Written By Gael
June 19, 2021, 5:16 a.m.(9/8/1015 AR)
I know I vowed not to mess with the colony of spiders living on Raja's roof, but after enough nights of suffering and incessant noise, and a particularly rough day dealing with matters of the heart, I decided I needed a task; something mannish, violent and easily exacerbated that'd take my mind off of things. When all you know to do is swing a sword, the world's suddenly much simpler when you give it the shape of a neck. And so I did.
Only that spiders don't have necks, as I sadly came to learn today.
Taking the help of two sellswords from the Few, I decided to find the root of spiders and learn where it is they hail from. We tracked their skittering through alleyways, we followed their webbings as best we could, seeing traces of small arachnids along the way. Crawling out of holes, hanging off of many corners built in the surrounding gables of houses and the like. Strangely enough, it all led to the Queen of Ending's Shrine, yet not exactly it, but a small cottage seemingly slovenly and abandoned not too far from its street. We went in to check, but only upon realizing the door was more of an abandoned, unhinged slat vaguely wedged into the entryway's frame than any real door at all.
The nest of spiders inside was a pit of earth wreathed in white. At its rim were thin filaments as we walked in, each which listed about at even the slightest suggestion of a breeze. Marching the two sellswords inward, me at the rear thank the Gods, the webbing begun to take a sort of civilized shape, as though we were walking in from wintery hinterland, the recency of its creation apparent in its tight trappings: small critter-sized cocoons of all sorts, each which showed no sign of life, all bound snug in the hangars of white silos and planes like morsels lost upon a pale rug. As we're aghast seeing it all, a black shadow sauntered up from behind the veiled domicile, coming to the fore with its legs squatting defilade, its head crouched beyond them as though the foul cretin had been gated by its own stride. I swear some tiny creature's limb was sucking in and out from its moving and clickity-clicking mandibles like some macabre pacifier as it just 'stood' there, looking at us with a strangely naive and many-eyed gleam of expectance. The biggest spider I had ever seen in my life.
We had come to the right place. And just like that, we left it.
All sense of cohesion in our impromptu squad was broken faster than a speeding bolt, the fools with me discarded even their swords and shields as though we had been out on some battlefield, running. Running quick and down towards the Lowers, careful to avoid the same paths and sidewinder of roads we used to get to our mark as we had, fearing perhaps that this newfound enemy would somehow follow them to their own homes. I myself took to a brisk jog back to the forge.
And renewed my oath not to mess with these spiders that are resolved not to be fucked with.
Only that spiders don't have necks, as I sadly came to learn today.
Taking the help of two sellswords from the Few, I decided to find the root of spiders and learn where it is they hail from. We tracked their skittering through alleyways, we followed their webbings as best we could, seeing traces of small arachnids along the way. Crawling out of holes, hanging off of many corners built in the surrounding gables of houses and the like. Strangely enough, it all led to the Queen of Ending's Shrine, yet not exactly it, but a small cottage seemingly slovenly and abandoned not too far from its street. We went in to check, but only upon realizing the door was more of an abandoned, unhinged slat vaguely wedged into the entryway's frame than any real door at all.
The nest of spiders inside was a pit of earth wreathed in white. At its rim were thin filaments as we walked in, each which listed about at even the slightest suggestion of a breeze. Marching the two sellswords inward, me at the rear thank the Gods, the webbing begun to take a sort of civilized shape, as though we were walking in from wintery hinterland, the recency of its creation apparent in its tight trappings: small critter-sized cocoons of all sorts, each which showed no sign of life, all bound snug in the hangars of white silos and planes like morsels lost upon a pale rug. As we're aghast seeing it all, a black shadow sauntered up from behind the veiled domicile, coming to the fore with its legs squatting defilade, its head crouched beyond them as though the foul cretin had been gated by its own stride. I swear some tiny creature's limb was sucking in and out from its moving and clickity-clicking mandibles like some macabre pacifier as it just 'stood' there, looking at us with a strangely naive and many-eyed gleam of expectance. The biggest spider I had ever seen in my life.
We had come to the right place. And just like that, we left it.
All sense of cohesion in our impromptu squad was broken faster than a speeding bolt, the fools with me discarded even their swords and shields as though we had been out on some battlefield, running. Running quick and down towards the Lowers, careful to avoid the same paths and sidewinder of roads we used to get to our mark as we had, fearing perhaps that this newfound enemy would somehow follow them to their own homes. I myself took to a brisk jog back to the forge.
And renewed my oath not to mess with these spiders that are resolved not to be fucked with.
Written By Raimon
June 19, 2021, 1:48 a.m.(9/8/1015 AR)
A Dream; Not Mine
A walking mountain stalks the chain,
winged horrors 'pon it dive.
