Written By Derovai
April 7, 2018, 12:38 p.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
"What does it mean to be a noble?"
An example I heard of this recently was from a young lord who told me he had a wealth of free time without the mantle of responsibility. Before people assume that I am talking about all nobles, I note I am not, only that such a claim is impossible as a commoner. One either has responsibility, or a complete inability to enjoy their free time -- the beggar on the street may not have much responsibility, but surely much of his free time is a struggle to exist. The fact that one may claim to freely enjoy that lack of responsibility they possess seems to me to be a distinctly noble privilege.
"What does it mean to be a commoner?"
Other than that, the exact same thing as it does a noble, absent coffers of cash at the ready and the pressure of marrying at or above your station wherever possible. The gulf that separates noble from commoner is, in many cases, only a puddle. I need only point to several recent marriages, and several not so recent ones as well, to obviate that. There is no different placement as Marquis Leary suggests, no levels or ranks, and I would discourage others from thinking so, as it is a trap of its own making. People who draw distinctions that do not exist do so at their discredit and disservice.
"Does living in Arx, a large city with an uncommon ratio of nobles to commoners skew our perceptions of one another?"
I grew up in Arx, so it's hard for me to say what a different city might look like. I told the Seraph my first childhood memory, and I won't repeat it here, but it bears a fine witness to this question. As far as skewed perceptions, I doubt it. I see clearly. I see the good and bad in all; I find the conduct of some commoners wanting, and I find the conduct of some nobles wanting. I don't stand on ceremony with either. How, though, would you answer this question, Countess? Considering our deep and abiding friendship as it is, I would be interested to know how you see commoners besides myself.
An example I heard of this recently was from a young lord who told me he had a wealth of free time without the mantle of responsibility. Before people assume that I am talking about all nobles, I note I am not, only that such a claim is impossible as a commoner. One either has responsibility, or a complete inability to enjoy their free time -- the beggar on the street may not have much responsibility, but surely much of his free time is a struggle to exist. The fact that one may claim to freely enjoy that lack of responsibility they possess seems to me to be a distinctly noble privilege.
"What does it mean to be a commoner?"
Other than that, the exact same thing as it does a noble, absent coffers of cash at the ready and the pressure of marrying at or above your station wherever possible. The gulf that separates noble from commoner is, in many cases, only a puddle. I need only point to several recent marriages, and several not so recent ones as well, to obviate that. There is no different placement as Marquis Leary suggests, no levels or ranks, and I would discourage others from thinking so, as it is a trap of its own making. People who draw distinctions that do not exist do so at their discredit and disservice.
"Does living in Arx, a large city with an uncommon ratio of nobles to commoners skew our perceptions of one another?"
I grew up in Arx, so it's hard for me to say what a different city might look like. I told the Seraph my first childhood memory, and I won't repeat it here, but it bears a fine witness to this question. As far as skewed perceptions, I doubt it. I see clearly. I see the good and bad in all; I find the conduct of some commoners wanting, and I find the conduct of some nobles wanting. I don't stand on ceremony with either. How, though, would you answer this question, Countess? Considering our deep and abiding friendship as it is, I would be interested to know how you see commoners besides myself.
Written By Derovai
April 6, 2018, 1:29 a.m.(7/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jev
Dare-oh-vie. Insert obvious assessment here.
(OOC: I've heard this is the most popular headcanon, so let's go with this one.)
(OOC: I've heard this is the most popular headcanon, so let's go with this one.)
Written By Derovai
April 5, 2018, 1:09 p.m.(7/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jev
A drinking contest rival, perhaps. But not with Foolsbane; I beat that already. Maybe you can do better! Who are you?
Written By Derovai
April 5, 2018, 12:47 p.m.(7/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jev
Your next task is to go to The Spirits in Redrain Ward and try Foolsbane.
I'll leave it to Marquis Mydas-or-whatever-he's-called-now to tell you the rules of the game.
I'll leave it to Marquis Mydas-or-whatever-he's-called-now to tell you the rules of the game.
Written By Derovai
April 5, 2018, 12:51 a.m.(6/28/1008 AR)
Tribulation or trepidation, Sir Dracone?
