Written By Arik
June 12, 2018, 1:20 p.m.(12/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sasha
I have another protege to announce and that would be the Marquessa-Consort Sasha Sanna. We have long known each other and when she married Marquis Cirroch Sanna it was a happy surprise to me in Whitehold. Now that we are both in the city our company together is as good as ever and so I extend my patronage to a longtime companion and vassal. I expect great things from her and given the track record of my other protege you should all expect the same.
Thank you for honoring me with your trust Marquessa, we shall see you prosperous and happy.
Thank you for honoring me with your trust Marquessa, we shall see you prosperous and happy.
Written By Arik
June 12, 2018, 2:04 a.m.(12/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
I spoke with my sister-in-law today. She is part of the family now, we shared a few stories. Afterward, the High Lord managed to start a bit of a drinking cheer at the Spirits, then I saw a family reunion of sorts. So I thought, family.
I am almost six years my sisters elder. We were both born in Whitehold and I feel as if we never really met until Arx. I know many families, many people talk about their childhood with their family members. My childhood from the age of fourteen to the day of my majority was hunting and scouting and war. It was glorious and it was honorable and it was full of companionship. It was not full of family, not my kin anyway. No, my sister vanished into the woods and expanse of the North. Some might think I was close to Brianna, but we weren't as children. My cousin Seax, to young to have joined me in my early years. Even my distant cousin Wylla had run off for love of Jayus. My Father the Sword of Whitehold watched from afar, much like my Uncle.
It may sound bleak, but it wasn't. I had a family, I have a family today. We met, we ate, we learned... Well, Khanne and I learned, the elders they taught and they suffered our youthful troublemaking. If you asked me I could recount a dozen tales of times with my sister, but they were not any more special to me than time with a friend. Not then, not now.
I was named Sword of Whitehold and entrusted to protect my family, my people, and safeguard their honor. I was chosen by my father before he died and I remember very well what he told me. The secret to being a Sword. Love of family. In my youth, I saw it as loyalty to family, honor to the family, strength to the family. I took his words and I applied every virtue but love to the meaning he meant to impart.
As the years passed I stayed in Whitehold. Khanne came south, Brianna came south then north then south again, and my Uncle traveled to and fro. I stayed in Whitehold. I stayed for the people. I stayed because I had little interest in southern politics. I stayed because of loyalty and honor and strength to the family. Four years ago I broke with that tradition and came to Arx. I met my sister, a passionate young shaman. I write this truly it was not until four years ago that I stood a Sword of Whitehold for love of family and it was my sister's spirit and dedication to the people of the Compact that did it.
Should you ever see her, think well of her reader. Should you ever see me looking for her, have sympathy. I do but seek the sister I love but never knew.
I am almost six years my sisters elder. We were both born in Whitehold and I feel as if we never really met until Arx. I know many families, many people talk about their childhood with their family members. My childhood from the age of fourteen to the day of my majority was hunting and scouting and war. It was glorious and it was honorable and it was full of companionship. It was not full of family, not my kin anyway. No, my sister vanished into the woods and expanse of the North. Some might think I was close to Brianna, but we weren't as children. My cousin Seax, to young to have joined me in my early years. Even my distant cousin Wylla had run off for love of Jayus. My Father the Sword of Whitehold watched from afar, much like my Uncle.
It may sound bleak, but it wasn't. I had a family, I have a family today. We met, we ate, we learned... Well, Khanne and I learned, the elders they taught and they suffered our youthful troublemaking. If you asked me I could recount a dozen tales of times with my sister, but they were not any more special to me than time with a friend. Not then, not now.
I was named Sword of Whitehold and entrusted to protect my family, my people, and safeguard their honor. I was chosen by my father before he died and I remember very well what he told me. The secret to being a Sword. Love of family. In my youth, I saw it as loyalty to family, honor to the family, strength to the family. I took his words and I applied every virtue but love to the meaning he meant to impart.
As the years passed I stayed in Whitehold. Khanne came south, Brianna came south then north then south again, and my Uncle traveled to and fro. I stayed in Whitehold. I stayed for the people. I stayed because I had little interest in southern politics. I stayed because of loyalty and honor and strength to the family. Four years ago I broke with that tradition and came to Arx. I met my sister, a passionate young shaman. I write this truly it was not until four years ago that I stood a Sword of Whitehold for love of family and it was my sister's spirit and dedication to the people of the Compact that did it.
Should you ever see her, think well of her reader. Should you ever see me looking for her, have sympathy. I do but seek the sister I love but never knew.
