Written By Piccola
Sept. 5, 2021, 8:46 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
People try to excuse their brutality by saying that it is the custom; but a crime does not cease to be a crime because many commit it.
Written By Piccola
Sept. 4, 2021, 2:40 p.m.(2/23/1016 AR)
I was asked whether I believe anyone reads what I write.
I know some people do.
But it is another thing entirely to wonder if any believes in what I write as I do.
I am not so vain to believe so.
I know some people do.
But it is another thing entirely to wonder if any believes in what I write as I do.
I am not so vain to believe so.
Written By Piccola
Sept. 1, 2021, 9 p.m.(2/17/1016 AR)
This is the way of struggle.
When the time comes, there is no moment for reasoning. If you have not prepared fully before-hand, there is most often shame. Reading books and listening to people's talk are for the purpose of prior resolution. Otherwise, one should be in the moment because one cannot know what is going to happen next. Victory and defeat are matters of the temporary force of circumstances. That is where there is no certainty; there is only struggle.
Struggle is the pursuit of justice in a time of tyranny. It is the last blood spilt from a life worth praising. It is the pull of reason over emotion. It is the only war truly sacrificing for. It is the crashing of the waves on the beach. It is what all great warriors seek. It is what all generals see. It is what all cowards avoid. It is the bedrock of society. It is the foundation of law. It defines honor, valor, and goodness. And it never changes.
This is the final part.
When the time comes, there is no moment for reasoning. If you have not prepared fully before-hand, there is most often shame. Reading books and listening to people's talk are for the purpose of prior resolution. Otherwise, one should be in the moment because one cannot know what is going to happen next. Victory and defeat are matters of the temporary force of circumstances. That is where there is no certainty; there is only struggle.
Struggle is the pursuit of justice in a time of tyranny. It is the last blood spilt from a life worth praising. It is the pull of reason over emotion. It is the only war truly sacrificing for. It is the crashing of the waves on the beach. It is what all great warriors seek. It is what all generals see. It is what all cowards avoid. It is the bedrock of society. It is the foundation of law. It defines honor, valor, and goodness. And it never changes.
This is the final part.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 29, 2021, 1:30 p.m.(2/10/1016 AR)
This is the way of worldliness.
One cannot expect to understand the truth of a stone without turning it over. Enlightenment is in a higher place than righteousness; in the face of death, things like righteousness are rather shallow. The way to understand this is found only in consultation with others. It is said: "She who sees from the side has eight eyes." Likewise: "Thought by thought we see our own mistakes." But questioning from a selfish perspective yields no new answers. To attain these answers, travel through the land and observe what the Gods have given us.
Go to distant countries; go to some place where one is unknown. Bring with you knowledge so that you may bring the same home; it is dishonorable not to trade in like-kind that which one seeks. A rolling stone gathers no moss; a wanderer appreciates all hospitality; and hospitality is the slayer of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. For as much as the Queen has given you time, so it is not to be wasted by standing in one space and seeing one face of a stone. It therefore must be, in embracing death, that one set upon the road from time to time to contemplate one’s truths.
This is the sixth part.
One cannot expect to understand the truth of a stone without turning it over. Enlightenment is in a higher place than righteousness; in the face of death, things like righteousness are rather shallow. The way to understand this is found only in consultation with others. It is said: "She who sees from the side has eight eyes." Likewise: "Thought by thought we see our own mistakes." But questioning from a selfish perspective yields no new answers. To attain these answers, travel through the land and observe what the Gods have given us.
Go to distant countries; go to some place where one is unknown. Bring with you knowledge so that you may bring the same home; it is dishonorable not to trade in like-kind that which one seeks. A rolling stone gathers no moss; a wanderer appreciates all hospitality; and hospitality is the slayer of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. For as much as the Queen has given you time, so it is not to be wasted by standing in one space and seeing one face of a stone. It therefore must be, in embracing death, that one set upon the road from time to time to contemplate one’s truths.
This is the sixth part.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 25, 2021, 12:20 p.m.(2/2/1016 AR)
This is the way of discipline.
