Written By Amari
Jan. 29, 2021, 11:03 p.m.(11/5/1014 AR)
I'm happy to report that Queen Irama of the Shadowcat tribe was ultimately victorious in war, though there were setbacks and losses as the battle raged. Some of her light cavalry disregarded her orders and fled with spoils from the Duke's baggage, then a number of her skirmishers were killed by goats, or the horses with daggers in their mouths, bugs or poisonous cats? It was very unfortunate anyway, but the larger strategy was not too badly disrupted by the Fournier's nefarious tactics.
While the fighting on the road continued, the siege towers that had been assembled in the surrounding wood were rolled out under the favorable sign of a flaming Greenmarch war elk falling from the sky. Spirits high, the towers and ladders were successfully and swiftly deployed, allowing the main body of her troops to breach the citadel walls. Once within, many cats were looted while the defenders frosted themselves and then evacuated by ship with their precious cat's eyes. Her archers were ordered to harry them as they were leaving the docks, but in a cruel surprise attack they were all killed by a giant cake.
For this crime, the remainder of the citadel's survivors were herded into the cat-thedral and burnt alive.
Let that be a warning to the Followers of the Cake. Queen Irama is merciless.
While the fighting on the road continued, the siege towers that had been assembled in the surrounding wood were rolled out under the favorable sign of a flaming Greenmarch war elk falling from the sky. Spirits high, the towers and ladders were successfully and swiftly deployed, allowing the main body of her troops to breach the citadel walls. Once within, many cats were looted while the defenders frosted themselves and then evacuated by ship with their precious cat's eyes. Her archers were ordered to harry them as they were leaving the docks, but in a cruel surprise attack they were all killed by a giant cake.
For this crime, the remainder of the citadel's survivors were herded into the cat-thedral and burnt alive.
Let that be a warning to the Followers of the Cake. Queen Irama is merciless.
Written By Amari
Jan. 24, 2021, 5:37 p.m.(10/22/1014 AR)
In addition to a change of clothing, an adventurer should never be without a straw hat and a walking stick sturdy enough to safely poke at things with. There are traps everywhere, friends, and cooking your head in the hot sun is never pleasant. It could even be fatal.
Don't let your vanity be your death. Humble fabrics should never be shunned simply because they aren't fashionable.
Don't let your vanity be your death. Humble fabrics should never be shunned simply because they aren't fashionable.
Written By Amari
Jan. 23, 2021, 5:49 p.m.(10/20/1014 AR)
I just want to record that I recently witnessed Duke Cristoph swing from a vine out over a river in an apparent attempt to save Uncle Baron Norwood from drowning. Also, that it was less of a rescue and more of a collision, and both ended up splashing around together until Lady Adalyn could effect a rescue.
The lesson is that you should always bring a change of clothes when you're adventuring, and be cautious around bodies of water while wearing full plate (or honeysilk, Lady Mabelle!). The other lesson is to beware of the wild tribe of Eadrics out there, setting lethal traps, eerily wailing at trespassers and worshiping bees. I'm not sure if they had ill intent, really, but I wish we could have spoken to them. I fear someone else might be hurt or killed by their traps.
At least we (after nearly falling prey to all manner of said traps), discovered a very intriguing relic in an old stone temple which I have a theory about. I also found another broken piece of pottery. When I have it reassembled, along with the vase from a previous expedition, I'll donate them both to Lady Mabelle for exhibition. They're both quite old, I think. I should consult a scholar. Are there any pottery scholars?
The lesson is that you should always bring a change of clothes when you're adventuring, and be cautious around bodies of water while wearing full plate (or honeysilk, Lady Mabelle!). The other lesson is to beware of the wild tribe of Eadrics out there, setting lethal traps, eerily wailing at trespassers and worshiping bees. I'm not sure if they had ill intent, really, but I wish we could have spoken to them. I fear someone else might be hurt or killed by their traps.
At least we (after nearly falling prey to all manner of said traps), discovered a very intriguing relic in an old stone temple which I have a theory about. I also found another broken piece of pottery. When I have it reassembled, along with the vase from a previous expedition, I'll donate them both to Lady Mabelle for exhibition. They're both quite old, I think. I should consult a scholar. Are there any pottery scholars?
