Written By Raymesin
Aug. 1, 2021, 8:53 a.m.(12/10/1015 AR)
So someone I hold in great esteem got her birthday present at last, Scholar. I can't wait to see the critique; hopefully she enjoys it as much as she enjoyed the other parts of the series.
Written By Quenia
Aug. 1, 2021, 8:43 a.m.(12/10/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Mattheu
The Feast of Senses has been, and always will be, one of my favorite events. When the Archduchess put out the call she was having it, I immediately sent in my request to take part of it. I always choose to be paired with a random person, in order to make the experience that much more interesting. This year, it seems that my original date never arrived. I do not know who they were supposed to be, but they missed out on an excellent evening.
But, that said, the person that did end up being my date was a most excellent partner. He was kind, patient, and witty. I managed not to spill or smoosh too much food onto his face, since part of the Feast of the Senses was to feed each other, while also blindfolded. We quietly revealed bits and pieces of who we were during the course of the dinner.
My partner, in the end, was revealed to be Lord Mattheu Rivenshari, who had been roped in at the last minute, fresh off the boat, to come join the party. I am ever appreciative that he decided to do so.
But, that said, the person that did end up being my date was a most excellent partner. He was kind, patient, and witty. I managed not to spill or smoosh too much food onto his face, since part of the Feast of the Senses was to feed each other, while also blindfolded. We quietly revealed bits and pieces of who we were during the course of the dinner.
My partner, in the end, was revealed to be Lord Mattheu Rivenshari, who had been roped in at the last minute, fresh off the boat, to come join the party. I am ever appreciative that he decided to do so.
Written By Ryhalt
Aug. 1, 2021, 4:36 a.m.(12/10/1015 AR)
It is incredible how those calling most shrilly for unity do not comprehend that to do so negates what they intend entire. Calls for unity are nothing more than someone unwilling to bend to another's needs and instead stoops to condemning and criticizing what they view as the problem which is never themselves. When has anyone ever repaired a relationship when meeting upon that premise?
Now, I will not say that it is a Prodigal flaw, as it is not, but it is one of those who think they are better than all others. The Compact is a society structured by rank. It undermines the Compact to have multiple Prodigals, or those sympathetic to their 'plight', gripe about the unfairness in the demotion inherent in entering beneath another House and abandoning being the top of their own rank structure. Every utterance of such shows first of all the ignorance of what has made the Compact strong and secondly a complete unwillingness to participate in our society.
Worsen that with proclamations that Prodigal Houses stand with the Compact? Foolishness. Such only showcase to the entire Compact which houses have been elevated without care. Let me make it plain: if you need to tell someone that you stand with them over some attack you are implying that you hadn't been standing with them before, but instead saw yourself as other all along. When you are bound by vassalage to others you do not need to declare via proclamation that you follow them. Have you ever seen a vassal House respond to their liege's banner call with a proclamation of standing with them? No. And, let's pray we never do as it will be a sign that this rot has infested us deeper.
Also, dogs being knighted via proclamation? This is a another sign of our civilization's decomposition and decay. How our enemies must be applauding the sight of our whites and proclamations in these days.
We have so many services within the Compact to curtail such actions: patronage, Whispers, Scholars, the Archives to name a few. I told someone this week that we must take care which parts of foreign cultures to adopt and which to condemn. It is extremely important because those practices we condemn are those which are a threat to the Compact. So, if you are a Prodigal house and having your actions condemned you ought to not lash out at all the Compact as an enemy and to blame us for attacking you for being Prodigal, as that is most often not the case, but to reflect and study why your betters are telling you to stop doing certain things. If you don't understand it, ask why. If you don't agree with their answer, counter them in logical debate why not. If your case has merit, it will spread as intellectually superior, in time. We can disagree and still work together, but emotional lashing out because someone doesn't think something is fair or they simply don't like their new-found lot has never improved society. This is why those of us who guard the Compact are so very wary of the current environment.
Why join something you are going to do nothing but complain about and tear down the moment that you do? I can think of no good reasons, for these are the actions that our enemies engage in. If you don't want to appear as an enemy, don't engage in enemy activities. Our shared goal, presumably, is to grow and strengthen the Compact. It's axiomatic that these are mutually exclusive.