Thank you to all who came to the dance contest, especially the participants, as well as our mystery benefactor who sent in a thousand silver for the contest! That first place trophy cost me five hundred silver, Princess Sabella.
At least I escaped with my dignity mostly intact.
Thank you to all who came to the dance contest, especially the participants, as well as our mystery benefactor who sent in a thousand silver for the contest! That first place trophy cost me five hundred silver, Princess Sabella.
At least I escaped with my dignity mostly intact.
Written By Derovai
April 2, 2018, 9:53 p.m.(6/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
I'll get you next time -- even if I have to bring backup.
Lord Brogan Nightgold, we should talk about an entirely unrelated matter.
Lord Brogan Nightgold, we should talk about an entirely unrelated matter.
Written By Derovai
March 30, 2018, 6:13 p.m.(6/17/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
You've got a deal. Master Itzal Culler, find me and we'll plan this. I very much look forward to it. If anyone wants to challenge Thena's dancing prowess, please send a messenger, and I'll put you in the picture.
We'll need musical accompaniment too, I expect. Oh, and a truly worthy place to hold the contest.
We'll need musical accompaniment too, I expect. Oh, and a truly worthy place to hold the contest.
Written By Derovai
March 30, 2018, 3:24 p.m.(6/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Itzal
I'll still sell tickets.
Written By Derovai
March 30, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(6/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
Note it's a 'hugging' contest and not a 'crushing' contest, Sir Bayweather.
I will not be joining any such contest, no doubt much to the Compact's collective relief. I would, however, like to see the Grandmaster's dancing skills. Perhaps we can arrange a demonstration, Thena? I'll sell tickets.
I will not be joining any such contest, no doubt much to the Compact's collective relief. I would, however, like to see the Grandmaster's dancing skills. Perhaps we can arrange a demonstration, Thena? I'll sell tickets.
Written By Derovai
March 27, 2018, 10:03 p.m.(6/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Petal
Her Highness Princess Elgana writes: "Mistress Petal is an amazing and talented woman with such a kind heart."
I haven't worn any of her tailoring -- I wouldn't look very dashing in a gown, I'm afraid -- but I'll second your thoughts on her character wholeheartedly. To Mistress Petal, a genuine (for once!) "Congratulations."
As I write this, know that I am not a lyre. So to speak.
I haven't worn any of her tailoring -- I wouldn't look very dashing in a gown, I'm afraid -- but I'll second your thoughts on her character wholeheartedly. To Mistress Petal, a genuine (for once!) "Congratulations."
As I write this, know that I am not a lyre. So to speak.
Written By Derovai
March 19, 2018, 12:59 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I guess the question to ask then, Thena, is whether His Highness' actions were warranted to the extent that he left command (which Marquis Acheron assures us they were), and whether, indeed, those actions were necessary. What required impact did he make? That, I think, is the fulcrum on which this matter can be rested. If indeed he did not make an impact that any others would not have made, then I must ask whether his actions were really the best course and the best usage of his abilities.
Let's get a factual account of the whole of the matter and see whether his role was critical to the extent that others could not have done the same. That's all I ask.
Let's get a factual account of the whole of the matter and see whether his role was critical to the extent that others could not have done the same. That's all I ask.
Written By Derovai
March 19, 2018, 12:19 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
"Not only for himself but Grayson..."
Interesting arrangement of priorities there, Marquis, especially considering the further absence of "Stormwall" or "the Compact" as priorities in the phrase. I trust that was an oversight.
From what I've heard, Prince Ainsley's headlong rush into battle was something /other than/ protecting the Mercies, to say nothing of others' attempt to do the same. If that is untrue, then pains should be taken to correct this impression before it spreads to less circumspect souls than myself. Lady Khanne Halfshav has spoken on the matter and, while I have no reason to doubt her perspective, I also trust the perspective of the person who told me otherwise.
Let's get a factual recounting of what happened and when it happened, so that we might look upon the matter with clarity and not fall into the trap of endless back-and-forth in the Whites. Was there a war chronicler there?
Interesting arrangement of priorities there, Marquis, especially considering the further absence of "Stormwall" or "the Compact" as priorities in the phrase. I trust that was an oversight.
