Written By Piccola
March 24, 2021, 8:36 p.m.(3/3/1015 AR)
The wisest generals know how little they know.
The necessity of believing with little or no knowledge should make us more concerned with carefully information ourselves than constraining others. Those who have not thoroughly examined to the bottom all their own tenets must confess they are unfit to prescribe to others. Those who have fairly and truly examined the same know that, past doubt, there is no reason for others to follow or believe them, else by the dint of hope that similar circumstances grace them. A general may only know themselves and presume from observation others.
If men were better instructed, they would be less imposing.
The necessity of believing with little or no knowledge should make us more concerned with carefully information ourselves than constraining others. Those who have not thoroughly examined to the bottom all their own tenets must confess they are unfit to prescribe to others. Those who have fairly and truly examined the same know that, past doubt, there is no reason for others to follow or believe them, else by the dint of hope that similar circumstances grace them. A general may only know themselves and presume from observation others.
If men were better instructed, they would be less imposing.
Written By Piccola
March 23, 2021, 8:24 a.m.(2/28/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Haakon
To my Lord Haakon of House Eswynd,
Peacocks, like most males, may fly if you launch them from the right angle. The problem is that, like most males, they have a problem landing after falling a great distance.
Warm Regards,
General Piccola of House Tessere.
Peacocks, like most males, may fly if you launch them from the right angle. The problem is that, like most males, they have a problem landing after falling a great distance.
Warm Regards,
General Piccola of House Tessere.
Written By Piccola
March 22, 2021, 9:47 a.m.(2/26/1015 AR)
Wise general, remember that no battle runs smoother than that which you have concealed from the enemy until you execute it.
To know how to recognize an opportunity in war, and take it, benefits you more than anything else.
Discipline in war counts more than fury.
To know how to recognize an opportunity in war, and take it, benefits you more than anything else.
Discipline in war counts more than fury.
Written By Piccola
March 21, 2021, 2:17 a.m.(2/24/1015 AR)
Wise general, why should you not seek a throne to sit on?
The best of nobles have never been by preference rulers of the rich. When a noble undertakes to be the protector of the poor, their throne becomes a refuge for suffering. Yet the same become the homes for thriving merchants and commoners, an earnest endeavor that improves the condition of the people. To have refused access to the throne to the complaints of these would not have been the right course to pursue. A true noble does not decline the invitation of a thrall to dine on water and bread.
So it is that you too should never refuse the pleas of the most novice of soldiers to dine.
The best of nobles have never been by preference rulers of the rich. When a noble undertakes to be the protector of the poor, their throne becomes a refuge for suffering. Yet the same become the homes for thriving merchants and commoners, an earnest endeavor that improves the condition of the people. To have refused access to the throne to the complaints of these would not have been the right course to pursue. A true noble does not decline the invitation of a thrall to dine on water and bread.
So it is that you too should never refuse the pleas of the most novice of soldiers to dine.
Written By Piccola
March 17, 2021, 8:19 a.m.(2/16/1015 AR)
Wise general, remember that you first serve your House, but the society in which your House thrives must be defended.
Society executes its own mandates, which should be followed. If those mandates are wrong or attempts to guide that which it ought not to meddle, then it is a tyranny more formidable than physical oppression. Society leaves fewer means of escape from this wrong; it penetrates much more deeply into the details of life. Protection against this tyranny is not enough: true civility demands a defense against the tyranny of the prevailing opinion and feeling, ideas and practices, and tradition and history for those who dissent from them. To do otherwise fetters the change and evolution of what makes a society great: the welcoming of the new and novel, which sheds the light of discovery upon ignorance and superstition.
Thus, be wary of a return to times past, and change to embrace the times to come.
Society executes its own mandates, which should be followed. If those mandates are wrong or attempts to guide that which it ought not to meddle, then it is a tyranny more formidable than physical oppression. Society leaves fewer means of escape from this wrong; it penetrates much more deeply into the details of life. Protection against this tyranny is not enough: true civility demands a defense against the tyranny of the prevailing opinion and feeling, ideas and practices, and tradition and history for those who dissent from them. To do otherwise fetters the change and evolution of what makes a society great: the welcoming of the new and novel, which sheds the light of discovery upon ignorance and superstition.
