Written By Arik
Oct. 13, 2018, 6:24 p.m.(10/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
House Swords carry heirloom blades for their families and represent their honor. The former owner of Vowkeeper was a traitor and a black mark on House Telmar, but his choices and actions cannot part the heirloom blade from the family any more than a Voice could give away the family holding to some other family. Telmarch is the holding of Telmar and Vowkeeper is their family sword. These are facts and no single family member might change them.
Written By Arik
Oct. 3, 2018, 1:58 p.m.(9/18/1009 AR)
As a minor point of fact...
I do agree with Prince Ettore that to be concerned for the quality and appointment of the Peerage is to be concerned for the common folk. One might believe that under an inexperienced noble that the commoners would simply soldier on with their spirits unyielding and lives no better or worse for it. This is untrue. Whether they be noble born or common ennobled the Head of a House, of a land, and of a people has direct affect of those people.
Now mayhap one believes that there are many examples throughout history of ennobled commoners rising to the challenge. They prove themselves both before and after ennoblement and like all things it is not wrong to present skepticism of the unknown before it can prove itself up to the task. I would say that should the trend continue you might find what happened with spirit believers being part of the Faith arising. It was deemed acceptable, it was allowed, it became unsurprising, and yet the Dominus believed it was muddying the issue and allowing the Faith to drift to far from it roots. The Faith is for the Faithful and the spirit believers would need to change if they wished to hold title and position amongst the Godsworn and Disciples.
Mark your unfettered support for the commonfolk being entrusted with noble duty well. You soon might find that such sentiments draw us to far from that which makes the Compact stable. As now it is a Lieges right to grant land and title to any within their demense, that right might be curbed should it lead to a degradation of tradition. After all to undermine the Peerage is to question the bonds of fealty from one person to another and ultimately to the Crown.
I do agree with Prince Ettore that to be concerned for the quality and appointment of the Peerage is to be concerned for the common folk. One might believe that under an inexperienced noble that the commoners would simply soldier on with their spirits unyielding and lives no better or worse for it. This is untrue. Whether they be noble born or common ennobled the Head of a House, of a land, and of a people has direct affect of those people.
Now mayhap one believes that there are many examples throughout history of ennobled commoners rising to the challenge. They prove themselves both before and after ennoblement and like all things it is not wrong to present skepticism of the unknown before it can prove itself up to the task. I would say that should the trend continue you might find what happened with spirit believers being part of the Faith arising. It was deemed acceptable, it was allowed, it became unsurprising, and yet the Dominus believed it was muddying the issue and allowing the Faith to drift to far from it roots. The Faith is for the Faithful and the spirit believers would need to change if they wished to hold title and position amongst the Godsworn and Disciples.
Mark your unfettered support for the commonfolk being entrusted with noble duty well. You soon might find that such sentiments draw us to far from that which makes the Compact stable. As now it is a Lieges right to grant land and title to any within their demense, that right might be curbed should it lead to a degradation of tradition. After all to undermine the Peerage is to question the bonds of fealty from one person to another and ultimately to the Crown.
Written By Arik
Sept. 23, 2018, 10:29 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)
I will need to inquire unto the Nightgold's why is it whiskey tastes to much better when it's so old that everyone who could have possibly had a hand in making it is dead? Seems a crime.
Written By Arik
Sept. 16, 2018, 10:29 p.m.(8/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowenova
She is the kind of servant which makes me want to develop some sort of servant gauntlet course just so I can wager and brag when she wins. Mayhap House Whisper has something like that.
I'll need to ask.
I'll need to ask.
Written By Arik
Sept. 13, 2018, 11:30 a.m.(8/3/1009 AR)
Khanne is my sister...
Want to trade?
PS - Please trade me an unmarried sister or brother who is not as noisy at night. I know Percephon isn't around right now, but he can come back at any time and then I'll stop getting sleep.
Want to trade?
PS - Please trade me an unmarried sister or brother who is not as noisy at night. I know Percephon isn't around right now, but he can come back at any time and then I'll stop getting sleep.
Written By Arik
Sept. 9, 2018, 11:43 p.m.(7/24/1009 AR)
If I need to order several flasks, who would be the appropriate Guild member to order from?
