arena when they suspect they are outmatched than than one who simply trains enough to be good with a blade. If I had to choose I would sooner follow Duchess Nightgold into battle than any master swordsman, bravery, conviction and a willingness to bleed for your House matter far more in a leader than speed with a blade.
...Of course it is a little easier for me to say that when I'm not the one in bandages.
The fight itself was over fairly quickly, she has a lot of raw skill, but I suspect not the time to really hone it with her obligations as a ruler. It makes me worry that my own work as Voice will eventually start to eat into my own training time and I'll lose my edge. She kept fighting well beyond first blood, and displayed honor and bravery as well as her skill, I commend her highly. It is a far more remarkable person who steps into an arena when they suspect they are outmatched than than one who simply trains enough to be good with a blade. If I had to choose I would sooner follow Duchess Nightgold into battle than any master swordsman, bravery, conviction and a willingness to bleed for your House matter far more in a leader than speed with a blade.
...Of course it is a little easier for me to say that when I'm not the one in bandages.
Written By Acacia
July 22, 2016, 1:44 a.m.(2/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
In the depths of the Boroughs, superstitions are as common as the grime which latches upon one's boots, clinging to linen and wools and spreading the muck to that which it touches. It's a healthy thing though, a living and breathing thing which continues through generations and provokes stories and creativity to arise even from the darkest content. It's different here than it is in the Lyceum, a statement everyone who makes the journey can attest, for both negative and positive influence.
But for those who dare to cross the threshold to the Shrine of the Thirteenth, which is both feared and condemned by many here, and see the striking way she serves as Acolyte-- they would have a hard time not being moved by her presence. Many white journals are written with intent to bring nothing but positive praise to those who might look themselves up, to kindle feelings of good will and ensure the shadow they cast is the one which they have shaped themselves-- but this is written with true intent. She's inspiring by the measure of adherence to that which she fully believes in, that which she's fully embraced, and it has a draw of clarity which many lack. Even as a believer in the Pantheon, as one who finds most tithes directed to Mangata and oft to Gild, I couldn't deny her that.
Outside of it, Princess Isolde is nobility who does her House honor. The kind of woman who's words are sweeter than expected, yet ring true with a raw sort of honesty. She's more thoughtful than I could've imagined, even when the essence of the words bite. As a Velenosan Princess, she should never be crossed, but she has a character which should also be enjoyed for what it is.
But for those who dare to cross the threshold to the Shrine of the Thirteenth, which is both feared and condemned by many here, and see the striking way she serves as Acolyte-- they would have a hard time not being moved by her presence. Many white journals are written with intent to bring nothing but positive praise to those who might look themselves up, to kindle feelings of good will and ensure the shadow they cast is the one which they have shaped themselves-- but this is written with true intent. She's inspiring by the measure of adherence to that which she fully believes in, that which she's fully embraced, and it has a draw of clarity which many lack. Even as a believer in the Pantheon, as one who finds most tithes directed to Mangata and oft to Gild, I couldn't deny her that.
Outside of it, Princess Isolde is nobility who does her House honor. The kind of woman who's words are sweeter than expected, yet ring true with a raw sort of honesty. She's more thoughtful than I could've imagined, even when the essence of the words bite. As a Velenosan Princess, she should never be crossed, but she has a character which should also be enjoyed for what it is.
Written By Ida
July 21, 2016, 10:23 p.m.(2/3/1004 AR)
Ferron Arms and Armor. A real shop. I have a real shop in the ward of the Compact, no less! Oathballs. It's a bit overwhelming but pretty awesome, too. Prince Aurelian even stopped in to visit. Managed a curved blade the other day for Alrec, who has also been a bit of a brawling partner. All told? New shop, getting in some fighting? Hard to complain these days!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.