Thus, be wary of a return to times past, and change to embrace the times to come.
Written By Piccola
March 15, 2021, 7:46 p.m.(2/13/1015 AR)
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things.
The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling is much worse. When a people are used as mere human instruments for firing arrows or thrusting spears in the service of a selfish master, such war degrades a people. A war to protect other human beings against tyrannical injustice is often the means of their regeneration. A woman who has nothing which she is willing to fight for or which she cares more about than she does about her personal safety is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free.
Therefore, as long as justice and injustice have not terminated their ever-renewing fight for ascendancy, must we be willing to do battle.
The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling is much worse. When a people are used as mere human instruments for firing arrows or thrusting spears in the service of a selfish master, such war degrades a people. A war to protect other human beings against tyrannical injustice is often the means of their regeneration. A woman who has nothing which she is willing to fight for or which she cares more about than she does about her personal safety is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free.
Therefore, as long as justice and injustice have not terminated their ever-renewing fight for ascendancy, must we be willing to do battle.
Written By Piccola
March 13, 2021, 10:42 a.m.(2/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Titus
To my Lord Titus of House Vaevici,
I concur that the choice made by the former Duke of House Bisland was both noble and exemplary, but I am uncertain as to why you hope it might serve to be inspire the people of the Northlands.
Are you suggesting that the Northlanders are lack in courage or loyalty? Are you suggesting that they are neither training nor preparing for war right now? From personal experience I know well that Northlanders are as courageous and loyal as any, and that they are always training and preparing for war.
The misery of today lies at the door of those who seek too eagerly the challenges of war for naught but personal gain, knowing that they can throw to it men, women, and children who would otherwise contest their motives.
The winter is cold up north.
I wish you fortune in your pursuit of war.
-- General Piccola of House Tessere.
I concur that the choice made by the former Duke of House Bisland was both noble and exemplary, but I am uncertain as to why you hope it might serve to be inspire the people of the Northlands.
Are you suggesting that the Northlanders are lack in courage or loyalty? Are you suggesting that they are neither training nor preparing for war right now? From personal experience I know well that Northlanders are as courageous and loyal as any, and that they are always training and preparing for war.
The misery of today lies at the door of those who seek too eagerly the challenges of war for naught but personal gain, knowing that they can throw to it men, women, and children who would otherwise contest their motives.
The winter is cold up north.
I wish you fortune in your pursuit of war.
-- General Piccola of House Tessere.
Written By Piccola
March 11, 2021, 2:16 p.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
Beyond this truth of a true warrior, there is nothing to be said.
A woman who has been born into a warrior's house, but has no loyalty in her heart and thinks only of the fortune of her position, will be flattering on the surface and scheming in her heart. She will forsake righteousness and not reflect on her shame; she will stain the warrior's name to later generations. But if she is sincere in throwing away her life for her house, she will know no fear.
Such a woman will be measured by the valor of her acts.
A woman who has been born into a warrior's house, but has no loyalty in her heart and thinks only of the fortune of her position, will be flattering on the surface and scheming in her heart. She will forsake righteousness and not reflect on her shame; she will stain the warrior's name to later generations. But if she is sincere in throwing away her life for her house, she will know no fear.
Such a woman will be measured by the valor of her acts.
Written By Piccola
March 8, 2021, 8:46 p.m.(1/27/1015 AR)
A woman's whole life is a succession of moments.
There is nothing other than the single purpose of the present. If one fully understands it, there will be nothing else to do or pursue. Live being true to that single purpose.
Everyone lets the present slip by, then looks for it as though it were somewhere else.
There is nothing other than the single purpose of the present. If one fully understands it, there will be nothing else to do or pursue. Live being true to that single purpose.
Everyone lets the present slip by, then looks for it as though it were somewhere else.
Written By Piccola
March 6, 2021, 12:41 a.m.(1/22/1015 AR)
Wise general, throughout your life advance daily and never cease.