The Gods have delivered all that we enjoy. They do not demand hardship, but it is hardship that tempers the body, mind, and soul. The warrior knows that strength comes from conditioning, that conditioning comes from exercise, and exercise is daily toil we subject ourselves to. Whereas it is simple to improve the body so, it is harder to so temper the mind and soul. We must therefore fortify ourselves with denial.
A warrior who has embraced death lives in moderation. When faced with a feast, it is time to fast; when faced with drink, it is proper to abstain. The patterns by which many days are lived are, in fact, anathema to the mind, for moments of profundity are more easily noticed when the senses are wary and sharp. By refraining from indulgence and comfort, then, does a warrior discipline their souls to take joy not in physical or mental satiety but in the full appreciation of the world.
This is the fifth part.
The Gods have delivered all that we enjoy. They do not demand hardship, but it is hardship that tempers the body, mind, and soul. The warrior knows that strength comes from conditioning, that conditioning comes from exercise, and exercise is daily toil we subject ourselves to. Whereas it is simple to improve the body so, it is harder to so temper the mind and soul. We must therefore fortify ourselves with denial.
A warrior who has embraced death lives in moderation. When faced with a feast, it is time to fast; when faced with drink, it is proper to abstain. The patterns by which many days are lived are, in fact, anathema to the mind, for moments of profundity are more easily noticed when the senses are wary and sharp. By refraining from indulgence and comfort, then, does a warrior discipline their souls to take joy not in physical or mental satiety but in the full appreciation of the world.
This is the fifth part.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 24, 2021, 7:27 p.m.(2/1/1016 AR)
This is the way of charity.
Just as cleanliness purifies the body and prayer purifies the soul, so charity purifies good fortune and turns providence into purpose. Charity pleases the Gods: those who believe in them know not to mistake their blessings for industry and give their wealth to others: their kin; the orphans; the travelers; the refugees; and those who seek their freedom. Those who give their blessings therefore are servants of the Gods.
Those servants practice the holiest existence: faithful service. When a warrior changes their habits from selfish survival to selfless service, they turn their backs on self-interest and faces to reason. Warriors who fail to change are brutal, weak, narrow, and inefficient; they will never achieve greatness. Only when they make decisions governed by selflessness will they be seen as being strongly rooted. One must practice charity therefore to find the compassion necessary for true glory.
This is the fourth part.
Just as cleanliness purifies the body and prayer purifies the soul, so charity purifies good fortune and turns providence into purpose. Charity pleases the Gods: those who believe in them know not to mistake their blessings for industry and give their wealth to others: their kin; the orphans; the travelers; the refugees; and those who seek their freedom. Those who give their blessings therefore are servants of the Gods.
Those servants practice the holiest existence: faithful service. When a warrior changes their habits from selfish survival to selfless service, they turn their backs on self-interest and faces to reason. Warriors who fail to change are brutal, weak, narrow, and inefficient; they will never achieve greatness. Only when they make decisions governed by selflessness will they be seen as being strongly rooted. One must practice charity therefore to find the compassion necessary for true glory.
This is the fourth part.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 23, 2021, 7:20 p.m.(1/27/1016 AR)
This is the way of prayer.
The objective of prayer is purification of the heart. Through it, one believer can grow closer to the Gods and strengthen one's faith. Our bodies require food and supplement to stay healthy; our souls require prayer and closeness to the Gods to stay healthy. For us, we must commend ourselves in prayer willfully and purposefully, even as the beasts of the wild do involuntarily through their very nature.
For the warrior, meditation on death should be performed daily. Every day when one's body and mind are at peace, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, spears and swords or sacrificing oneself for one's honor and integrity. Every day without fail one should consider himself as dead, for this is necessary to strip away what is not important from what is: our lives must be stripped from our purpose.
This is the third part.
The objective of prayer is purification of the heart. Through it, one believer can grow closer to the Gods and strengthen one's faith. Our bodies require food and supplement to stay healthy; our souls require prayer and closeness to the Gods to stay healthy. For us, we must commend ourselves in prayer willfully and purposefully, even as the beasts of the wild do involuntarily through their very nature.
For the warrior, meditation on death should be performed daily. Every day when one's body and mind are at peace, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, spears and swords or sacrificing oneself for one's honor and integrity. Every day without fail one should consider himself as dead, for this is necessary to strip away what is not important from what is: our lives must be stripped from our purpose.