Written By Amari
Jan. 17, 2021, 8:21 p.m.(10/9/1014 AR)
Looking back over the year so far, I've let some aspirations fall to the wayside. Some goals couldn't be advanced and had to be routed around, while others remained nebulous and difficult to even approach. Are they achievable or not? It's hard to tell when I can barely make out the scale and rough outline of them.
One day I'll have the time and be rooted enough to paint again, and even garden too. Perhaps even before I turn thirty! Though, both seem the sort of thing to keep you busy after you've taken an arrow to the knee and can't adventure anymore.
One day I'll have the time and be rooted enough to paint again, and even garden too. Perhaps even before I turn thirty! Though, both seem the sort of thing to keep you busy after you've taken an arrow to the knee and can't adventure anymore.
Written By Amari
Jan. 10, 2021, 8:10 p.m.(9/23/1014 AR)
So, while out galavanting with friends, I found a pile of broken pottery shards in the grass and meticulously reassembled them, only to realize that beneath the rubbish lay a buried statue covered only by a thin layer of dirt. I was practically kneeling atop the thing the entire time. It was a much more interesting find than the unremarkable vase someone had likely just pitched into the field to be rid of.
The moral, wise general, is you should probably not murder braggarts in cold blood because they made fun of your friend and then boast about it afterwards. No wait, it's something about not seeing the forest for all the trees. Yes, that's the lesson. I think.
Also, related to that expedition; when swarmed by bees do I pretend to be a flower, or not? I'm still unsure, but also fairly confident that I will be swarmed by bees again. It seems inevitable somehow. Still, swarm aside, that was an enjoyable outing, especially since no one in the party was killed during or after. It's a fine day when there's no unnecessary and pointless deaths. I was quite glad for the company and enjoyable activity.
The moral, wise general, is you should probably not murder braggarts in cold blood because they made fun of your friend and then boast about it afterwards. No wait, it's something about not seeing the forest for all the trees. Yes, that's the lesson. I think.
Also, related to that expedition; when swarmed by bees do I pretend to be a flower, or not? I'm still unsure, but also fairly confident that I will be swarmed by bees again. It seems inevitable somehow. Still, swarm aside, that was an enjoyable outing, especially since no one in the party was killed during or after. It's a fine day when there's no unnecessary and pointless deaths. I was quite glad for the company and enjoyable activity.
Written By Amari
Jan. 3, 2021, 7:52 p.m.(9/9/1014 AR)
All is well. I just need to have a long, hot bath and sleep for a solid week now that I've returned safely to Arx. It will be a very novel and welcome feeling to be both clean and rested. I've almost forgotten how that feels.
Written By Amari
Dec. 2, 2020, 12:24 p.m.(6/28/1014 AR)
I'm for the north again. I never honestly thought I'd be seeing so much of my mother's homeland. Though I will always love the wild woods of Oakhaven, it's hard to deny the stark majesty of the Crovane mountains and the beauty of a world sleeping silent and serene under a blanket of pristine white snow. Unfortunately, I won't be there to enjoy the scenery.
The cruelty of the tidings delivered so unexpectedly shocked me to the core. My heart has become like a solid lump of ice in my chest. I still don't quite believe what's being presumed, and won't until I see it with my own eyes. No matter what, there will be an 'and beyond' to this story, I promise that. Whether it's written in blood, or howled with rage into the bitter Everwinter winds, it will be finished only when the crawling filth and rot responsible is scoured clean.
The cruelty of the tidings delivered so unexpectedly shocked me to the core. My heart has become like a solid lump of ice in my chest. I still don't quite believe what's being presumed, and won't until I see it with my own eyes. No matter what, there will be an 'and beyond' to this story, I promise that. Whether it's written in blood, or howled with rage into the bitter Everwinter winds, it will be finished only when the crawling filth and rot responsible is scoured clean.
Written By Amari
Dec. 2, 2020, 11:15 a.m.(6/28/1014 AR)
I may have had the idea, but without others (you know who you are) seeing it through and being wonderful, it would have remained just that; an idea. It's very gratifying to see and I think in many cases so far, it's had the desired effect.
