Written By Sparte
Feb. 13, 2019, 10:50 a.m.(7/24/1010 AR)
The title of Lord Commander is in my thoughts today, so I review what I know of the history of that title.
The Iron Guard was founded by Lord Iron, of the Metallic Order. When Lord Iron fell in the Reckoning, the Iron Guard survived him, and the leader of the Iron Guard seems to have inherited the title of Lord Commander from Lord Iron - Or it was created as a homage to Lord Iron.
The King's Own also uses this title for their leader, but their history is more complex. They were formed from a different order known as the Silver Swords, that itself was formed after the Reckoning from those inspired by Lady Silver of the Metallic Order. Based on my understanding, the Barracks of the Iron Guard was the headquarters for the order led by Lady Silver prior to their fall. I'm told that order was called the Silver Guard.
To restate that without the caveats of possible misunderstandings or misinformation: The Barracks of the Iron Guard was once the headquarters of the Silver Guard. The Iron Guard took the title of their leader, the Lord Commander, from the example of their original leader Lord Iron. The Silver Swords were inspired by the Silver Guard and would later form the King's Own, who chose to make the title for their leader the Lord Commander. It is worth noting the King's Own still have that nickname today, due to the design of their swords that is believed to reach back to the Reckoning. There is the implication in this that the first ruler or rulers of the Compact did not have a King's Own, but that is a different line of inquiry from the question I'm focusing on here.
What isn't known or even speculated about was what the leadership structure was for the Silver Guard or the original Silver Swords, prior to becoming the King's Own. It is possible the title of Lord Commander wasn't inspired by Lord Iron, but came from some more ancient example. Orders within the Faith use the title of Grandmaster, while mercenary and house orders use a range of titles that seem to be regional or based on what sounds the best to the founder. No orders outside of the King's Own and the Iron Guard that I am aware of use the title of Lord Commander.
I welcome better information on this if anyone has information to share, and corrections if I have done a detail injustice. It is a small detail of history, the 'why' of the use of a particular title. It likely has no consequence nor influence on current events. Yet we can't know the full implications of something unexamined.
The Iron Guard was founded by Lord Iron, of the Metallic Order. When Lord Iron fell in the Reckoning, the Iron Guard survived him, and the leader of the Iron Guard seems to have inherited the title of Lord Commander from Lord Iron - Or it was created as a homage to Lord Iron.
The King's Own also uses this title for their leader, but their history is more complex. They were formed from a different order known as the Silver Swords, that itself was formed after the Reckoning from those inspired by Lady Silver of the Metallic Order. Based on my understanding, the Barracks of the Iron Guard was the headquarters for the order led by Lady Silver prior to their fall. I'm told that order was called the Silver Guard.
To restate that without the caveats of possible misunderstandings or misinformation: The Barracks of the Iron Guard was once the headquarters of the Silver Guard. The Iron Guard took the title of their leader, the Lord Commander, from the example of their original leader Lord Iron. The Silver Swords were inspired by the Silver Guard and would later form the King's Own, who chose to make the title for their leader the Lord Commander. It is worth noting the King's Own still have that nickname today, due to the design of their swords that is believed to reach back to the Reckoning. There is the implication in this that the first ruler or rulers of the Compact did not have a King's Own, but that is a different line of inquiry from the question I'm focusing on here.
What isn't known or even speculated about was what the leadership structure was for the Silver Guard or the original Silver Swords, prior to becoming the King's Own. It is possible the title of Lord Commander wasn't inspired by Lord Iron, but came from some more ancient example. Orders within the Faith use the title of Grandmaster, while mercenary and house orders use a range of titles that seem to be regional or based on what sounds the best to the founder. No orders outside of the King's Own and the Iron Guard that I am aware of use the title of Lord Commander.
I welcome better information on this if anyone has information to share, and corrections if I have done a detail injustice. It is a small detail of history, the 'why' of the use of a particular title. It likely has no consequence nor influence on current events. Yet we can't know the full implications of something unexamined.