This is the third part.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 22, 2021, 8:49 p.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
This is the way of purity.
For a warrior, purity is of the body. It is important to maintain the cleanliness of the body, for this is the conduit of the soul. If one's body or clothes is covered with filth, then it must be washed. A warrior keeps their armor free of dents and marring; their blade free of nicks and blood; and their horse healthy and shod. A wise warrior is always at their best, so as to be prepared to meet the Queen.
A warrior who has prepared their body for death may set their heart to the same, and live as though they were already dead. In doing so, the warrior gains freedom, their life lived without blame, and they will succeed in their calling. For a warrior who embraces purity should be aware that they do not know what is going to happen next, and therefore find query in all things, day and night.
This is the second part.
For a warrior, purity is of the body. It is important to maintain the cleanliness of the body, for this is the conduit of the soul. If one's body or clothes is covered with filth, then it must be washed. A warrior keeps their armor free of dents and marring; their blade free of nicks and blood; and their horse healthy and shod. A wise warrior is always at their best, so as to be prepared to meet the Queen.
A warrior who has prepared their body for death may set their heart to the same, and live as though they were already dead. In doing so, the warrior gains freedom, their life lived without blame, and they will succeed in their calling. For a warrior who embraces purity should be aware that they do not know what is going to happen next, and therefore find query in all things, day and night.
This is the second part.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 20, 2021, 11:40 p.m.(1/21/1016 AR)
This is the way of devotion.
We but stand in the shadows of leaves at every moment, looking to find the sun or the stars. When a warrior accepts their death, then it is easier to be determined and advance. What is important is to gain one's aim; whether one lives or dies upon completion is immaterial. And while we all wish to live, such a life is meaningless without attaining one's goals.
Whosoever dies in the service of their liege has died a martyr. Whosoever dies in the service of their people has died in forgiveness. And whosever dies in the love of the Gods has died a believer in the perfection of their faith. These are the beloved heroes of the Queen, and they will be called to her in glory and brought back through the Wheel.
This is the first part.
We but stand in the shadows of leaves at every moment, looking to find the sun or the stars. When a warrior accepts their death, then it is easier to be determined and advance. What is important is to gain one's aim; whether one lives or dies upon completion is immaterial. And while we all wish to live, such a life is meaningless without attaining one's goals.
Whosoever dies in the service of their liege has died a martyr. Whosoever dies in the service of their people has died in forgiveness. And whosever dies in the love of the Gods has died a believer in the perfection of their faith. These are the beloved heroes of the Queen, and they will be called to her in glory and brought back through the Wheel.
This is the first part.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 18, 2021, 8:11 p.m.(1/17/1016 AR)
Death is the true desire of every soul. From the moment we are born, we are drawn toward it. It is inevitable. The Queen calls for us all, and one day will summon us to her. A wise general therefore does not fear death, as she does not fear the rising sun.
Death is perfection. It is the ultimate end of things and the point from which all beginnings arise. We live to die and we die to live once more. The cycle is as perfect as fate. And as we all bleed so to are our fates connected by this common thread.
Once we have shed the preconceived notions and trappings of life, we are able to hone our talents and skills in service to the causes which call to us. We live to experience; we experience to advance; we advance to serve; and we serve to find enlightenment.
This is the way of things.
Death is perfection. It is the ultimate end of things and the point from which all beginnings arise. We live to die and we die to live once more. The cycle is as perfect as fate. And as we all bleed so to are our fates connected by this common thread.
Once we have shed the preconceived notions and trappings of life, we are able to hone our talents and skills in service to the causes which call to us. We live to experience; we experience to advance; we advance to serve; and we serve to find enlightenment.
This is the way of things.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 16, 2021, 8:41 p.m.(1/13/1016 AR)
I love the winter.
The winter is the deadliest season. The chill comes without warning, ready to kill. It tests the strongest of us in ways we cannot fathom. Those who survive the cold may return, but the question is what they have lost to persevere. But those who can withstanding its full force understand all too well the important things in life. And a lover's hot mouth on one's skin after coming in from a blizzard brings the deepest of deaths.
I delight in the winter.