Now, I will not say that it is a Prodigal flaw, as it is not, but it is one of those who think they are better than all others. The Compact is a society structured by rank. It undermines the Compact to have multiple Prodigals, or those sympathetic to their 'plight', gripe about the unfairness in the demotion inherent in entering beneath another House and abandoning being the top of their own rank structure. Every utterance of such shows first of all the ignorance of what has made the Compact strong and secondly a complete unwillingness to participate in our society.
Worsen that with proclamations that Prodigal Houses stand with the Compact? Foolishness. Such only showcase to the entire Compact which houses have been elevated without care. Let me make it plain: if you need to tell someone that you stand with them over some attack you are implying that you hadn't been standing with them before, but instead saw yourself as other all along. When you are bound by vassalage to others you do not need to declare via proclamation that you follow them. Have you ever seen a vassal House respond to their liege's banner call with a proclamation of standing with them? No. And, let's pray we never do as it will be a sign that this rot has infested us deeper.
Also, dogs being knighted via proclamation? This is a another sign of our civilization's decomposition and decay. How our enemies must be applauding the sight of our whites and proclamations in these days.
We have so many services within the Compact to curtail such actions: patronage, Whispers, Scholars, the Archives to name a few. I told someone this week that we must take care which parts of foreign cultures to adopt and which to condemn. It is extremely important because those practices we condemn are those which are a threat to the Compact. So, if you are a Prodigal house and having your actions condemned you ought to not lash out at all the Compact as an enemy and to blame us for attacking you for being Prodigal, as that is most often not the case, but to reflect and study why your betters are telling you to stop doing certain things. If you don't understand it, ask why. If you don't agree with their answer, counter them in logical debate why not. If your case has merit, it will spread as intellectually superior, in time. We can disagree and still work together, but emotional lashing out because someone doesn't think something is fair or they simply don't like their new-found lot has never improved society. This is why those of us who guard the Compact are so very wary of the current environment.
Why join something you are going to do nothing but complain about and tear down the moment that you do? I can think of no good reasons, for these are the actions that our enemies engage in. If you don't want to appear as an enemy, don't engage in enemy activities. Our shared goal, presumably, is to grow and strengthen the Compact. It's axiomatic that these are mutually exclusive.
Written By Jophiel
Aug. 1, 2021, 3:44 a.m.(12/10/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Catriona
I have learnt something important today. Princess Catriona and I were talking about protection from magic, and she shared with me some advice. I am extremely thankful for her willingness to share this advice, and will aim to work on it. Perhaps Duke Michael might also benefit from this. I must talk to him soon.
Written By Jophiel
Aug. 1, 2021, 3:36 a.m.(12/10/1015 AR)
The unfortunate events at the Whisper House shows a stark reminder that danger prevails even in places we feel safe in. It was a horrible expereince, watching the injured enter the hospital. Thankfully Lady Mabelle, Lady Medeia and Sir Merek were present to tend to the injured. Nonetheless, I think I should continue brining my dagger around with me from now on. Better safe than sorry.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 1, 2021, 3:35 a.m.(12/10/1015 AR)
After a night at the Murder over drinks, it seems that our Raja, Prince Patrizio and I have come to the conclusion that might a fine idea to consider joining forces with all those in the Lowers to improve the main road through the boroughs to the docks.
Though at present this is merely the maiden blush of this venture, I can honestly say that many will benefit from going this way, but so, too, many will be needed to accomplish it.
But if it's one thing I know, the folk in the Lowers – Culler, Ulbran, Grayhope and the many other families – always know how to find a way to work together. I also suspect that the noble houses who live above bridge will also see why joining us would profit them as well. All in all, it's a recipe for a mutually beneficial improvement for our city’s citizens and economy.
I do enjoy a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Though at present this is merely the maiden blush of this venture, I can honestly say that many will benefit from going this way, but so, too, many will be needed to accomplish it.
But if it's one thing I know, the folk in the Lowers – Culler, Ulbran, Grayhope and the many other families – always know how to find a way to work together. I also suspect that the noble houses who live above bridge will also see why joining us would profit them as well. All in all, it's a recipe for a mutually beneficial improvement for our city’s citizens and economy.
I do enjoy a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Written By Cristoph
July 31, 2021, 11:56 p.m.(12/9/1015 AR)
My birthday is tomorrow and I expect it to be exceptionally dull this year.
Not that I planned anything exciting on any of the prior years.
Quite a lot of silver linings to be thankful for at least.