With thunder-ings of fiery breath,
its mountains come alive!
Its people, torn by war and strife,
bequeathed yet one more doom.
Between the mountains' lava breath,
And blood-red waters' spume.
A horror lurches 'cross the Deeps,
A vast and dread-full Beast.
The streets run red with offered blood
as winged fiends swoop and feast.
What succor 'gainst this massive threat
can Saffron hope to find?
What hopes unlooked-for can be called
and 'gainst the Dark aligned?
A walking mountain stalks the chain,
winged horrors 'pon it dive.
With thunder-ings of fiery breath,
its mountains come alive!
Its people, torn by war and strife,
bequeathed yet one more doom.
Between the mountains' lava breath,
And blood-red waters' spume.
A horror lurches 'cross the Deeps,
A vast and dread-full Beast.
The streets run red with offered blood
as winged fiends swoop and feast.
What succor 'gainst this massive threat
can Saffron hope to find?
What hopes unlooked-for can be called
and 'gainst the Dark aligned?
Written By Ryhalt
June 19, 2021, 12:06 a.m.(9/8/1015 AR)
I should make it a better habit to *not* half fall through things.
Written By Viviana
June 18, 2021, 10:49 p.m.(9/7/1015 AR)
Pretty paladin.
Written By Raimon
June 18, 2021, 10:30 p.m.(9/7/1015 AR)
The beaches form a full mosaic,
Life and Death the colors there!
Fresh greens and yellows wash ashore, and
gasp for breath in salty air.
Pallid are the hues asunder:
Fractured mollusks, shattered crabs
Bleached - white are the bones and sinews,
skyward one lone gull-wing stabs. . . .
Life and Death the colors there!
Fresh greens and yellows wash ashore, and
gasp for breath in salty air.
Pallid are the hues asunder:
Fractured mollusks, shattered crabs
Bleached - white are the bones and sinews,
skyward one lone gull-wing stabs. . . .
Written By Aella
June 18, 2021, 6:52 p.m.(9/7/1015 AR)
Been back in the city a while now but haven't made it here to the Archive to record anything of note. Too much else going on. It was good of my father and Carrick to follow me back from Stormheart. Soon as I got here the letters started arriving about some troubles to tend to. It's Rosa's turn to go handle things in the county, I think.
My focus has been on building relationships with other houses. And learning more about the finer points of being a leader within the Compact. Neither of those things were accomplished when I attempted to run the Telmar gauntlet. Don't talk to me about hurdles. Charity. Talk to me about charity. I've been working with Duchess Isabeau and Princess Jerrica and Duke Malcolm on things for the Heart in Hand. We have a public gathering coming up. Should be a chance to meet likeminded folk.
My focus has been on building relationships with other houses. And learning more about the finer points of being a leader within the Compact. Neither of those things were accomplished when I attempted to run the Telmar gauntlet. Don't talk to me about hurdles. Charity. Talk to me about charity. I've been working with Duchess Isabeau and Princess Jerrica and Duke Malcolm on things for the Heart in Hand. We have a public gathering coming up. Should be a chance to meet likeminded folk.
Written By Cesare
June 18, 2021, 6:29 p.m.(9/7/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Zakhar
A duo of suggested addendums:
5. Beware of swinging a pan in close quarters.
6. Orland hits back.
5. Beware of swinging a pan in close quarters.
6. Orland hits back.
Written By Lyra
June 18, 2021, 4:43 p.m.(9/7/1015 AR)
I spent a little more than I ought to on completing my collection of the Toys for the Compact for the Grayson fealty. But with the proceeds going to the Knights of Solace the silver was happily spent. Naturally I find the firebird that represents House Byrne by far the most pleasing, though I'm sure others would take me to task on that.
Messire Claude and Messere Cufre should be much praised for all they have done.
One box I bought as I completed my collection /did/ contain a figurine from the next set which are to be released, and I have tucked it carefully away. Dragons are such rare creatures.
Messire Claude and Messere Cufre should be much praised for all they have done.
One box I bought as I completed my collection /did/ contain a figurine from the next set which are to be released, and I have tucked it carefully away. Dragons are such rare creatures.
Written By Zakhar
June 18, 2021, 8:39 a.m.(9/6/1015 AR)
Notes to remember for future travels.
1. Pay attention to your surroundings. A wave can come out of any which direction. What might be seen as amusing on one day can easily make the rest of your trip sour.
2. The locals can be a lot more fun if you take the first step to introduce yourself.
3. If the pan is a swinging, everyone else should learn to duck
4. New friends are great, though watch for those that you've known longer.
1. Pay attention to your surroundings. A wave can come out of any which direction. What might be seen as amusing on one day can easily make the rest of your trip sour.