Written By Sparte
Feb. 11, 2019, 11:01 a.m.(7/20/1010 AR)
My week will be spent in the Shrine of the Thirteenth in reflection.
Written By Sparte
Feb. 7, 2019, 1:36 p.m.(7/12/1010 AR)
I found myself thinking about Betsy today. She was my first horse, but I wasn't her first rider. To be truthful she was the only horse available that would tolerate a stoat. I came to love her unshakable demeanor and kind disposition. I've missed her since she was lamed, but she is still out there enjoying her retirement. Perhaps I'll go back to Setarco and visit where she was taken in, see her again one day. Hyb has been a fine steed, but is such a different personality. I'm glad she has finally grown out of the phase where she'd run off after every little thing, it was exhausting.
Written By Sparte
Feb. 7, 2019, 12:52 p.m.(7/12/1010 AR)
Someone recently wrote about how we need hate. How there is meaning in hatred that is vital to us. I'm sure I don't agree with that, but I find myself asking, why?
Is it because I believe their view of what motivates people is wrong? Or is it because they described something I personally do not believe?
I've often counciled others in difficult times away from hatred, and towards understanding. Not because that would justify things, not because understanding rights wrongs. Because we're human, and there is potential in all of us to be far different than we are. Choices not made.
I ask myself, did I do those people wrong by asking them to let go of hate? Did I harm them by stealing a fire from them?
Perhaps. If there is one thing I am confident in, it is that as much as we have the capacity for understanding one another if we try, all of us are different. What gives one of us strength can shatter someone else.
It would be easier if we knew beforehand what would help each of us. I don't know that would be the same as better.
Is it because I believe their view of what motivates people is wrong? Or is it because they described something I personally do not believe?
I've often counciled others in difficult times away from hatred, and towards understanding. Not because that would justify things, not because understanding rights wrongs. Because we're human, and there is potential in all of us to be far different than we are. Choices not made.
I ask myself, did I do those people wrong by asking them to let go of hate? Did I harm them by stealing a fire from them?
Perhaps. If there is one thing I am confident in, it is that as much as we have the capacity for understanding one another if we try, all of us are different. What gives one of us strength can shatter someone else.
It would be easier if we knew beforehand what would help each of us. I don't know that would be the same as better.
Written By Sparte
Feb. 5, 2019, 10:25 p.m.(7/9/1010 AR)
Wilhelm dug this up with the help of one of the house servants, because I did not have a copy. I'm writing it here again, to clear up some confusions that seem to have crept into the whites. I know there are those who will say this is not enough or that this is proof of progress. All I ask it be taken as is fact, for a more informed discourse.
The below was written by Highlord Victus of Thrax
'As of 3/9/1009 AR, the practice of pressing children into thralldom contracts is hereby outlawed within the Mourning Isles. Individuals below the age of 18 will no longer be eligible to have thralldom assigned as a measure of repaying debts for crimes against the Compact or Thrax. This does not exclude any other form of judgment levied onto those who break criminal laws within Thrax's domain however.
In light of this, new protocol is to be adopted in regards to regular combat conducted against Abandoned tribes. If a lord/lady sees fit to press a child's guardian into thralldom, the child will be exempt from the judgment and will be released back into the care of the surviving tribe-members.
However if there are no remaining members of a tribe able to take the child into their care, it will be the obligation of the lord/lady to ensure the child is released to an individual or group that can be entrusted to raise the child as a Prodigal. This process is to be done in full compliance with the Compact's standards for Abandoned bending the knee.
In the above case, House Thrax will personally cover the expenses of raising the child as to not impose any financial burden upon its vassals with regards to said children. The lord/lady will only be asked to send the appropriate information of where the child is fostering and who will be responsible for their growth and development to any lawyer employed by House Thrax.
This does not apply to thralls already within the system, only to the creation of new thralls.
Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
-High Lord Victus Thrax
Prince of the Maelstrom'
The below was written by Highlord Victus of Thrax
'As of 3/9/1009 AR, the practice of pressing children into thralldom contracts is hereby outlawed within the Mourning Isles. Individuals below the age of 18 will no longer be eligible to have thralldom assigned as a measure of repaying debts for crimes against the Compact or Thrax. This does not exclude any other form of judgment levied onto those who break criminal laws within Thrax's domain however.
In light of this, new protocol is to be adopted in regards to regular combat conducted against Abandoned tribes. If a lord/lady sees fit to press a child's guardian into thralldom, the child will be exempt from the judgment and will be released back into the care of the surviving tribe-members.
However if there are no remaining members of a tribe able to take the child into their care, it will be the obligation of the lord/lady to ensure the child is released to an individual or group that can be entrusted to raise the child as a Prodigal. This process is to be done in full compliance with the Compact's standards for Abandoned bending the knee.
In the above case, House Thrax will personally cover the expenses of raising the child as to not impose any financial burden upon its vassals with regards to said children. The lord/lady will only be asked to send the appropriate information of where the child is fostering and who will be responsible for their growth and development to any lawyer employed by House Thrax.
This does not apply to thralls already within the system, only to the creation of new thralls.
Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
-High Lord Victus Thrax
Prince of the Maelstrom'
Written By Sparte
Feb. 5, 2019, 5:50 p.m.(7/8/1010 AR)
I lost someone very dear to me at a very young age, and for much of my life that left me with a hole I tried to fill. It is only recently I've realized sometimes the scars can't be erased from who we are. Instead of trying to fill it, I look at the ways my heart has been able to grow, and the bonds I have with others. I am incredibly fortunate to have the friends and family that I do. I hope they know what they mean to me.
Written By Sparte
Feb. 3, 2019, 11:56 a.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
If anyone has a copy of Senior Scholar Methrus the Pedantic's "On Thralldom and Origins" I would very much like to read it, and permission to share it with others. It sounds to be a critical text on our history.
Written By Sparte
Feb. 1, 2019, 4:45 p.m.(6/28/1010 AR)
My mind is on the concept of sympathy today. I recognize that my perspective is limited. I do not claim mastery of a word or insight into the true nature of others when I write thoughts such as this. This is an exploration, and in a way, self-reflection.
Sympathy comes in many forms and for many reasons. The word means different things to different people. Some speak the word as though it were a virtue, while others speak it as if it were an insult.
I have considered whether it is a matter of circumstance. A person showing sympathy to someone because of a lie or deception may be taken advantage of, made a fool. A person going through a challenging time in their life may be offered succor from someone else in the name of sympathy. Another person may look at that same person's suffering and call them sympathetic as well, but not out of intent to offer aid, out of condemnation. Sympathy has brought about care for those who cannot care for themselves, time and time again.
There is context and nuance, always, yet I can not think of anyone single person I've heard use sympathy in a positive and a negative way. Nor does it seem to be a measure of where a person is raised, or how they were raised. So I am left wondering what sets within a person where the concept of sympathy rests.
Sympathy comes in many forms and for many reasons. The word means different things to different people. Some speak the word as though it were a virtue, while others speak it as if it were an insult.
I have considered whether it is a matter of circumstance. A person showing sympathy to someone because of a lie or deception may be taken advantage of, made a fool. A person going through a challenging time in their life may be offered succor from someone else in the name of sympathy. Another person may look at that same person's suffering and call them sympathetic as well, but not out of intent to offer aid, out of condemnation. Sympathy has brought about care for those who cannot care for themselves, time and time again.
There is context and nuance, always, yet I can not think of anyone single person I've heard use sympathy in a positive and a negative way. Nor does it seem to be a measure of where a person is raised, or how they were raised. So I am left wondering what sets within a person where the concept of sympathy rests.
Written By Sparte
Feb. 1, 2019, 9:24 a.m.(6/27/1010 AR)
How do you peacebond gauntlets?