Not that I planned anything exciting on any of the prior years.
Quite a lot of silver linings to be thankful for at least.
Written By Sydney
July 31, 2021, 10:55 p.m.(12/9/1015 AR)
No dog that I have encountered has ever sneered down their nose at me and told me I was lower than dirt to him, a face in a sea of unwashed faces, meant only to serve my betters.
To my knowledge, a dog has never redirected a budget to pointless domain expansion while watching his fellows starve in the shadow of the finest city in Arvum.
We like to play at pretend, and imply that our blood does more than simply make us alive while it's in our bodies.
If your nobility and honor are so cheaply besmirched, were they ever real to begin with? How fragile and brittle they must be, to be wounded with a flick of the pen.
To my knowledge, a dog has never redirected a budget to pointless domain expansion while watching his fellows starve in the shadow of the finest city in Arvum.
We like to play at pretend, and imply that our blood does more than simply make us alive while it's in our bodies.
If your nobility and honor are so cheaply besmirched, were they ever real to begin with? How fragile and brittle they must be, to be wounded with a flick of the pen.
Written By Titus
July 31, 2021, 10:02 p.m.(12/9/1015 AR)
In the banns there’s been talk of animals being knighted. It’s caused a wide discussion on the merits of prodigals being brought back to the Compact, of potential negative impacts to traditions. It isn’t my place to challenge a better, they have peers to keep things in check. That’s the way of nobility, it isn’t an out of control mob that lashes out, it’s a steel gloved hand ready to provide a check if you do something wrong and give you the benefit of learning from making a mistake but you must keep the bruise to check that ego.
A lord from a lower house trying to challenge a duke would be out of place and wrong. It's called peerage for a reason.
Knighthood. There is a path for exceptional commoners to be recognised for their exceptionalism and earn nobility through fidelity, honour and commitment to justice in a path that is as old as nobility itself and the champions of old. Knighthood isn’t just an honourific to be given. It’s an exchange of promise to defend and champion the noble who is choosing to use their own social power to elevate a lower person. Knighting animals? Ridiculous. It can’t happen, there’s no oaths or exchange of fealty between an animal and a noble. A noble that tries to knight a beast to me shows they have no social power as they aren’t able to find a true champion who will pledge themselves wholly.
As a Warmonger, I follow a code with serious dedication. Knights I’ve come across on either side of the battle as allies or enemies all have shown themselves dedicated to their codes and to compose themselves with honour in all things as it represents the house which raised them higher. To have them considered alongside animals disrespects the houses who have raised those champions, and disrespects the the honour and pledges those champions have offered to those houses.
The Vaevici bent the knee to the Pravus and have pledged ourselves and our honour to the Compact and for which it stands. We are quite prepared to pay whatever cost it takes to defend the Pravus, our King and our Compact allies. Honour demands it.
A lord from a lower house trying to challenge a duke would be out of place and wrong. It's called peerage for a reason.
Knighthood. There is a path for exceptional commoners to be recognised for their exceptionalism and earn nobility through fidelity, honour and commitment to justice in a path that is as old as nobility itself and the champions of old. Knighthood isn’t just an honourific to be given. It’s an exchange of promise to defend and champion the noble who is choosing to use their own social power to elevate a lower person. Knighting animals? Ridiculous. It can’t happen, there’s no oaths or exchange of fealty between an animal and a noble. A noble that tries to knight a beast to me shows they have no social power as they aren’t able to find a true champion who will pledge themselves wholly.
As a Warmonger, I follow a code with serious dedication. Knights I’ve come across on either side of the battle as allies or enemies all have shown themselves dedicated to their codes and to compose themselves with honour in all things as it represents the house which raised them higher. To have them considered alongside animals disrespects the houses who have raised those champions, and disrespects the the honour and pledges those champions have offered to those houses.
The Vaevici bent the knee to the Pravus and have pledged ourselves and our honour to the Compact and for which it stands. We are quite prepared to pay whatever cost it takes to defend the Pravus, our King and our Compact allies. Honour demands it.
Written By Dante
July 31, 2021, 6:24 p.m.(12/9/1015 AR)
Leon grows so quickly. I wonder if he will be up to the task of leading the Roseward? He has to be, all we can do is provide him with as much help as possible.