Written By Arik
June 8, 2018, 3:32 a.m.(12/8/1008 AR)
Topic: Commentary on Reflections by a Shamanistic Believer
I first noticed the topic of reflections from Champion Bliss Whisper's writings. She is one of the few that I instruct to have their journal entries brought to me. I then noticed several others discussing their reflections. I understand the idea of reflections, opposites, desires, and virtue. I know the reality of what threatens this world within as much as one man who is neither Godsworn nor Shaman might understand such things. I have never feared my reflection and neither have I studied it. I have seen it of course in streams, in mirrors, in windows, in the reflection of Frostfang or my personal sword.
My reflection has never been my own. I have certainly never thought of it as a part of me. If anything my reflection is like my shadow, something which extends from me but is not me. It touches the world and is changed by it. In the stream, it ripples. In the diamondplate of my blade, it is in sharp contrast. In the mirror, it is passing, only a glance. A reflection like a thought is a brief and shortlived thing, no life of its own, no desire of its own. Our reflections do not have spirits of their own, not like the woods or the stream or the wind or the mountain.
If anything reflections only exist when we give them home to exist. When we will them to exist with mirror or water or silver. Mayhap the closest I can come to believe in the power of reflections is that whatever a reflection might hold is only that which we ascribe to it, but then I am woefully uneducated on the topic. Mayhap I should count myself fortunate.
I first noticed the topic of reflections from Champion Bliss Whisper's writings. She is one of the few that I instruct to have their journal entries brought to me. I then noticed several others discussing their reflections. I understand the idea of reflections, opposites, desires, and virtue. I know the reality of what threatens this world within as much as one man who is neither Godsworn nor Shaman might understand such things. I have never feared my reflection and neither have I studied it. I have seen it of course in streams, in mirrors, in windows, in the reflection of Frostfang or my personal sword.
My reflection has never been my own. I have certainly never thought of it as a part of me. If anything my reflection is like my shadow, something which extends from me but is not me. It touches the world and is changed by it. In the stream, it ripples. In the diamondplate of my blade, it is in sharp contrast. In the mirror, it is passing, only a glance. A reflection like a thought is a brief and shortlived thing, no life of its own, no desire of its own. Our reflections do not have spirits of their own, not like the woods or the stream or the wind or the mountain.
If anything reflections only exist when we give them home to exist. When we will them to exist with mirror or water or silver. Mayhap the closest I can come to believe in the power of reflections is that whatever a reflection might hold is only that which we ascribe to it, but then I am woefully uneducated on the topic. Mayhap I should count myself fortunate.
Written By Arik
June 7, 2018, 10:36 a.m.(12/7/1008 AR)
[Submitted to the archives after returning from Farhaven]
Scowling. I have noticed quite a bit of scowling. If I remembered any of their names after our brief discussions and the weapon bestowed on them I might try and by them a drink. Still there is a line here and by the spirits I will get through it by sundown.
[A later addition to the page]
I think I saw a goodly portion of those interested in joining the Redrain army today. In retrospect, asking their names may have helped but then again I do not need to know their names to see them armed. Mayhap something to consider when I do this in Whitehold.
Scowling. I have noticed quite a bit of scowling. If I remembered any of their names after our brief discussions and the weapon bestowed on them I might try and by them a drink. Still there is a line here and by the spirits I will get through it by sundown.
[A later addition to the page]
I think I saw a goodly portion of those interested in joining the Redrain army today. In retrospect, asking their names may have helped but then again I do not need to know their names to see them armed. Mayhap something to consider when I do this in Whitehold.
Written By Arik
June 5, 2018, 5:57 p.m.(12/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Fredrik
House Halfshav is currently undecided on the matter of scones. Half of my family enjoy them. The other half find them doughy pastries unbefitting a good meal.
Written By Arik
June 3, 2018, 9:01 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Violet
I am rather well pleased to see that my protege is so well liked by those whose opinions I give credit to. I did not know of her public perception when I extended the offer and it is unsurprising but a welcome realization. Also for other patrons who wish their proteges to endear themselves to the public in some manner might I suggest a giant puppy? Kittens are too controversial for general appeal I am afraid.
Written By Arik
May 31, 2018, 1:24 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
I likewise see a theme to the whites and so I will participate...
Intentions and outcomes are for Disciples and Philosophers. In truth what matters is what you can live with... What you are willing to tell your family and your people. If you cannot bring yourself to speak of your intentions or what outcome they brought you have erred. If you cannot live with what you have wrought or the reason behind such, than you have erred.
[in a slightly different slant, the writing clearly at a different angle from the original script]
Fools will be fools and the prideful will be arrogant. The blindness to error does not preclude the truth of wrong deed or misguided intent.