Written By Arik
Sept. 2, 2018, 11:11 p.m.(7/6/1009 AR)
I have been remiss in writing my whites, I am finally able to pick up Frostfang again and workout. I look forward to turning these tough scars into more pliable badges of honor. Afterall mobility is the mark of a duelist.
Written By Arik
Sept. 2, 2018, 11:09 p.m.(7/6/1009 AR)
A Treatise on Arguing With Your Lover
Don't
If you do make up
If you don't make up then don't write a White about it
If you write a white about it, make it interesting enough that people don't think less of you.
Don't
If you do make up
If you don't make up then don't write a White about it
If you write a white about it, make it interesting enough that people don't think less of you.
Written By Arik
Aug. 26, 2018, 10:20 p.m.(6/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowenova
Sometimes I am worried the bad influences I have inflicted upon this young woman by bringing her to Arx.
Written By Arik
Aug. 24, 2018, 6:16 p.m.(6/16/1009 AR)
A mild suggestion. Do not come into The Spirits and kick a northerner's dog. No one will tell them off for giving you a drubbing.
Written By Arik
Aug. 20, 2018, 9:42 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Valerio
I met Lord Valerio Mazetti three days before he saved my life on the deck of a Thraxian ship whilst sailing northward. All I knew of the man was that my sister bade me see him home safe and that they were the closest and most trusted of friends. We didn't talk much on the trip and before the events that would cost him his life. In fact, the two most salient moments we shared was my aiding him in donning a gift from the Marin'Alfar and when he pushed me out of the way of a swarm.
I clarify how little I knew the man because since arriving back on land and beginning to mend my own injuries I have done little beyond recovery and reading Lord Valerio's white's. You can't really say thank you to an acquaintance not properly, I think. That being said I don't think the man would really care about my thanks. They are given wholeheartedly and freely. If not for Lord Valerio I would be a turn on the wheel. I do not think he would much care for my thanks because after reading his whites and hearing what he told me the moment before the shove, he did not save my life for my own sake.
If I have judged this man wrong than forgive me but in his writings and his last deed I saw a man who did his duty, thought of his family, and deeply cared for others. He gave credit where credit was due. Mayhap he was set in his ways. He liked his drink. Mayhap he was slow to trust. I see the hints of reserve in his writing but in that moment, without a cry for help, without a chance to retreat, he acted. Perhaps he acted in the only way he ever could, doing what he believed was right. I know that he said something to me while he shoved. He said 'For Her'.
And that is why I know Lord Valerio Mazetti did not save me for any other reason than his own. Should we all be so pure in the heat of battle when we know not when our last moments are. Should we all be like the Marshal of Ostria who imparted on this House Sword lessons in honor and dignity he did not know he still had to learn.
I clarify how little I knew the man because since arriving back on land and beginning to mend my own injuries I have done little beyond recovery and reading Lord Valerio's white's. You can't really say thank you to an acquaintance not properly, I think. That being said I don't think the man would really care about my thanks. They are given wholeheartedly and freely. If not for Lord Valerio I would be a turn on the wheel. I do not think he would much care for my thanks because after reading his whites and hearing what he told me the moment before the shove, he did not save my life for my own sake.
If I have judged this man wrong than forgive me but in his writings and his last deed I saw a man who did his duty, thought of his family, and deeply cared for others. He gave credit where credit was due. Mayhap he was set in his ways. He liked his drink. Mayhap he was slow to trust. I see the hints of reserve in his writing but in that moment, without a cry for help, without a chance to retreat, he acted. Perhaps he acted in the only way he ever could, doing what he believed was right. I know that he said something to me while he shoved. He said 'For Her'.
And that is why I know Lord Valerio Mazetti did not save me for any other reason than his own. Should we all be so pure in the heat of battle when we know not when our last moments are. Should we all be like the Marshal of Ostria who imparted on this House Sword lessons in honor and dignity he did not know he still had to learn.
Written By Arik
Aug. 19, 2018, 10:59 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
If anyone wonders why... There was a poster in the city square...
Written By Arik
Aug. 17, 2018, 4:32 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
There is some debate about the status of Best Friend of my sister. I would like it known now and forever that Vala Khanne Halfshav, Voice of Whitehold, Crown Minister of Agriculture, and Shaman of the Path of Spiritwalkers... is best friends with an imaginary friend (or spirit) named Whimby.