From what I've heard, Prince Ainsley's headlong rush into battle was something /other than/ protecting the Mercies, to say nothing of others' attempt to do the same. If that is untrue, then pains should be taken to correct this impression before it spreads to less circumspect souls than myself. Lady Khanne Halfshav has spoken on the matter and, while I have no reason to doubt her perspective, I also trust the perspective of the person who told me otherwise.
Let's get a factual recounting of what happened and when it happened, so that we might look upon the matter with clarity and not fall into the trap of endless back-and-forth in the Whites. Was there a war chronicler there?
Written By Derovai
March 17, 2018, 6:26 p.m.(5/17/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
Drama? In the Whites? Say it isn't so.
I have helpfully included a drawing of my shocked face.
*a stick figure's face, with "recognizably" disheveled hair, bearing the expression :| *
I have helpfully included a drawing of my shocked face.
*a stick figure's face, with "recognizably" disheveled hair, bearing the expression :| *
Written By Derovai
March 16, 2018, 4:28 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
If I die before you do, you can have whatever booze is still left in my boarding room. I hope this lessens the sting of jealousy a bit.
The gloves have been claimed. No, I'm not advertising by whom.
The gloves have been claimed. No, I'm not advertising by whom.
Written By Derovai
March 16, 2018, 12:06 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
More and more militaries have left Arx, moving in different directions to various fronts, and the battles will soon be underway. As noted below my own entry, there's a weird silence in the city, a place that usually crackles with life. It's become a city of ghosts, a city where few capable fighters remain should the battle turn this way, a city where you keep heading into places expecting to see people you know, and they are not present.
My place is not in the field, but I hope I have done what I could, where I could. I hope my thoughts have been listened to where appropriate, and acted on where appropriate. I hope I've done enough where I can. I'm no tactician, but a surprising number of people have asked for my thoughts on military things in the past few weeks, some whom I know well, and some whom I met only when they came to me seeking ideas. Regardless, I've provided what I honestly could, and I hope it was listened to. However, it feels like multiple fronts are rushing headlong into battle without considering exactly /how/ the battle should go, and I hope that will not cost us dearly.
As an aside, I have no real reason to leave a will. I own nothing of importance, really, except what I know, and that will die with me, save what's contained in my Blacks. I've already left notice in them for what to be done with them, and see no reason to share it here. Nothing contained in them is dangerous, perhaps much to your surprise, kind reader. Still, if anyone wants a set of fine silk gloves, more sweets than I can eat in two weeks, or a pair of hideous stuffed-animal porcupines, please send a messenger to the Murder of Crows, and I can will them to you, though I cannot promise the sweets will hold up for years on end, should I be lucky enough to live so long.
In any case, here's hoping we prevail, but I can't shake a nagging feeling that things will not go as expected. Prudence and caution must always be tempered with action and motivation -- but the opposite is true as well, and I worry it's that opposite side of the coin that is not being listened to. To the person I cautioned to consider her options, to the person I encouraged to summon up nerve where appropriate, to what confidants I have away on land or sea: take a deep breath. Think. Then do what's right. There are many roads down which a battle can go, but only one road down which a person should walk.
My place is not in the field, but I hope I have done what I could, where I could. I hope my thoughts have been listened to where appropriate, and acted on where appropriate. I hope I've done enough where I can. I'm no tactician, but a surprising number of people have asked for my thoughts on military things in the past few weeks, some whom I know well, and some whom I met only when they came to me seeking ideas. Regardless, I've provided what I honestly could, and I hope it was listened to. However, it feels like multiple fronts are rushing headlong into battle without considering exactly /how/ the battle should go, and I hope that will not cost us dearly.
As an aside, I have no real reason to leave a will. I own nothing of importance, really, except what I know, and that will die with me, save what's contained in my Blacks. I've already left notice in them for what to be done with them, and see no reason to share it here. Nothing contained in them is dangerous, perhaps much to your surprise, kind reader. Still, if anyone wants a set of fine silk gloves, more sweets than I can eat in two weeks, or a pair of hideous stuffed-animal porcupines, please send a messenger to the Murder of Crows, and I can will them to you, though I cannot promise the sweets will hold up for years on end, should I be lucky enough to live so long.