The winter is the deadliest season. The chill comes without warning, ready to kill. It tests the strongest of us in ways we cannot fathom. Those who survive the cold may return, but the question is what they have lost to persevere. But those who can withstanding its full force understand all too well the important things in life. And a lover's hot mouth on one's skin after coming in from a blizzard brings the deepest of deaths.
I delight in the winter.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 15, 2021, 7:28 p.m.(1/11/1016 AR)
In Iriscal, there is a shrine to the Queen of Endings.
There, I met a woman who was wise and spoke to me of many truths I already knew about death. I told her what I knew, and she nodded her head, even though I was wrong, and she told me a great number of other things, all of which have made me ashamed at my previous naivete. And in the end, I was convinced, as she was, that embracing death is not possible merely by word or belief, but by deed and dedication to perfection.
It is time for me to seek more counsel on this matter.
There, I met a woman who was wise and spoke to me of many truths I already knew about death. I told her what I knew, and she nodded her head, even though I was wrong, and she told me a great number of other things, all of which have made me ashamed at my previous naivete. And in the end, I was convinced, as she was, that embracing death is not possible merely by word or belief, but by deed and dedication to perfection.
It is time for me to seek more counsel on this matter.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 15, 2021, 12:12 a.m.(1/9/1016 AR)
There is a dish in Iriscal that everyone agrees is a delicacy of the realm. It is made with chunks of beef and potatoes in a thickened broth that is made from red wine and seasoned with a strong pepper. But after the Gyre War, it was difficult to obtain the particular spice, so the peasantry began to use a different one. The result was not quite as strong, but nonetheless pleasant when balanced with sea salt.
Naturally, there were many who thought that this new dish was not the same as the old one. There are still nobles who steadfastly will argue that the dish must be made with the particular spice, and that anything else is sullied, sub-par, or simply not acceptable. But the nobles who have enjoyed this new dish will tell you as I do that it is nonetheless of Iriscal, and no less worthy of praise.
I think of this when I hear others debate whether those who bend knee to the Compact should be accepted as equals. Tradition and homage are important to remember our ancestors and our past, but not more important than embracing the present or readying for the future. A general who adheres to tradition instead of reading the field will return with fewer soldiers, if not without their head.
Naturally, there were many who thought that this new dish was not the same as the old one. There are still nobles who steadfastly will argue that the dish must be made with the particular spice, and that anything else is sullied, sub-par, or simply not acceptable. But the nobles who have enjoyed this new dish will tell you as I do that it is nonetheless of Iriscal, and no less worthy of praise.
I think of this when I hear others debate whether those who bend knee to the Compact should be accepted as equals. Tradition and homage are important to remember our ancestors and our past, but not more important than embracing the present or readying for the future. A general who adheres to tradition instead of reading the field will return with fewer soldiers, if not without their head.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 13, 2021, 2:03 p.m.(1/7/1016 AR)
Once more I return from Iriscal, this time from the Fortezza proper.
It has changed so much under Sabine's eye, but the shadows remain the same, where I felt safe and secure from the quiet things that no one ever knows. The most skilled of drudges cannot clean out the blood and tears from the crevices I used to hide in. But at least I know that those who live there need not fear from the enemies without, even if I once cowered there from my enemies within.
I have tried to forgiveness, but it does not come easily to me.
It has changed so much under Sabine's eye, but the shadows remain the same, where I felt safe and secure from the quiet things that no one ever knows. The most skilled of drudges cannot clean out the blood and tears from the crevices I used to hide in. But at least I know that those who live there need not fear from the enemies without, even if I once cowered there from my enemies within.
I have tried to forgiveness, but it does not come easily to me.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 13, 2021, 8:37 a.m.(1/6/1016 AR)
Stars above, it felt like forever since I stepped foot in the Fortezza. But I did. And I hated every moment of it.
It is different now. My cousin's hand is on everything. But she cannot erase the corners and the shadows, or the other places where I felt safe and secure.
Some pigs cannot be concealed by all of the mud in the world.
It is different now. My cousin's hand is on everything. But she cannot erase the corners and the shadows, or the other places where I felt safe and secure.
Some pigs cannot be concealed by all of the mud in the world.