2. The locals can be a lot more fun if you take the first step to introduce yourself.
3. If the pan is a swinging, everyone else should learn to duck
4. New friends are great, though watch for those that you've known longer.
Written By Cambria
June 17, 2021, 10:31 p.m.(9/5/1015 AR)
There is wisdom in the the old saying, "in wine there is truth." Alcohol impairs the ability to think strategically and puts one firmly in the moment, and therefore less capable of lying. In the same way that we shake hands to show that we are not carrying a weapon, having a few drinks is a form of mental disarmament that makes one more trusting as well as more worthy of trust.
Written By Noah
June 17, 2021, 8:59 p.m.(9/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Elizabetha
I suppose I'm now okay with the fact that our parents wouldn't let me sell you at the market when they brought you home. I also remember the lecture that nobles don't sell things. It was a double lecture. Come back from Bastion soon.
Written By Tanith
June 17, 2021, 8:40 p.m.(9/5/1015 AR)
Little Janice Tanner. I was fifteen when I shadowed my midwife-teacher and delivered her of her mother. The mid-wife was the biggest dock-worker you'd ever seen, with the softest hands. I think he was my favorite, he was so gentle, and I learned a lot from that grizzled beast. I still didn't understand why he didn't just commit to it full time, but he said it was good to space out your responsibilities. He taught me that three mothers to every due-month was the best way to keep myself open for emergencies and unexpected issues, and he was right. Little Janice came out sleeping, but hollered up a storm when he tipped her upside down.
Tonight, I delivered her of her own children; she's a young mother as some of them go, but she's experienced where it counts, with older siblings with kids of their own. Janice has a pair of twins, resting up with a Harlequin to tend her with the rest of her family. It's a strange feeling, it always is, to complete the circle like that; delivering a generation into another. It feels like an honor, something sacred, to witness it around and again. Sometimes, I hold these sweet, squalling bairns and wonder if they were someone I knew before. Maybe a cousin that died, or patron in my bar, or a grizzled ol' dockworker-midwife gone some seven years now. Not that we're meant to know, but as I swaddle them and give them to their mothers, I wonder about it. It's a miracle every time, and still I wonder.
Tonight, I delivered her of her own children; she's a young mother as some of them go, but she's experienced where it counts, with older siblings with kids of their own. Janice has a pair of twins, resting up with a Harlequin to tend her with the rest of her family. It's a strange feeling, it always is, to complete the circle like that; delivering a generation into another. It feels like an honor, something sacred, to witness it around and again. Sometimes, I hold these sweet, squalling bairns and wonder if they were someone I knew before. Maybe a cousin that died, or patron in my bar, or a grizzled ol' dockworker-midwife gone some seven years now. Not that we're meant to know, but as I swaddle them and give them to their mothers, I wonder about it. It's a miracle every time, and still I wonder.
Written By Tanith
June 17, 2021, 8:33 p.m.(9/5/1015 AR)
And another job added to my long list of careers. A physician to a family wasn't what I expected but I need to accept the fact that I'm just the kind of busybody Rukhnis always approved of when it came to the health of others. I underestimate the resources I have available until -need- the help, and then I remember it all. Emara is my secret weapon though, but don't tell anyone that, scholar, it would go straight to her head. The job itself is satisfying and pays well; I can't complain.
This weekend I'm getting a bit of a break and taking the husband with me fishing.
What? I like fishing and so does he. Raymesin's better at it than I am, you should have seen the floppers he'd get out of the harbor, and it's even better when you can share your catch. Maybe it isn't romantic to anyone else but us, but we haven't been able to do that before. I'm looking forward to it.
This weekend I'm getting a bit of a break and taking the husband with me fishing.
What? I like fishing and so does he. Raymesin's better at it than I am, you should have seen the floppers he'd get out of the harbor, and it's even better when you can share your catch. Maybe it isn't romantic to anyone else but us, but we haven't been able to do that before. I'm looking forward to it.
Written By Medeia
June 17, 2021, 7:18 p.m.(9/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Cesare
I have reason to be incredibly grateful to Cesare Whisper, several reasons even. He is a wonder of kindness. And imbued with cat-like reflexes. How lucky we all are to have him in the city.
Written By Savio
June 17, 2021, 10:09 a.m.(9/4/1015 AR)
My man brought home a sparrow
And I did not like that bird
It shat on everything I love
Whole house full of turds
He left me to deal with it
While he went off to work
Day and night, nonstop noise
That sparrow was a jerk
I left it for two seconds
And it got into all my food
Maybe I over-reacted
But that animal was rude
I beat it up and threw it out
I'd absolutely had enough
Go back to your stupid woods!
Stop ruining my stuff!
My man tracked it down again
(I did not agree)
And came back with a box of gold
"The sparrow blessed us, see?"