Written By Wil
July 31, 2021, 1:58 p.m.(12/9/1015 AR)
I'm not one to offer any sort of criticism to my betters, unless it infringes on my devotion to the gods. No knighthood should be bestowed without a fervent belief that those they lift up are, or have the potential to be, true paragons in Gloria's light.
I will offer no judgement but it is a thing to be noted that one cannot hide from the gods. Think on the decisions you make, ensure they are worthy of the divine will of the Pantheon.
I will offer no judgement but it is a thing to be noted that one cannot hide from the gods. Think on the decisions you make, ensure they are worthy of the divine will of the Pantheon.
Written By Isabeau
July 31, 2021, 10 a.m.(12/8/1015 AR)
In the light of what's happened at the Whisper House, I find myself drawing closer to home. If any Whispers are still displaced and without adequate room... I offer you the succor and safety of our Tower.
Written By Denica
July 31, 2021, 1:49 a.m.(12/8/1015 AR)
Be bold. Be strong. Be you.
Written By Mia
July 30, 2021, 7:29 p.m.(12/7/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
There are days when I have thought to myself, 'If I weren't already married, I would propose a match between myself and Amari Keaton.' It would be an entirely platonic match, of course, given that I'm very fond of men and I'm fairly certain that she is, too.
But today, after reading her most recent white journal, is one of those days.
But today, after reading her most recent white journal, is one of those days.
Written By Medeia
July 30, 2021, 6:08 p.m.(12/7/1015 AR)
The task of the peers is to lead. Some might say rule. I would offer steward, shepherd, manage, administrate, guide, influence... Care for. My duty as a noblewoman is to the people sworn to my house. As one married into my house, I am meant to be the bridge that unites Eswynd and Saik. Being born to the peerage does not make me better than anyone else. It does, however, bestow upon me expectations of being better. Of doing better. Of stepping forward to do what is right and just on behalf of others. I firmly believe that the nobility is in service to the people of the Compact.
If our people are starving after crop failure while we parade around the city in brand new luxury fabrics? We are not performing our duty. A sign of struggle for our people while we flourish is a failure of ours to honor the oaths sworn to us. We come to the city to create trade amongst us, to provide opportunities for growth and learning, to bolster our defenses. While we are all of the Compact and should consider each other allies, we make more formal alliances to strengthen our houses - and the Compact as a whole. We marry our family members off and ask them to accept that their marriage is not based on love for their spouse, but love for the Compact.
To claim that Prodigals cannot bend knee to the Compact and be given noble roles is ridiculous. Those who are "given" nobility upon bending knee were already performing the duties of nobility for their people. For generations. They know their people best. They know their lands best. They know the other Shavs that may threaten those people and lands best. We need them! We need their knowledge, expertise. They support us, accept great change, and allow us to prosper rather than be spread too thin. There are those of you who would see the Abandoned all slaughtered to a man. How do you propose to handle the lands gained without the people to work them and protect them? Is it truly honorable?
Those who are elevated to the ranks of nobility are thus given the same expectations and opportunities to serve and strengthen their people and the Compact. And it is our place to help them. Extend a hand in friendship, in understanding of what they must become. We should be embracing them as peers, as our peers. They are opportunities for innovation, fortification, and perspective. They know how the people sworn to them live, firsthand, and can provide insights on how best to serve them.
A greater Compact is made through the acceptance of, the embrace of, Prodigals and neonobles. When we must stand against terrible threats to our existence against foreign armies, we will face better odds when we are united. All of Arvum.
If our people are starving after crop failure while we parade around the city in brand new luxury fabrics? We are not performing our duty. A sign of struggle for our people while we flourish is a failure of ours to honor the oaths sworn to us. We come to the city to create trade amongst us, to provide opportunities for growth and learning, to bolster our defenses. While we are all of the Compact and should consider each other allies, we make more formal alliances to strengthen our houses - and the Compact as a whole. We marry our family members off and ask them to accept that their marriage is not based on love for their spouse, but love for the Compact.
To claim that Prodigals cannot bend knee to the Compact and be given noble roles is ridiculous. Those who are "given" nobility upon bending knee were already performing the duties of nobility for their people. For generations. They know their people best. They know their lands best. They know the other Shavs that may threaten those people and lands best. We need them! We need their knowledge, expertise. They support us, accept great change, and allow us to prosper rather than be spread too thin. There are those of you who would see the Abandoned all slaughtered to a man. How do you propose to handle the lands gained without the people to work them and protect them? Is it truly honorable?