Yes, I know I'm being incredibly vague, but making plain all the details would ruin the fun of it.
Yes, I know I'm being incredibly vague, but making plain all the details would ruin the fun of it.
Written By Amari
Nov. 29, 2020, 1:19 p.m.(6/22/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
I'm almost certain that bottle of whiskey was given out during the first large gathering I ever attended in Arx. That's when I saw the King of the Compact himself badly flub a throw and roof his axe. I don't think I braved the axe tossing competition that day, nor did I mud wrestle or have Khanne paint my face half blue, but I have fond memories anyway.
I don't think I even spoke to anyone, come to think of it. At one point I was even shooed away for having sat where people were waiting for their turn to be painted. It was all a little overwhelming.
Thank you, anyway. The nostalgia can only improve the flavor, right?
I don't think I even spoke to anyone, come to think of it. At one point I was even shooed away for having sat where people were waiting for their turn to be painted. It was all a little overwhelming.
Thank you, anyway. The nostalgia can only improve the flavor, right?
Written By Amari
Nov. 29, 2020, 12:52 p.m.(6/22/1014 AR)
It was a long and arduous struggle, but it seems, finally, that many of our peers in the Oathlands have come to grudgingly accept the Kertons. I might have been frustrated with the time and effort involved to even get this far, if I didn't well understand the reservations of one side and the earnest hopes of the other.
The Kertons, however, are not simple shav, but remnants of a sister House of Keaton's that was established before the Reckoning and tragically sundered during the Elven War. The crimes committed against them shall be answered and long delayed justice administered. I hope they will soon return to their proper place within the Compact, and look forward to a time when House Kerton rules their county from Shadowood Watch once more.
Together we will push back the darkness and restore what was lost. On behalf of the Kerton and myself, thank you, Aunt Margerie, Uncle Norwood, Cousin Kael and Marquessa Reigna for your support.
The Kertons, however, are not simple shav, but remnants of a sister House of Keaton's that was established before the Reckoning and tragically sundered during the Elven War. The crimes committed against them shall be answered and long delayed justice administered. I hope they will soon return to their proper place within the Compact, and look forward to a time when House Kerton rules their county from Shadowood Watch once more.
Together we will push back the darkness and restore what was lost. On behalf of the Kerton and myself, thank you, Aunt Margerie, Uncle Norwood, Cousin Kael and Marquessa Reigna for your support.
Written By Amari
Nov. 22, 2020, 12:04 a.m.(6/7/1014 AR)
I didn't think Waldo Bellerive would be so quick to prove that history remembers losers, as in my last entry. It's like he knew I had him and Ivan in mind when I wrote it. Going by what's already occurred, and the general sentiment in the city, this chapter will be written in blood and ash, and not soon forgotten.
Written By Amari
Nov. 15, 2020, 3:28 p.m.(5/22/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Kastelon
Congratulations, cousin! I'm sure you'll distinguish yourself and one day you may even be trusted with a ballista as well.
I mean really, who hasn't accidentally clipped a friend or family member with an arrow during a hectic battle? These things happen.
I mean really, who hasn't accidentally clipped a friend or family member with an arrow during a hectic battle? These things happen.
Written By Amari
Nov. 9, 2020, 10:17 a.m.(5/9/1014 AR)
History remembers losers.
Scholars seem to enjoy recording every mistake of those who pridefully strive and fall on their faces in painstaking detail. Especially if the loser and everyone around them thought they were the most winning of winners up until the weight of a huge (often self inflicted) failure crushed them down into a very thin and humbled paste. This is very true, if while winning, they were insufferably smug and boorish about it and believed they were special exceptions above and beyond their petty inferiors who could only look upon their resplendence with barely disguised jealousy.
Surprise! They weren't.
The line between being an epic hero worthy of a saga, and just another fool at the heart of a cautionary tale is a fine one. A single slip and all the edifices built to glorify your name become instead reminders of what a giant braying ass you actually were. This is why it's best to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Most small children are taught this, so their playmates will keep playing with them, no matter the outcome of their games. Those who don't take the lesson, soon find they only have themselves to play with.
