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Written By Khanne

Jan. 3, 2018, 10:51 a.m.(11/23/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

I have to disagree, Shard.

Heroes most definitely do exist. They have, since the beginning, if you ask me.

They are heroes for a reason, and that reason may vary. Some might say that a person saving another person's life is a hero. Even if that person did so out of a sense of responsibility or duty (or even pay). Some... might say that, Shard.

...someone, might be saying that now.

But. Being a hero does not make a person infallible. Heroes have faults, just like anyone else, so in that, yes, expecting a person, even a hero, to be flawless not only leads to problems, but is foolish.

People are People in the end... but some people are heroes.

Written By Laric

Dec. 31, 2017, 5:29 p.m.(11/16/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

If necessary. The vast majority of those prodigals interviewed by the Inquisition recently were in and out within twenty minutes, as most were able to prove they were, in fact, citizens quickly and painlessly. I will not insult your intelligence by insinuating that should alleviate the general discomfort that comes with being escorted to the House of Questions, only to illustrate these interviews only became grueling interrogations when the culprits were found.

There are circumstances that make it unlikely we would have to resort to such a strategy in your example that I believe you are aware of, but that would be splitting hairs.

The Inquisition has plans to ensure it will not be necessary in the future, but that is all I will write on the matter tonight.

Written By Agnarr

Dec. 26, 2017, 4:50 p.m.(11/6/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

It's untrue, but language's not oft accurate either is my point. People oft say they "sweat like pigs", too, sometimes. But we raised pigs at times, and I can tell you that pigs don't sweat at all. Doesn't matter how accurate it is, many will get what you mean.

Written By Agnarr

Dec. 26, 2017, 7:21 a.m.(11/5/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

Whether the connected concept's wrong or no, it means what it does. Aggressive leader's got a lot of terms for it, eh? Same way 'eat' and 'cut' have a dozen words for the same, and same way in armored combat, blows to the head are oft termed helmsplitters when it is impossible for any human to cut open a steel helm.

Written By Marian

Dec. 26, 2017, 6:47 a.m.(11/5/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

Concepts like alpha, beta and omega were developed by scholars who were wishing to understand the social dynamics of pack animals. Yes, the theory was originally created using wolves as an example. I have seen this flawed theory applied to other groupings. Interestingly enough, the creator of this theory came back and disavowed the theory because...and this is key...it only applied to pack animals in captivity.

You see when you capture an animal, force it to live outside of the wild, he or she changes. He or she becomes more aggressive like the alpha or on the other extreme seeks the protection from the aggressors, like the omega. Territories or 'safe' areas are smaller. Resources are limited. Fear is a mainstay. Understand social dynamics change based on context. Captivity is what brings out the 'asshole' alpha. Not species or even gender. Not being a member of a family or pack.

That's where these concepts come from Shard. From watching healthy wolf families fracture under the stress of living in cruel captivity where resources are limited. It is not a badge of honor. It is a brutal social status obtained in the face of horror.

Written By Agnarr

Dec. 26, 2017, 4:17 a.m.(11/5/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

They use alpha about people too, sometimes.

Makes more sense there, the concept's easier to grasp.

Written By Logan

Dec. 26, 2017, 1:51 a.m.(11/5/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

Thank you for the insight.

Written By Audric

Dec. 17, 2017, 6:13 a.m.(10/15/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

I have told you for several years now, my darling second, that the peace we have is what we take by bloody fingertips and broken bones. That is the peace people like us have.

Written By Edain

Dec. 8, 2017, 6:36 p.m.(9/24/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

It makes me feel better to know I am not the only one that has entertained that thought. For what it is worth in the Oathlands we try to label things more accurately as 'rebated' weapons. Injuries can and do happen. A blunted piece of metal can still hurt you very badly.

When accidents happen it is generally because someone is so determined on victory that the throw away restraint during drill. It's a phenomenon we sometimes call 'Going ham.' Named so because when someone becomes so violent in drill they often take on the crazed look that only an Oathlander can have when you are between them and a Winter's Feast Ham.

Written By Arianna

Dec. 8, 2017, 4:23 p.m.(9/24/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

A jawbone? I mean....damn.

Written By Ainsley

Nov. 20, 2017, 4:27 p.m.(8/14/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

Gloria's favor to this woman! I am in awe!

Written By Khanne

Nov. 12, 2017, 6:45 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

Shard is an amazing woman. i would have many more scars on my body if it weren't for her... if I were breathing at all. But beyond her strength and skill in battle, she is wise. Her words to Countess Reigna here in the journals are an excellent example of that.

Perhaps one day, i will get to have more conversation with her than we've managed thus far.

Written By Reigna

Nov. 12, 2017, 5:06 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

I thank you very much for your words. It is a rare thing for me to feel so utterly ignorant, but in this case I am, and your shared wisdom is most welcome.

My main concern for her is that she grows knowing that she is loved, and I agree, that I should always be honest with her. Love is does not stop with blood, and I will ensure that she never doubts that she has a place in my heart, no matter the circumstance of her birth.

Thank you, Goodwoman Shard.

Written By Joslyn

Nov. 6, 2017, 12:26 a.m.(7/13/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

She doesn't talk much, but she is one hell of a fighter. She gave me a compliment after I beat her in the sunday night spars at The Golden Hart. At least I think it was a compliment? She said two words in my direction and they sounded complimentary, I'll take what I can get. Maybe one day I'll find out what it takes to maintain a conversation with her.

Written By Sergei

Nov. 1, 2017, 2:49 a.m.(7/3/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

Always a new story coming back into this city. This time, it took a total of three minutes before some leggy, stern faced young lady nearly put a bottle of brandy into my face.

I'm taking the following as compliments:

- I didn't get glassed in the commons of the Valorous Few (which, admittedly, may be deserved)
- it was a bottle of brandy, not cheap-swill, under-the-table whiskey.

I think she likes me.

Written By Daemon

Oct. 30, 2017, 11:45 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

Fair enough indeed.

Written By Daemon

Oct. 30, 2017, 11:21 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

With due respect to yourself and to Duke Harald, who's words I do not agree with, I would say that to bring up the Archfiend of Slavery is perhaps not the best choice in this regard. The Duke did charge the Herald itself head-on, while others fled. He is strong and he has no need to prove that much, to yourself, to me, or to anyone really. What it says for Thrax's character I cannot be certain, but that is not my point.

Written By Samael

Oct. 15, 2017, 2 a.m.(5/25/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

We are all biased by our own experiences. I've studied the law my whole life, so I tend to see things through that prism. If you see things differently, I would like to discuss that with you, whether you're a scholar or not.

Written By Samael

Oct. 14, 2017, 10:30 p.m.(5/25/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

What part of my words do you disagree with? The pursuit of justice is often just that -- a pursuit. We must remain diligent in such pursuits. The Sentinel is the only one who might know true justice. The rest of us will simply have to settle for the closest we can get to that. If you wish to meet with me to discuss the finer points of my views on the subject of justice I welcome it.

Written By Fortunato

Oct. 10, 2017, 8:29 a.m.(5/16/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

Won’t discount desolate beauty, light diffused by ice, so forth. Material for a thousand sketches.

But cold is such bullshit.

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