In one's life. there are levels in the pursuit of study. In the lowest level, a warrior studies but nothing comes of it. In the middle level she is still useless but is aware of his own insufficiencies and can also see the insufficiencies of others. In a higher level she has pride concerning her own ability, rejoices in praise from others, and laments the lack of ability in her fellows. In the highest level a warrior has the look of knowing nothing. But there is one transcending level, and this is the most excellent of all: the warrior is aware of the endlessness of entering deeply into her identity and never thinks of herself as having finished.
She who has no thoughts of pride but with self-abasement understands existence.
In one's life. there are levels in the pursuit of study. In the lowest level, a warrior studies but nothing comes of it. In the middle level she is still useless but is aware of his own insufficiencies and can also see the insufficiencies of others. In a higher level she has pride concerning her own ability, rejoices in praise from others, and laments the lack of ability in her fellows. In the highest level a warrior has the look of knowing nothing. But there is one transcending level, and this is the most excellent of all: the warrior is aware of the endlessness of entering deeply into her identity and never thinks of herself as having finished.
She who has no thoughts of pride but with self-abasement understands existence.
Written By Piccola
March 4, 2021, 3:19 p.m.(1/19/1015 AR)
It takes a wiser, strong warrior to subdue an opponent with her hands than to slay them with a sword.
It is said that a wise warrior knows when to fight and when not to. Equally, it follows, that a wise warrior knows when to kill and when not to. A sword has but one purpose, but one's hands have so many more; remember that a soldier uses his hands to bring a sword to bear, not the other way around. The ability to subdue with one's hands is more valuable than the ability to wield a sword, for a mistress of the open hand is always armed and deadly.
To believe otherwise is foolish.
It is said that a wise warrior knows when to fight and when not to. Equally, it follows, that a wise warrior knows when to kill and when not to. A sword has but one purpose, but one's hands have so many more; remember that a soldier uses his hands to bring a sword to bear, not the other way around. The ability to subdue with one's hands is more valuable than the ability to wield a sword, for a mistress of the open hand is always armed and deadly.
To believe otherwise is foolish.
Written By Piccola
March 3, 2021, 11:25 p.m.(1/18/1015 AR)
Warrior, to give a person one's opinion and correct his faults is an important thing.
It is compassionate and comes first in matters of service. But it is extremely difficult when one serves completely. To discover the good and bad points of a person is an easy thing; to give an opinion concerning them is easy, too. People think that they are being kind by saying the things that others find distasteful or difficult to say; however, if it is not received well, they think that there is nothing more to be done.
This is completely worthless: it is the same as bringing shame to a person by slandering him and is nothing more than absolving oneself at the expense of another.
It is compassionate and comes first in matters of service. But it is extremely difficult when one serves completely. To discover the good and bad points of a person is an easy thing; to give an opinion concerning them is easy, too. People think that they are being kind by saying the things that others find distasteful or difficult to say; however, if it is not received well, they think that there is nothing more to be done.
This is completely worthless: it is the same as bringing shame to a person by slandering him and is nothing more than absolving oneself at the expense of another.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 28, 2021, 2:38 p.m.(1/11/1015 AR)
A jester is an officer attached to a household, whose business it was to amuse the court through ludicrous actions and utterances.
The jester was commonly called a fool, but the poets and romancers have ever delighted to represent him as a singularly wise and witty person. Their behavior is tolerated because the fool may claim license to criticize all and sundry without reprisal through their madness, which define them not fully a person and therefore not a sentient being with desires, ambitions, or marked intelligence. So the fool, therefore, is humorous where they are unaware of how their behavior makes us laugh or is unable to know what the joke actually is.
Being considered a fool therefore is a pitiable title for one born to nobility.
It is only by the deepest suffering that one acquires true authority in the use of the comic, an authority which by one word transforms as by magic the reasonable creature one calls man into a caricature. Humor, if we are to be serious about it, arises from the fact that we are all born into a losing struggle. Humor arises from an awareness that some things are really important, others not; but mostly that, whether important or not, most things end up on the deadly end of a spear. The more one suffers, the more has one a sense for the comic.