Written By Piccola
July 18, 2021, 8:46 p.m.(11/11/1015 AR)
On the bow:
When one has mastered the horse, the lance, and the sword, it is easy to see why the bow is the next, final extension of one's training.
Horses and men cannot withstand the constant barrage of arrows that pour over the palisades of city walls. Armor and shields can protect one for a while, but not forever. The concentrated force of a regiment of archers is like the tide: it will inexorably wear down and destroy all in its path. This is why archers are most fearsome behind defenses that cannot be easily penetrated, and why a wise general seeks to counter them immediately once they take the field.
Imagine, then, archers that cannot be chased down by horses because they too ride on them. And no weapon other than the bow is fielded by so many so well. Peasants, hunters, soldiers, and nobles all can master the bow with time and patience. A well-placed shot can fell the strongest of men and beast alike, keeping the wielder away from the risk of sword, spear, or claw. The only way to fell an enemy at range is by bringing the same weapon to bear, if not catching them unaware.
Thus, mastery of the bow makes a warrior complete.
When one has mastered the horse, the lance, and the sword, it is easy to see why the bow is the next, final extension of one's training.
Horses and men cannot withstand the constant barrage of arrows that pour over the palisades of city walls. Armor and shields can protect one for a while, but not forever. The concentrated force of a regiment of archers is like the tide: it will inexorably wear down and destroy all in its path. This is why archers are most fearsome behind defenses that cannot be easily penetrated, and why a wise general seeks to counter them immediately once they take the field.
Imagine, then, archers that cannot be chased down by horses because they too ride on them. And no weapon other than the bow is fielded by so many so well. Peasants, hunters, soldiers, and nobles all can master the bow with time and patience. A well-placed shot can fell the strongest of men and beast alike, keeping the wielder away from the risk of sword, spear, or claw. The only way to fell an enemy at range is by bringing the same weapon to bear, if not catching them unaware.
Thus, mastery of the bow makes a warrior complete.
Written By Piccola
July 12, 2021, 11:15 a.m.(10/26/1015 AR)
On the sword:
The essence of swordsmanship is of the spirit, not the blade.
To the sword are the highest and lowest vulnerable. It matters not how much armor one wears or how far away one pretends to be from a situation: a blade once drawn is meant to either deliver death or stave of one's own. Too often people became experts in the first without considering the second. It is like the priest who reads sacred texts yet never ventures from the security of their enclave. It is easy to kill someone with a slash of a sword; it is hard to be impossible for others to cut down.
Swordsmanship is about life. It is bias to think that its mastery is just for killing people; it is not to kill people, it is to kill evil. It is a stratagem to give life to many people by killing the evil of one person. Those who have mastered the sword see first with their mind, then with their eyes. The body follows. Consequently, throwing down one's sword is also an art of war, for if you have attained mastery of swordlessness, you will never lack for a sword. The opponent's sword is your sword.
The essence of swordsmanship is of the spirit, not the blade.
To the sword are the highest and lowest vulnerable. It matters not how much armor one wears or how far away one pretends to be from a situation: a blade once drawn is meant to either deliver death or stave of one's own. Too often people became experts in the first without considering the second. It is like the priest who reads sacred texts yet never ventures from the security of their enclave. It is easy to kill someone with a slash of a sword; it is hard to be impossible for others to cut down.
Swordsmanship is about life. It is bias to think that its mastery is just for killing people; it is not to kill people, it is to kill evil. It is a stratagem to give life to many people by killing the evil of one person. Those who have mastered the sword see first with their mind, then with their eyes. The body follows. Consequently, throwing down one's sword is also an art of war, for if you have attained mastery of swordlessness, you will never lack for a sword. The opponent's sword is your sword.
Written By Piccola
July 11, 2021, 12:01 a.m.(10/24/1015 AR)
On the lance:
The lance is the hallmark of cavalry. Of all of the weapons she may bring to bear, a lance is a cavalrywoman's most terrifying. Men do not shake at a rain of arrows or the flash of a steel sword, but the end of a lance coming at him at full gallop is enough to make any soldier quiver. This is because there is more than just the point to be skewered upon: there is the terrifying crash, the force of the blow, and the substantial chance of being caught under hoof and trampled to death with one's peers.