Written By Arik
Aug. 12, 2018, 7:09 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
I have placed the answer in my blacks. When I die you will know.
Written By Arik
Aug. 12, 2018, 6:22 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
Lord Arik Halfshav's treatise on philosophical questions
It would appear that on the date of 5/19/1009 AR there was a wildfire of philosophical debate that entirely misses the point. I write this brief treatise on the topic in the hopes future readers that care about my thoughts might avoid such issues. If I am still alive, then this white is not meant for you. Thus we begin.
First let us establish that philosophical questions are not real. They pose situations in which you have but two choices and to answer in any way that is not one or the other is considered 'cheating' the question or 'dodging' the issue. Let it also be said that the majority of philosophical prompts are intended to be divisive. You are meant to answer differently than someone else and then qualify or argue the point. They are intellectual exercises meant to engage and perhaps in the loftiest of circles create policy. Should a Godsworn or a Magistrate feel the need to enter such discussions in a serious manner meant to reach a conclusion than such is their choice and such is their duty but for others I must ask to what end?
Second let us acknowledge the hypothetical is ridiculous. The argument which seems to have blazed through the city since the Salon meeting appears to be some variant of would you steal food for a starving child. Well I could do many things for a starving child. I could adopt them. I could buy food. I could take them to a soup kitchen. I can throw them off a bridge. None of these answers are permissable per the first point. You cannot dodge the issue. It is like asking Lord Arik Halfshav, Sword of Whitehold should High Lord Darren Redrain and Vala Khanne Halfshav be hanging from certain doom with each in your hand. Who would you save? I could say anything, would I ever be in that situation? Would I even follow through with whatever I say now? How about if you had all the money in the world would you give it all away? Perhaps it should be is it better to have love and lost or never have loved at all? Perhaps you see my point.
Thirdly and to the specific question at hand let me interject some blunt realism and perhaps uncomfortable consideration for you the future Peerage I am writing too... If children or -any- of your commoners are starving. You have failed as a Liege. It does not matter if it is war or famine or any number of potential extreme circumstances. The duty of nobility that comes with your privilege is to protect, lead, and administer. You should have provided more jobs, you should have imported more food, you should have realized you had more commoners thant resources, mayhap you should have avoided that skirmish with your neighbors. Whether it be Crownlands, Oathlands, Mourning Isle, the Hundred Cities, or the Northlands. Whether it be Whitehold or Farhaven. Wherever commoners suffer their Lieges have erred. To decry this as unfair or untrue begs the question what of the people, your people, who are starving? Do they have the power to change their circumstances? Do they have the ability to bring fish from the coasts or wheat from the Oathlands? They have but the ability to leave you, their Liege, and seek greener pastures or starve where they are unable to go.
Thus we end with the summation. Philosophical questions are for idle debate. They are not real they are meant for entertainment or intellectual exercise. The reality of such questions is often far harsher than the questions themselves. Mayhap you future Peers will not have such problems. I doubt the world will truly be such a place by the time I am dead but one can hope.
It would appear that on the date of 5/19/1009 AR there was a wildfire of philosophical debate that entirely misses the point. I write this brief treatise on the topic in the hopes future readers that care about my thoughts might avoid such issues. If I am still alive, then this white is not meant for you. Thus we begin.
First let us establish that philosophical questions are not real. They pose situations in which you have but two choices and to answer in any way that is not one or the other is considered 'cheating' the question or 'dodging' the issue. Let it also be said that the majority of philosophical prompts are intended to be divisive. You are meant to answer differently than someone else and then qualify or argue the point. They are intellectual exercises meant to engage and perhaps in the loftiest of circles create policy. Should a Godsworn or a Magistrate feel the need to enter such discussions in a serious manner meant to reach a conclusion than such is their choice and such is their duty but for others I must ask to what end?
Second let us acknowledge the hypothetical is ridiculous. The argument which seems to have blazed through the city since the Salon meeting appears to be some variant of would you steal food for a starving child. Well I could do many things for a starving child. I could adopt them. I could buy food. I could take them to a soup kitchen. I can throw them off a bridge. None of these answers are permissable per the first point. You cannot dodge the issue. It is like asking Lord Arik Halfshav, Sword of Whitehold should High Lord Darren Redrain and Vala Khanne Halfshav be hanging from certain doom with each in your hand. Who would you save? I could say anything, would I ever be in that situation? Would I even follow through with whatever I say now? How about if you had all the money in the world would you give it all away? Perhaps it should be is it better to have love and lost or never have loved at all? Perhaps you see my point.