Intentions and outcomes are for Disciples and Philosophers. In truth what matters is what you can live with... What you are willing to tell your family and your people. If you cannot bring yourself to speak of your intentions or what outcome they brought you have erred. If you cannot live with what you have wrought or the reason behind such, than you have erred.
[in a slightly different slant, the writing clearly at a different angle from the original script]
Fools will be fools and the prideful will be arrogant. The blindness to error does not preclude the truth of wrong deed or misguided intent.
Written By Arik
May 31, 2018, 11:28 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Veronica
I believe that trial by combat can be denied if the representative of the Faith determines the evidence is undeniable. Denied in some cases, noble right to trial by combat is rarely if ever denied that I know of but we are very far north in Whitehold.
Written By Arik
May 29, 2018, 4:53 a.m.(11/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Violet
Do not inform the southerners of my good stock. Why don't you give away your Crimson Blade reserve casks, you know the ones...
Written By Arik
May 24, 2018, 4:43 p.m.(11/2/1008 AR)
I find myself wholly uninformed about another topic and so in the interest of future generations and my own enlightenment I write these multiple questions...
+ Are all Thraxian Houses save Thrax itself former shavs who were enthralled and somehow ennobled?
+ Are all shav enthralled within the realm Thrax claims?
+ Are shav tribes which willingly bend a knee when approached enthralled or accepted or ennobled if large enough?
+ Are the only enthralled shavs those who are captured in skirmishes or remain hostile?
+ Are hostile shav tribes which fight to the last slaughtered in whole like in other fealties?
+ Are all Thraxian Houses save Thrax itself former shavs who were enthralled and somehow ennobled?
+ Are all shav enthralled within the realm Thrax claims?
+ Are shav tribes which willingly bend a knee when approached enthralled or accepted or ennobled if large enough?
+ Are the only enthralled shavs those who are captured in skirmishes or remain hostile?
+ Are hostile shav tribes which fight to the last slaughtered in whole like in other fealties?
Written By Arik
May 24, 2018, 10:33 a.m.(10/24/1008 AR)
I admit to being wholly uninformed about Thrax beyond their relative existence and their seafaring ways. I do record this question for the whites though in hopes future generations might find it useful and that I might find an answer myself...
Is the release of thralls such a great concern to the Compact itself when we absorb abandoned tribes so frequently? In the span of ten years how many shavs have bent a knee, how many tribe leaderships ennobled? I understand freeing a man and paying him a wage can wreak havoc on the finances of a domain, but to the Compact itself are the numbers so great they will affect the mainland?
Is the release of thralls such a great concern to the Compact itself when we absorb abandoned tribes so frequently? In the span of ten years how many shavs have bent a knee, how many tribe leaderships ennobled? I understand freeing a man and paying him a wage can wreak havoc on the finances of a domain, but to the Compact itself are the numbers so great they will affect the mainland?
Written By Arik
May 23, 2018, 10:25 a.m.(10/17/1008 AR)
[In a scholarly hand]
Yes Scholar this is important...
No not like last time this is more urgent.
Well I thought if it was written very clearly they may take heed.
Yes, I am ready.
[Scholar Notes clearing of throat and drawing of sword]
Please do not exasperate my sister Khanne people of Arx. I am already disturbed by the noises coming from her suite, I have been required to use hapless servants to deliver missives so concerned am I. I do not need further questionable sounds to hear and then fret over. Is that shouting because of a white or because of... It need not be said!
Yes Scholar this is important...
No not like last time this is more urgent.
Well I thought if it was written very clearly they may take heed.
Yes, I am ready.
[Scholar Notes clearing of throat and drawing of sword]
Please do not exasperate my sister Khanne people of Arx. I am already disturbed by the noises coming from her suite, I have been required to use hapless servants to deliver missives so concerned am I. I do not need further questionable sounds to hear and then fret over. Is that shouting because of a white or because of... It need not be said!
Written By Arik
May 21, 2018, 2:48 a.m.(10/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
I recall a goodly portion of the bar speaking their native tongue during our conversation on the point. Even a certain Princess and a very polite seeming merchant woman, among others. But bluster, yes only the men.
Written By Arik
May 20, 2018, 11:16 p.m.(10/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cleo
[A script in a hand that is not Arik's]
Mark my words scholar, I feel this a form of challenge to be accepted both personal and philosophical.
Yes I came specifically so I could have my words marked.
Well scholar it is the principal of the thing.
Yes I agree it has more gravitas to it.
[Scholar Note: Indecipherable shav dialect]
Your sentiments have been shared by countless before you. Mighty Houses have thought your words before their fealty oaths. All bend the knee to the rightful claim.
Mark my words scholar, I feel this a form of challenge to be accepted both personal and philosophical.
Yes I came specifically so I could have my words marked.
Well scholar it is the principal of the thing.