Unlikely in the highest
Cause I knew that thing was bad
But I decided to go also
I'd figure out its evil plan
Why do birds have baskets?!
I told you this was wrong
But I took a basket anyway
I wanted to get gone
My basket was full of nightmares
And my last final words
Were "You know I hate these monsters --
But at least it's not more birds."
And I did not like that bird
It shat on everything I love
Whole house full of turds
He left me to deal with it
While he went off to work
Day and night, nonstop noise
That sparrow was a jerk
I left it for two seconds
And it got into all my food
Maybe I over-reacted
But that animal was rude
I beat it up and threw it out
I'd absolutely had enough
Go back to your stupid woods!
Stop ruining my stuff!
My man tracked it down again
(I did not agree)
And came back with a box of gold
"The sparrow blessed us, see?"
Unlikely in the highest
Cause I knew that thing was bad
But I decided to go also
I'd figure out its evil plan
Why do birds have baskets?!
I told you this was wrong
But I took a basket anyway
I wanted to get gone
My basket was full of nightmares
And my last final words
Were "You know I hate these monsters --
But at least it's not more birds."
Written By Thea
June 17, 2021, 9:35 a.m.(9/4/1015 AR)
Just when I think people no longer surprise me, I get proven wrong.
Written By Piccola
June 17, 2021, 8:07 a.m.(9/4/1015 AR)
Beware, wise general, of arrogance: even when correct, one's meritorious suggestion is more offensive to the ignorant than their own arrogance, for merit itself is offensive.
Written By Malcolm
June 17, 2021, 3:19 a.m.(9/4/1015 AR)
Yes, I understand it's supposed to be a apologue, Scholar -- but it doesn't answer how or why.
How did all those birds manage to shove monsters in a basket?
Clever lot of birds, sparrows are.
How did all those birds manage to shove monsters in a basket?
Clever lot of birds, sparrows are.
Written By Piccola
June 16, 2021, 9:04 p.m.(9/3/1015 AR)
There was once a poor old forester and his partner, who earned their living by cutting wood and fishing. The old forester was honest and kind but his partner was arrogant and greedy. One morning, the old forester, while working, saw an injured sparrow crying out for help, so he took it back home and fed it some rice to try to help it recover. His partner, however, was annoyed that the old forester would waste precious food on such a small and insignificant little thing as a sparrow. Undeterred, the old forester cared for the bird.
One day, the old forester went to work, leaving the bird in the care of his partner, who had no intention of feeding it. That day, the sparrow got into some starch that was left out and ate all of it. The partner was so angry that he cut out the bird's tongue and sent it flying back into the mountains from where it came. And when the old forester returned, he found the sparrow missing.
The old forester went searching for the bird and found his way into a bamboo grove in which the sparrow's inn was located. A multitude of sparrows greeted him and led him to his friend, the little sparrow he saved. The others brought him food and sang and danced for him. Upon his departure, they presented him with a choice of a large basket or a small basket as a present.
Being old, the forester chose the small basket as he supposed it would be the least heavy. When he arrived home, he opened the basket and discovered a large amount of treasure inside. The partner, learning of the existence of a larger basket, ran to the sparrow's inn in the hope of getting more treasure for himself. He demanded the larger basket, which the sparrows gave him, but was warned not to open it before getting home.
Being greedy, the partner could not resist opening the basket before returning the house. To his surprise, the box was full of monsters, who immediately set upon and ate him.
One day, the old forester went to work, leaving the bird in the care of his partner, who had no intention of feeding it. That day, the sparrow got into some starch that was left out and ate all of it. The partner was so angry that he cut out the bird's tongue and sent it flying back into the mountains from where it came. And when the old forester returned, he found the sparrow missing.
The old forester went searching for the bird and found his way into a bamboo grove in which the sparrow's inn was located. A multitude of sparrows greeted him and led him to his friend, the little sparrow he saved. The others brought him food and sang and danced for him. Upon his departure, they presented him with a choice of a large basket or a small basket as a present.
Being old, the forester chose the small basket as he supposed it would be the least heavy. When he arrived home, he opened the basket and discovered a large amount of treasure inside. The partner, learning of the existence of a larger basket, ran to the sparrow's inn in the hope of getting more treasure for himself. He demanded the larger basket, which the sparrows gave him, but was warned not to open it before getting home.
Being greedy, the partner could not resist opening the basket before returning the house. To his surprise, the box was full of monsters, who immediately set upon and ate him.
Written By Scythia
June 16, 2021, 7:43 p.m.(9/3/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Orrin
My dear husband, you died a hero and quite unexpectedly. You will be missed, spoken of with much affection and never forgotten by me. I feel like a skiff set adrift by the constant reminders of your passing.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.