Thirdly and to the specific question at hand let me interject some blunt realism and perhaps uncomfortable consideration for you the future Peerage I am writing too... If children or -any- of your commoners are starving. You have failed as a Liege. It does not matter if it is war or famine or any number of potential extreme circumstances. The duty of nobility that comes with your privilege is to protect, lead, and administer. You should have provided more jobs, you should have imported more food, you should have realized you had more commoners thant resources, mayhap you should have avoided that skirmish with your neighbors. Whether it be Crownlands, Oathlands, Mourning Isle, the Hundred Cities, or the Northlands. Whether it be Whitehold or Farhaven. Wherever commoners suffer their Lieges have erred. To decry this as unfair or untrue begs the question what of the people, your people, who are starving? Do they have the power to change their circumstances? Do they have the ability to bring fish from the coasts or wheat from the Oathlands? They have but the ability to leave you, their Liege, and seek greener pastures or starve where they are unable to go.
Thus we end with the summation. Philosophical questions are for idle debate. They are not real they are meant for entertainment or intellectual exercise. The reality of such questions is often far harsher than the questions themselves. Mayhap you future Peers will not have such problems. I doubt the world will truly be such a place by the time I am dead but one can hope.
Written By Arik
Aug. 9, 2018, 4 p.m.(5/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
While reviewing the multiple titles of Crown Prince Tyrval I noted one of them and became confused. In the interest of clarification and because I appear to be on a Faith question trend this month...
If Prince Tyrval is 'Voice of the Queen of Endings' does that have any significance within the Faith of the Pantheon. Are Archlectors like Voices for their deity or are they more grand teachers for the teachings and Faith of that deity?
If Prince Tyrval is 'Voice of the Queen of Endings' does that have any significance within the Faith of the Pantheon. Are Archlectors like Voices for their deity or are they more grand teachers for the teachings and Faith of that deity?
Written By Arik
Aug. 9, 2018, 3:06 p.m.(5/13/1009 AR)
The number of titles was more informative than the actual proclamation. I do wonder if the Prince of the Twilight court is funding the Gala or Lady Monique has been sitting on a small mountain of silvers. Those cloaks certainly do not sound very cheap or easily obtained.
Written By Arik
Aug. 7, 2018, 6:20 p.m.(5/9/1009 AR)
I have studied the Faith to one degree or another since I was a young boy in Whitehold. You would be surprised how much knowing a little of reflections comes in handy when dealing with Shav in some cases... I always noted that the Godsworn must give up all things that might come before the Faith to attain their title. I have noted several people of late seeking to take those oaths and so I ask...
If Godsworn can be recalled in order to ensure the continuation of a Noble Family
If Godsworn can be dismissed for the care of children that are their issue
Is this because of the amount of those sworn to the Gods or would the Gods rather we care for those we owe blood and hearth too before them?
If Godsworn can be recalled in order to ensure the continuation of a Noble Family
If Godsworn can be dismissed for the care of children that are their issue
Is this because of the amount of those sworn to the Gods or would the Gods rather we care for those we owe blood and hearth too before them?
Written By Arik
Aug. 6, 2018, 4:57 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
Don't argue with Priests. I can get behind that, arguing with shamans is fairly difficult and rarely productive. I know, Khanne is my sister.
Argue with a High Lord? Is this a do or don't. As a Voice of Redrain I have the 'privilege' of disagreeing with the Prince of Farhaven until he's made up his mind so I am unable to gauge the propriety.
What say you Whisper?
Argue with a High Lord? Is this a do or don't. As a Voice of Redrain I have the 'privilege' of disagreeing with the Prince of Farhaven until he's made up his mind so I am unable to gauge the propriety.
What say you Whisper?
Written By Arik
Aug. 6, 2018, 4:16 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Would the Champions Guild ever accept a duel that was an insult to the tradition of dueling? Surely not thus the duel must be acceptable?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.