In any case, here's hoping we prevail, but I can't shake a nagging feeling that things will not go as expected. Prudence and caution must always be tempered with action and motivation -- but the opposite is true as well, and I worry it's that opposite side of the coin that is not being listened to. To the person I cautioned to consider her options, to the person I encouraged to summon up nerve where appropriate, to what confidants I have away on land or sea: take a deep breath. Think. Then do what's right. There are many roads down which a battle can go, but only one road down which a person should walk.
Written By Derovai
March 14, 2018, 4:38 p.m.(5/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alban
Funnily enough, I took your meaning about me exactly the way you intended -- but I very much hope you didn't mean it.
Written By Derovai
March 13, 2018, 11:38 p.m.(5/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
There was a drinking contest in Redrain Ward and nobody notified me?
Clearly, I need to work on that.
Clearly, I need to work on that.
Written By Derovai
March 12, 2018, 2:25 a.m.(5/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
So Your Lordship, my new acquaintance the Marquessa informed me that perhaps you considered me a coward for declining to answer your question about what motivated me to spar when I knew I'd get beaten. I don't entirely agree with her impression, but in the interests of proving my mettle and explaining my thoughts:
I spar though I know I'll get beaten not to drive myself towards being able to vanquish others or to avoid visiting the same fate on myself. That's the answer of someone who doesn't look further. I spar though I know I'll get beaten because, like I did with the Foolsbane, I need to know. I need to ascertain: can I win out this way? Can I improve myself? Refinement, I suppose, would be the word, although I note I use it only in the sense of purifying, of strengthening, not in the sense of good taste and etiquette -- Gods know I have neither of those at my disposal.
As I said in an earlier post in the Whites, I look forward, not backward. If I am to be tested at any time in my life, I want to be very sure that my abilities are as good as they can be. I'll never be a duelist or a Champion -- but I need to stand as ready as I can. I've got no particular love for fighting, as I hope I expressed clearly enough in the debate, but I now pursue it as avidly as I might pursue knowledge or information, because a gap in one area is a danger, and I shore up whatever gaps I might, building bulwarks where there once were weakening tunnels.
That said: if you do decide you want to spar, I accept. I know it will end with me landing in the sand, worse for wear, but I don't need to win to know I've achieved some small victory and improved my competence. My wits don't need sharpening, but my weaponry still does.
I spar though I know I'll get beaten not to drive myself towards being able to vanquish others or to avoid visiting the same fate on myself. That's the answer of someone who doesn't look further. I spar though I know I'll get beaten because, like I did with the Foolsbane, I need to know. I need to ascertain: can I win out this way? Can I improve myself? Refinement, I suppose, would be the word, although I note I use it only in the sense of purifying, of strengthening, not in the sense of good taste and etiquette -- Gods know I have neither of those at my disposal.
As I said in an earlier post in the Whites, I look forward, not backward. If I am to be tested at any time in my life, I want to be very sure that my abilities are as good as they can be. I'll never be a duelist or a Champion -- but I need to stand as ready as I can. I've got no particular love for fighting, as I hope I expressed clearly enough in the debate, but I now pursue it as avidly as I might pursue knowledge or information, because a gap in one area is a danger, and I shore up whatever gaps I might, building bulwarks where there once were weakening tunnels.
That said: if you do decide you want to spar, I accept. I know it will end with me landing in the sand, worse for wear, but I don't need to win to know I've achieved some small victory and improved my competence. My wits don't need sharpening, but my weaponry still does.
Written By Derovai
March 9, 2018, 3:04 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
I don't, and I wouldn't, but it's quite interesting to note that you might.
Written By Derovai
March 9, 2018, 2:28 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
"If you were common, you might give up your parental rights to have your children become noble, after all."
Why?
Please, tell us more about what specific criteria might be involved here. I note I say nothing on this particular situation -- not my place, not my interest. But I am curious what criteria you have in mind.
Why?
Please, tell us more about what specific criteria might be involved here. I note I say nothing on this particular situation -- not my place, not my interest. But I am curious what criteria you have in mind.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.