The sound of cavalry at a full charge is the sound of death. It is the terrible rumbling that precedes the felling of a great tree, like the Gods themselves are crying out against what is happening. It tests the mettle of all men from its horrific reputation; and then comes the terrific truth that the sharp point can run through not one but many men in a row. Even if a lance lands upon an infantry shield, the force of the blow is enough to lift a man from the ground, through the air, and unto the point of a fellow's weapon.
To master the lance therefore is to be able cast horror into the hearts of your enemies.
The lance is the hallmark of cavalry. Of all of the weapons she may bring to bear, a lance is a cavalrywoman's most terrifying. Men do not shake at a rain of arrows or the flash of a steel sword, but the end of a lance coming at him at full gallop is enough to make any soldier quiver. This is because there is more than just the point to be skewered upon: there is the terrifying crash, the force of the blow, and the substantial chance of being caught under hoof and trampled to death with one's peers.
The sound of cavalry at a full charge is the sound of death. It is the terrible rumbling that precedes the felling of a great tree, like the Gods themselves are crying out against what is happening. It tests the mettle of all men from its horrific reputation; and then comes the terrific truth that the sharp point can run through not one but many men in a row. Even if a lance lands upon an infantry shield, the force of the blow is enough to lift a man from the ground, through the air, and unto the point of a fellow's weapon.
To master the lance therefore is to be able cast horror into the hearts of your enemies.
Written By Piccola
July 8, 2021, 11:26 a.m.(10/18/1015 AR)
On horsemanship:
Horsemanship is the perfect understanding and harmony between horse and rider. A horse will never tire of a rider who possesses both tact and sensitivity because they will never be pushed beyond their possibilities. The trust between horse and rider is based on the same rules that regulate our society: by virtuous command, on faith, and with the understanding that the healthy have a duty to support the sick and tired.
Horsemanship therefore is not merely a matter of physical skill, but also the intellect. Good horsemanship is based on proper character development, which is a matter of mentality and spirit. Without the correct attitudes and insights, there is no such bond, as there is no society to speak of.
Horsemanship is the perfect understanding and harmony between horse and rider. A horse will never tire of a rider who possesses both tact and sensitivity because they will never be pushed beyond their possibilities. The trust between horse and rider is based on the same rules that regulate our society: by virtuous command, on faith, and with the understanding that the healthy have a duty to support the sick and tired.
Horsemanship therefore is not merely a matter of physical skill, but also the intellect. Good horsemanship is based on proper character development, which is a matter of mentality and spirit. Without the correct attitudes and insights, there is no such bond, as there is no society to speak of.
Written By Piccola
July 7, 2021, 10:42 a.m.(10/16/1015 AR)
To those who wish to master the art of war on horseback, there are four skills you must learn.
First, you must master your horse. She must think as you think, and ride as you ride. It is not enough to place a harness and saddle on a mount. A man with a hammer and anvil is no smith by dint of equipment alone.
Then, you must master the lance. This will test your strength and endurance. The joust may seem a sport, but it tests the most important skills of combat on a horse: to ride hard; to strike true; and brace for impact.
Then, you must master the sword. This will test your bond with your horse. To bring the blade and avoid the blows, one must know more than simply pulling reins. It is a daring dance with a partner who will do more than step on a toe if they lose balance.
Finally, you must master the bow. This is the acme of horsemanship: you must ride without reins; you must aim without foundation; and you must fly without guidance.
Master these skills, and you will be unstoppable.
First, you must master your horse. She must think as you think, and ride as you ride. It is not enough to place a harness and saddle on a mount. A man with a hammer and anvil is no smith by dint of equipment alone.
Then, you must master the lance. This will test your strength and endurance. The joust may seem a sport, but it tests the most important skills of combat on a horse: to ride hard; to strike true; and brace for impact.
Then, you must master the sword. This will test your bond with your horse. To bring the blade and avoid the blows, one must know more than simply pulling reins. It is a daring dance with a partner who will do more than step on a toe if they lose balance.
Finally, you must master the bow. This is the acme of horsemanship: you must ride without reins; you must aim without foundation; and you must fly without guidance.
Master these skills, and you will be unstoppable.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.