Written By Sparte
Jan. 22, 2019, 10:31 a.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
Your journal on Copper's legacy was well written, may those words be an inspiration to many.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 20, 2019, 4:55 p.m.(6/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
Lord Domonico,
I apologize for my earlier comment. It has been suggested by Lady Fiora I misunderstood your words, and you meant no slight against the honor of Thrax.
I had no desire to raise tensions, wish you no ill, and will further send you a bottle of Thraxian liquor as an apology.
I apologize for my earlier comment. It has been suggested by Lady Fiora I misunderstood your words, and you meant no slight against the honor of Thrax.
I had no desire to raise tensions, wish you no ill, and will further send you a bottle of Thraxian liquor as an apology.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 19, 2019, 10:57 a.m.(5/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
Please do not imply Thrax would hold the rest of the compact hostage over such a decision.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 18, 2019, 10:02 a.m.(5/19/1010 AR)
Karl - who still wants me to call him Old Grimminy like when I was a boy - has been convinced city life is, in fact, not for him. Apparently sitting through the Assembly of Peers was enough to get him packing for home again. I will be helping him prepare and seeing him off at the end of the fortnight. It was nice to see him again, though it was bittersweet to notice how unkind the years have been to an old soldier. I'll be sending some funds to hire a few hands on to help him at his farm, so maybe he can enjoy his remaining days.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 16, 2019, 11:02 p.m.(5/17/1010 AR)
While I await my penance, I find myself with more time than I usually have. Often I am running from one duty to the next, or in consideration on what I should do next.
Waiting without a clear notion of when that will change is something I havn't done much of in recent months. I still have my duties, I still perform them, but the hours between them are quieter. Longer.
I have spent time in the hall of heroes, reviewing the statues there. The differences between those in each of the Halls, the way a heroic act to one hall might be the villain of another. I have spent time in the shrines, but that is not atypical of me. Having time where I'm out of prayers and don't need to go to something else is, and it feels strange to leave a shrine with my thoughts so still.
Yet I'm not good at this idleness. I've begun collecting information on ropes and knots, for the benefit of the Society of Explorers. It isn't a very large task, getting people to show me how to tie knots so I can record the methods in a book, but perhaps it will help some future explorer. It is at least a task I can set down incomplete when the penance begins, and none will be hurt by that.
Waiting without a clear notion of when that will change is something I havn't done much of in recent months. I still have my duties, I still perform them, but the hours between them are quieter. Longer.
I have spent time in the hall of heroes, reviewing the statues there. The differences between those in each of the Halls, the way a heroic act to one hall might be the villain of another. I have spent time in the shrines, but that is not atypical of me. Having time where I'm out of prayers and don't need to go to something else is, and it feels strange to leave a shrine with my thoughts so still.
Yet I'm not good at this idleness. I've begun collecting information on ropes and knots, for the benefit of the Society of Explorers. It isn't a very large task, getting people to show me how to tie knots so I can record the methods in a book, but perhaps it will help some future explorer. It is at least a task I can set down incomplete when the penance begins, and none will be hurt by that.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 16, 2019, 6:54 p.m.(5/16/1010 AR)
I'm noticing a pattern in the people who are telling others how they should feel, rather than reflecting on the situation and the choices. I have much to think on, and many flaws still to overcome. I have been told at one point by the person who gave me this shiner that I was preachy, and I often wondered what they meant. At least recent events give me no doubt what it looks like.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 15, 2019, 4:21 p.m.(5/14/1010 AR)
The ruling of the Archscholar is just.
I maintained secrecy I believed that I must for the safety of others, and I knew that would come with a cost. I believe in the mission of the Scholars, and in the Archscholar, and I will continue to give my praise to Vellichor. I seek to honor all of the gods in my actions. Today that means accepting that I have wronged others in the pursuit of aiding them. I will pay the price for my failure without hesitation, and strive to have fewer failings in the future.
I do not yet know what my penance will be, but I stand ready to accept it.