Those who are elevated to the ranks of nobility are thus given the same expectations and opportunities to serve and strengthen their people and the Compact. And it is our place to help them. Extend a hand in friendship, in understanding of what they must become. We should be embracing them as peers, as our peers. They are opportunities for innovation, fortification, and perspective. They know how the people sworn to them live, firsthand, and can provide insights on how best to serve them.
A greater Compact is made through the acceptance of, the embrace of, Prodigals and neonobles. When we must stand against terrible threats to our existence against foreign armies, we will face better odds when we are united. All of Arvum.
Written By Giada
July 30, 2021, 12:50 p.m.(12/7/1015 AR)
Some things just suck the life right out of you. Turns out I'm not invincible to being dog tired.
Written By Aelgar
July 30, 2021, 12:46 p.m.(12/7/1015 AR)
I have been too busy to keep up with my own goals, but maybe that is a good thing? I will continue to train and prepare, but I am actually doing now as well. I missed two excursions outside, but I am much better trained and equipped than I was a couple months ago, so I have gained ground. Need a horse and more practice with that bow, but getting there. Anyway, I have a plan for doing some travel and offering teaching and healing as we reach those in need on the road. It will take me out of Arx at times, but The Scholars have good officers and the Archives are staffed by trained people with years of experience, so I am not very worried about the city surviving my absence...
Written By Valencia
July 30, 2021, 12:16 p.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Cirroch
I find myself slowly losing the desire to publicly speak, more and more silenced when such things happen. Sometimes words are not enough.
My grief is my own and comes and goes without logic. I know you will be missed. I know my heart is with you and your friends and family. I know I am grateful for the place you held in my own heart. You were not supposed to do this.
I suppose there is little more to say.
~~~~~~<~<~<@
My grief is my own and comes and goes without logic. I know you will be missed. I know my heart is with you and your friends and family. I know I am grateful for the place you held in my own heart. You were not supposed to do this.
I suppose there is little more to say.
~~~~~~<~<~<@
Written By Ember
July 30, 2021, 9:44 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
The Scholars, upon review of my latest White Journal entry, have asked me to write publicly and clarify that I am not seeking suggestions for a name for my dog, and especially not suggestions sent via White Journals.
He is a dog. He does not need a name. And the Scholars are very busy today.
He is a dog. He does not need a name. And the Scholars are very busy today.
Written By Ember
July 30, 2021, 9:41 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
Two thoughts to be recorded for posterity for all time, to be preserved in the Great Archive and kept as part of my legacy to historians of the future, to whatever extent they may use them.
One thought, which I expect they might find useful, whether I am a chapter in the historian's volume or a mere footnote, is that I recognize the honor that comes in being born of the Redreef bloodline. House Redreef has a proud lineage that trails back centuries... to when an old soldier, loyal and steadfast, was ennobled by the Count of Darkwater Watch to be the first Baron of the newly created domain of Redreef Shores. Redreef is "old blood" now, but it was once new, and it fought to earn its standing just as other new noble Houses fight now.
To that end, my belief is simple. There are those noble Houses who would fight alongside Redreef, and there are those who would work against us, whether to lift their swords or to throw more subtle stumbling blocks in the path of our continued success. That, and only that, is the measure by which I judge the character of a House. Thus far it has served me well.
My second thought, which with my luck will end up being the one historians actually preserve, is that I haven't even given my own gods-damned dog a NAME.
One thought, which I expect they might find useful, whether I am a chapter in the historian's volume or a mere footnote, is that I recognize the honor that comes in being born of the Redreef bloodline. House Redreef has a proud lineage that trails back centuries... to when an old soldier, loyal and steadfast, was ennobled by the Count of Darkwater Watch to be the first Baron of the newly created domain of Redreef Shores. Redreef is "old blood" now, but it was once new, and it fought to earn its standing just as other new noble Houses fight now.
To that end, my belief is simple. There are those noble Houses who would fight alongside Redreef, and there are those who would work against us, whether to lift their swords or to throw more subtle stumbling blocks in the path of our continued success. That, and only that, is the measure by which I judge the character of a House. Thus far it has served me well.
My second thought, which with my luck will end up being the one historians actually preserve, is that I haven't even given my own gods-damned dog a NAME.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.