And nothing is more curious than the hostility that humor can excite in humorless times.
The jester was commonly called a fool, but the poets and romancers have ever delighted to represent him as a singularly wise and witty person. Their behavior is tolerated because the fool may claim license to criticize all and sundry without reprisal through their madness, which define them not fully a person and therefore not a sentient being with desires, ambitions, or marked intelligence. So the fool, therefore, is humorous where they are unaware of how their behavior makes us laugh or is unable to know what the joke actually is.
Being considered a fool therefore is a pitiable title for one born to nobility.
It is only by the deepest suffering that one acquires true authority in the use of the comic, an authority which by one word transforms as by magic the reasonable creature one calls man into a caricature. Humor, if we are to be serious about it, arises from the fact that we are all born into a losing struggle. Humor arises from an awareness that some things are really important, others not; but mostly that, whether important or not, most things end up on the deadly end of a spear. The more one suffers, the more has one a sense for the comic.
And nothing is more curious than the hostility that humor can excite in humorless times.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 26, 2021, 9:30 a.m.(1/7/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Viviana
To the extent your inquiry suggests mutual exclusivity, I object.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 26, 2021, 9:29 a.m.(1/7/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Ilira
Have I ever kept warmth from you? I cannot tell, but I am reminded of how members of a clowder oft pile atop one another in cold months upon soft blankets.
Perhaps you ought to ask the Princess Alarissa for one of her many illegitimate feline heirs. I am sure she is willing to part with a few. They provide excellent exercise if you choose to chase them; however, watch out for furniture.
Perhaps you ought to ask the Princess Alarissa for one of her many illegitimate feline heirs. I am sure she is willing to part with a few. They provide excellent exercise if you choose to chase them; however, watch out for furniture.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 25, 2021, 6:32 p.m.(1/5/1015 AR)
I love the winter.
The cold is beautiful. It is clean; it is uncompromising. The winter chill does not discriminate between old and young, men or women, or any in between. It comes swiftly to kill the unprepared; it comes hard to test the strong. There is no feeling like standing naked in a blizzard, with its cutting winds carving patterns in your flesh, only to be ushered into a cozy cottage to have a lover's mouth on yours, her chest warming yours, her heart beating in time.
It is life and death in perfect balance, sharpened, and on the point of an arrow.
The cold is beautiful. It is clean; it is uncompromising. The winter chill does not discriminate between old and young, men or women, or any in between. It comes swiftly to kill the unprepared; it comes hard to test the strong. There is no feeling like standing naked in a blizzard, with its cutting winds carving patterns in your flesh, only to be ushered into a cozy cottage to have a lover's mouth on yours, her chest warming yours, her heart beating in time.
It is life and death in perfect balance, sharpened, and on the point of an arrow.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 23, 2021, 4:49 p.m.(1/1/1015 AR)
Honor is realized in the presence of death.
If given the choice between life and death, wise general, choose death. There is no other reasoning; move on with determination. Those who believe that dying without attaining ones aim is a foolish sacrifice are ignorant. But it is difficult to see why this is the only correct choice.
No one longs for death. We can speculate on whatever we like, but the only thing that matters to a wise general is how she dies. This is an important point and the correct path of glory, for when we calmly think of death morning and evening we gain the freedom to choose the manner in which we greet the Queen.
Only then can we fulfill our duty without making mistakes in life.
If given the choice between life and death, wise general, choose death. There is no other reasoning; move on with determination. Those who believe that dying without attaining ones aim is a foolish sacrifice are ignorant. But it is difficult to see why this is the only correct choice.
No one longs for death. We can speculate on whatever we like, but the only thing that matters to a wise general is how she dies. This is an important point and the correct path of glory, for when we calmly think of death morning and evening we gain the freedom to choose the manner in which we greet the Queen.
Only then can we fulfill our duty without making mistakes in life.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 22, 2021, 8:04 p.m.(12/27/1014 AR)
Today, a friend of mine told me that the path of vengeance is not justice, but anger and emotion made raw and bleeding. I disagree.