I maintained secrecy I believed that I must for the safety of others, and I knew that would come with a cost. I believe in the mission of the Scholars, and in the Archscholar, and I will continue to give my praise to Vellichor. I seek to honor all of the gods in my actions. Today that means accepting that I have wronged others in the pursuit of aiding them. I will pay the price for my failure without hesitation, and strive to have fewer failings in the future.
I do not yet know what my penance will be, but I stand ready to accept it.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 14, 2019, 10:13 p.m.(5/11/1010 AR)
Physician Draven took a look at my nose when he came to visit me at the shrine. It still hurts as does the rest of my face, but his skill is something else. I'm confident it won't heal into a pretzel now.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 14, 2019, 6:34 p.m.(5/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Violet
I do wish we had a better way. More time. Other options.
Perhaps they were there and we missed them, or perhaps the path we chose was the one that would not fail. Those questions will always nag at me as they do any time the fate of another hangs in the balance of what I do.
Yet, much as I might have wanted a different answer, the time to act came. I realize it could not be delayed, just as I realize that wallowing in what-ifs and regret leads to no better place.
You should feel burdened by what we have done. All of us should. A weight for our deeds that we carry with us for the rest of our days and to our final measure.
That weight comes from choosing to act when the choice was difficult. I believed what was done was important, and I still believe that. Even as it pulls down upon me.
So thank you, Lady Violet, for this burden. For leading us to action. We made our choices to stand with you knowingly, and we will carry our shares.
I will pray that we find the strength to carry it properly.
Perhaps they were there and we missed them, or perhaps the path we chose was the one that would not fail. Those questions will always nag at me as they do any time the fate of another hangs in the balance of what I do.
Yet, much as I might have wanted a different answer, the time to act came. I realize it could not be delayed, just as I realize that wallowing in what-ifs and regret leads to no better place.
You should feel burdened by what we have done. All of us should. A weight for our deeds that we carry with us for the rest of our days and to our final measure.
That weight comes from choosing to act when the choice was difficult. I believed what was done was important, and I still believe that. Even as it pulls down upon me.
So thank you, Lady Violet, for this burden. For leading us to action. We made our choices to stand with you knowingly, and we will carry our shares.
I will pray that we find the strength to carry it properly.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 13, 2019, 9:23 p.m.(5/9/1010 AR)
If anyone wants to know what was going on or just be angry at me face to face, I'm in the Iron Guard barracks resting. I've already had someone very good at punching come by and do so for my role in things. The black eye he has given me is the worst I've ever had, so I'm honestly kind of impressed.
I won't be writing about it any further in the whites.
I won't be writing about it any further in the whites.
Written By Sparte
Jan. 12, 2019, 8:43 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
It has struck me how intent has been treated when I re-read the whites. Is a person's intent more important than their results? Does it matter if they try to fix it when the results were not what they intended? It seems as though the answers to that vary wildly based on whether you identify with those who were wronged or not. Anger, sorrow, regret. I've felt all of them as I look at this project, though it is so far away from effecting me directly.
I still feel fear for what may come next. There has been tragedy, but I know I am not alone in sensing this could grow into yet a larger one. I cannot guide the actions that will follow. I am just one man. Not a particularly favored one at present either, despite my own intent in the actions that led me where I currently stand seeking a penance.
In the end I think intent grants some insight into what a person was attempting to do. It helps someone understand - for those who want to - why they did what they did. Yet it does not right wrongs, and it does not change tomorrow.
Nor do the whites.
I still feel fear for what may come next. There has been tragedy, but I know I am not alone in sensing this could grow into yet a larger one. I cannot guide the actions that will follow. I am just one man. Not a particularly favored one at present either, despite my own intent in the actions that led me where I currently stand seeking a penance.
In the end I think intent grants some insight into what a person was attempting to do. It helps someone understand - for those who want to - why they did what they did. Yet it does not right wrongs, and it does not change tomorrow.
Nor do the whites.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.