Scholars seem to enjoy recording every mistake of those who pridefully strive and fall on their faces in painstaking detail. Especially if the loser and everyone around them thought they were the most winning of winners up until the weight of a huge (often self inflicted) failure crushed them down into a very thin and humbled paste. This is very true, if while winning, they were insufferably smug and boorish about it and believed they were special exceptions above and beyond their petty inferiors who could only look upon their resplendence with barely disguised jealousy.
Surprise! They weren't.
The line between being an epic hero worthy of a saga, and just another fool at the heart of a cautionary tale is a fine one. A single slip and all the edifices built to glorify your name become instead reminders of what a giant braying ass you actually were. This is why it's best to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Most small children are taught this, so their playmates will keep playing with them, no matter the outcome of their games. Those who don't take the lesson, soon find they only have themselves to play with.
Written By Amari
Nov. 6, 2020, 11:30 a.m.(5/4/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I never thought I'd be one to miss Shard's regular and strident journals, as I often found her arguments rather unfairly biased and rooted more in anecdote than fact. However, the rank hypocrisy involved in the jubilant rush of some to join the latest cause is terribly deserving of a few unkind words. Wherever she's gone, I do hope she's grouching vigorously at someone, somewhere, over something.
Written By Amari
Oct. 31, 2020, 4:05 p.m.(4/20/1014 AR)
I've seen heroism from a great many people and not always in battle, as was the understandable focus of the stories told at the Valardin dinner. I just wasn't able to select one tale alone which was the 'best' or most heroic to recount.
The courage my friends and allies routinely display in the most dire of situations never fails to impress and inspire me. Your incredible valor is remembered and appreciated, even if it's not constantly boasted about.
The courage my friends and allies routinely display in the most dire of situations never fails to impress and inspire me. Your incredible valor is remembered and appreciated, even if it's not constantly boasted about.
Written By Amari
Oct. 17, 2020, 2:32 p.m.(3/20/1014 AR)
Duke Cristoph and Lady Mabelle Laurent always host very enjoyable events. The snowbee at their estate, which seems to be a yearly tradition now, is cute. I wonder if I can't convince the Keaton children to try and build a snowhound or a snowgoat on the grounds. The Fortier twins are obviously too small for that yet, but I can't wait until they are.
Written By Amari
Oct. 11, 2020, 10:04 a.m.(3/7/1014 AR)
Who doesn't like a sleigh ride on a crisp night with someone you haven't spent nearly enough time with of late?
The stars always shine brighter in the cold and there's nothing quite so starkly beautiful as ice limned branches sparkling softly in the silver light of a full winter moon.
The stars always shine brighter in the cold and there's nothing quite so starkly beautiful as ice limned branches sparkling softly in the silver light of a full winter moon.
Written By Amari
Sept. 26, 2020, 9:24 a.m.(2/5/1014 AR)
Mysterious? Me?
Maybe.
Maybe.
Written By Amari
Aug. 30, 2020, 9:16 p.m.(12/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Kastelon
Bessie is a fine cow. You must be very proud of her!
Written By Amari
Aug. 30, 2020, 11:33 a.m.(12/7/1013 AR)
Apparently, I missed all the fun in Kaelton, thanks to a visit to the tower ruins at the top of the hill between there and Reigna's Ford. I arrived in the village by nightfall after a few hours of quiet contemplation, only to hear their giant pumpkins had been turned into boats by some of the children. There were none left to judge, but thankfully there was pumpkin soup and pies to console myself with.
Some there said that Prince Baelos had jumped into the river to save a child. I'm not sure I believe that. Nor do I believe that Kael and Reigna both sailed off in pumpkins of their own. What complete nonsense. Though, perhaps next year the villagers should dispense with the contest entirely and host a pumpkin boat race instead.
Some there said that Prince Baelos had jumped into the river to save a child. I'm not sure I believe that. Nor do I believe that Kael and Reigna both sailed off in pumpkins of their own. What complete nonsense. Though, perhaps next year the villagers should dispense with the contest entirely and host a pumpkin boat race instead.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.