Revenge is a pleasure reserved for the patient and measured; to forget humiliation and outrage is debasement and cowardice. Delivering the just deserts to those who have done wrong brings a cold satisfaction not unlike standing naked upon a lover's balcony or basking in her warmth and taste. And while such reward may not come with the immediacy of a fire after lightning, it assuredly follows as the winter does autumn. The rationale underpinning forgiveness is right and just, but it equally serves no purpose to either forgive or forget.
I tell you, wise general: the memories of my past hone me now.
In some ways, I am glad our enemies are so honest and pleasant with us. For their several surprises and pains, we may thank them in kind in the purity of our purpose, presence, and punishment. When we matched wits upon the fields of war, we will continue to play until we are at the borders of their realms; then, we shall proceed, in full remembrance of those loved and lost, until their fortresses crumble and their bodies burn upon pyres. If they wish a war, so be it: they have in the Compact a match which shall bring them to beg for merciful surrender.
We will chasten their godlessness with our blades.
Let them know: we are young and may have never valued our land. Perhaps, to them, we have lived and given ourselves to barbarous license; this is common among people who are merry and blessed. But to the Apostate and the False King, our King shall show our greatness when we march across our borders into the Dune Kingdoms, and rise there with so full a glory that thralls' eyes shall be dazzled to the truth, and strike blind those who defy the Gods' will.
They have turned uncertainty to courage and fear to anger.
Revenge is a pleasure reserved for the patient and measured; to forget humiliation and outrage is debasement and cowardice. Delivering the just deserts to those who have done wrong brings a cold satisfaction not unlike standing naked upon a lover's balcony or basking in her warmth and taste. And while such reward may not come with the immediacy of a fire after lightning, it assuredly follows as the winter does autumn. The rationale underpinning forgiveness is right and just, but it equally serves no purpose to either forgive or forget.
I tell you, wise general: the memories of my past hone me now.
In some ways, I am glad our enemies are so honest and pleasant with us. For their several surprises and pains, we may thank them in kind in the purity of our purpose, presence, and punishment. When we matched wits upon the fields of war, we will continue to play until we are at the borders of their realms; then, we shall proceed, in full remembrance of those loved and lost, until their fortresses crumble and their bodies burn upon pyres. If they wish a war, so be it: they have in the Compact a match which shall bring them to beg for merciful surrender.
We will chasten their godlessness with our blades.
Let them know: we are young and may have never valued our land. Perhaps, to them, we have lived and given ourselves to barbarous license; this is common among people who are merry and blessed. But to the Apostate and the False King, our King shall show our greatness when we march across our borders into the Dune Kingdoms, and rise there with so full a glory that thralls' eyes shall be dazzled to the truth, and strike blind those who defy the Gods' will.
They have turned uncertainty to courage and fear to anger.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 20, 2021, 12:43 p.m.(12/20/1014 AR)
The coward asks if it is safe; the impatient if it is politic; the vain if it is popular.
The noble asks the question: "is it right?"
There comes a time when one must take a position that is not safe, politic, or popular, but which must be taken because it is right.
The noble asks the question: "is it right?"
There comes a time when one must take a position that is not safe, politic, or popular, but which must be taken because it is right.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 16, 2021, 2:18 p.m.(12/12/1014 AR)
When one among many enemies, assume a wide-stretched stance.
Chase your enemies around from side to side, even though they come from all four directions. Observe their attacking order. Go to meet first those who attack first. Move laterally. Cut left and right alternately with your swords.
Do not hesitate. Always quickly return to your attitudes to both sides; cut the enemies down as they advance, crushing them in the direction from which they attack. As you move about, draw your enemies together in the center, as if tying a line of fishes.
When they are piled up, cut them down strongly without giving them room to move.
Chase your enemies around from side to side, even though they come from all four directions. Observe their attacking order. Go to meet first those who attack first. Move laterally. Cut left and right alternately with your swords.
Do not hesitate. Always quickly return to your attitudes to both sides; cut the enemies down as they advance, crushing them in the direction from which they attack. As you move about, draw your enemies together in the center, as if tying a line of fishes.
When they are piled up, cut them down strongly without giving them room to move.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.