Yes I agree it has more gravitas to it.
[Scholar Note: Indecipherable shav dialect]
Your sentiments have been shared by countless before you. Mighty Houses have thought your words before their fealty oaths. All bend the knee to the rightful claim.
Written By Arik
May 15, 2018, 11:45 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
I rarely respond to a mention of my name in the Whites but for this an exception. I imagine that when the scholar or yourself perused the White archives my journal entries would provide my name and my house. At the very least you would know I am Lord Arik Halfshav and then upon further inspection of my journal which you responded to you would find I am the Sword of Whitehold. By the end of the journal which you read you would conclude that I had an opinion something that the lowest of commoners to the greatest of peers is entitled to last, I stepped outdoors.
Your questions would seem to all have self-evident explanations. Your selective reproach does not.
Your questions would seem to all have self-evident explanations. Your selective reproach does not.
Written By Arik
May 15, 2018, 10:46 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
I write this now in hopes I can share thought before a possible deluge of discussion about duels and champions is sparked once more. I was one of the crowd that left the duel between Champion Bliss Whisper and Sir Jeffeth. I count one of those warriors as a friend for the record of the whites. I left because I found the show poorly done and obvious, but let me explain any reader of my white...
As a Sword of Whitehold believe me when I say I have years of swordplay beneath my belt, as they say. In the yard you train day in and day out mastering the forms, mastering routine exchanges with partners, and in truth many a warrior could go through basic forms with any other trained warrior almost by rote memory. I say this because I am not opposed to champions putting on a show for the peerage and the commoners alike. I protest the manner of show given and that the duel was paused for it.
If you wish to mock battle then mock battle. If you wish to shock and awe the audience with a blurry exchange of blades or even a throw, then do so. Play out any drama you wish on the sands, run Champion Bliss through with your sword only to reveal she was holding the blade against her side with her arm! Shock! Awe! Have Jeffeth on the ground swatting away the predatory flicks of a rapier with his mighty blade, trying to gain purchase to rise. Daring do's! But when blades meet for the duel proper do not stop it. Sincere competition can be done after the showmanship and I think it best they not be mixed lest a sponsor feel their challenge was not given the effort they wished.
As a Sword of Whitehold believe me when I say I have years of swordplay beneath my belt, as they say. In the yard you train day in and day out mastering the forms, mastering routine exchanges with partners, and in truth many a warrior could go through basic forms with any other trained warrior almost by rote memory. I say this because I am not opposed to champions putting on a show for the peerage and the commoners alike. I protest the manner of show given and that the duel was paused for it.
If you wish to mock battle then mock battle. If you wish to shock and awe the audience with a blurry exchange of blades or even a throw, then do so. Play out any drama you wish on the sands, run Champion Bliss through with your sword only to reveal she was holding the blade against her side with her arm! Shock! Awe! Have Jeffeth on the ground swatting away the predatory flicks of a rapier with his mighty blade, trying to gain purchase to rise. Daring do's! But when blades meet for the duel proper do not stop it. Sincere competition can be done after the showmanship and I think it best they not be mixed lest a sponsor feel their challenge was not given the effort they wished.
Written By Arik
May 11, 2018, 9:08 p.m.(9/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Violet
Prior to a planning meeting for a scouting trip to the lands around Whitehold I have decided to make Violet Marjawn my protege. I will instruct her in all that is good and true from the Northern lands: Whiskey, honor, and unyielding determination. May she ever make me proud to call her my friend.
Written By Arik
May 9, 2018, 3:42 p.m.(9/17/1008 AR)
The answer to many of these debates, I believe, is discretion.
That which is not widely known cannot be widely judged.
As long as it is not inherently wrong.
That which is not widely known cannot be widely judged.
As long as it is not inherently wrong.
Written By Arik
May 8, 2018, 1:07 p.m.(9/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
I kept an eye on the topic of duels in hopes a champion might reply and so I enter another perspective... If the Peerage choose to challenge for both reasons big and small and they properly decide to find a champion... Do the champions wish to fight in duels that are not traditional in their method? Instead of martial prowess be it blades or fists would the Champions guild accommodate dancing, hiding, and general games more meant for a social event than a challenging duel?
Written By Arik
May 8, 2018, 9:06 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
I always keep an eye on news and gossip of challenges. As a House Sword I feel it is my duty to do so... Sometimes I do wonder if the trend of challenges over small things has led to challenges over silly things. It must be difficult to be a champion at the moment if challenges continues to trend towards dancing, hiding, and other things normally found at social events and not challenges how will they stay relevant?
Is the city of Arx ready for the dancing champion of the Guild?
Is the city of Arx ready for the dancing champion of the Guild?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.