Written By Lucita
March 13, 2019, 9:50 a.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
Faith has been supportive of me during the past years, both personally during times of grief or turmoil, as sounding boards and advisors, teachers, friends, inspiration. At the beginning of this year I decided to try writing a song dedicated to each of the Gods as a personal means of thanks, an offering. With all my duties, I have managed to get four done so far. Wonder how long it will take me to complete this?
Written By Gilroy
March 13, 2019, 9:34 a.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
A man of depth?
How dare you, sir.
How dare you, sir.
Written By Evaristo
March 13, 2019, 9:15 a.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
I picked up the lute when I was seventeen. Even before that, I used to drum on things, sing along with the bards at the taverns, perform for my fellow street friends - sometimes I set up whole shows and they all joined in enthusiastically after I talked them into it.
But the lute... it was an instant connection, that first time I was allowed to borrow the lute of my shipmate on the ship crew I joined. He let me handle that expensive instrument, and I have never treated an item with more respect before or after. He patiently taught me how to play and he honed my singing too. He had once been a travelling bard but the sea called him so he followed that dream, admitting that the bard life never had been his dream - it had been his families vocation and he'd just learnt because he had to.
But I loved it. I love it even more now. Mastering a difficult song is satisfying and entertainment, rather than work. Hence, I have no problem playing for hours and hours if the audience wants me to. Sometimes I just play because I want, all on my lonesome too. Trying to write my own songs or just, well, playing around.
I joined the Bard's College quite soon upon returning to Arx, though I pointed out quite sternly I was not a bard for hire. More of a layman hobbyist performer who performs when he feels like it. (I'm not sure that is changing...)
Prince Niklas Grayson trained me and gave me very good advice and pointers, so I honed my skills further - I never really had formal training apart from on the ship from a mediocre bard when we had some moments left. Most of what I knew, I'd figured out myself and copied from having watched other performers. So, the Prince opened my eyes to some new secrets in music.
Prince Niklas has also invited me to join the upcoming art work in the Lowers for the children, which I excitedly look forward to. It made me think - am I even good enough? I jump at the chances to perform when they present themselves - does that not make me a bard, in the end?
So, I decided to get even better. I spoke with Nightingale Gianna who said she would sharpen my skills to near perfection. So, now I get up at dawn to train till my fingers bleed and my voice is raw. She demands perfection and I will work till it is there. Because I want to.
Nightingale Gianna offered me to be a Mockingbird of the Bard's College together with Prince Niklas Grayson, and I've proudly accepted. Seems to be an easy enough job! Lots of parties, probably.
So, yes really. I'm no longer the not-a-bard. I'm Bard Evaristo Arterius, Mockingbird of the Bard's College - and Captain of Josie
But the lute... it was an instant connection, that first time I was allowed to borrow the lute of my shipmate on the ship crew I joined. He let me handle that expensive instrument, and I have never treated an item with more respect before or after. He patiently taught me how to play and he honed my singing too. He had once been a travelling bard but the sea called him so he followed that dream, admitting that the bard life never had been his dream - it had been his families vocation and he'd just learnt because he had to.
But I loved it. I love it even more now. Mastering a difficult song is satisfying and entertainment, rather than work. Hence, I have no problem playing for hours and hours if the audience wants me to. Sometimes I just play because I want, all on my lonesome too. Trying to write my own songs or just, well, playing around.
I joined the Bard's College quite soon upon returning to Arx, though I pointed out quite sternly I was not a bard for hire. More of a layman hobbyist performer who performs when he feels like it. (I'm not sure that is changing...)
Prince Niklas Grayson trained me and gave me very good advice and pointers, so I honed my skills further - I never really had formal training apart from on the ship from a mediocre bard when we had some moments left. Most of what I knew, I'd figured out myself and copied from having watched other performers. So, the Prince opened my eyes to some new secrets in music.
Prince Niklas has also invited me to join the upcoming art work in the Lowers for the children, which I excitedly look forward to. It made me think - am I even good enough? I jump at the chances to perform when they present themselves - does that not make me a bard, in the end?
So, I decided to get even better. I spoke with Nightingale Gianna who said she would sharpen my skills to near perfection. So, now I get up at dawn to train till my fingers bleed and my voice is raw. She demands perfection and I will work till it is there. Because I want to.
Nightingale Gianna offered me to be a Mockingbird of the Bard's College together with Prince Niklas Grayson, and I've proudly accepted. Seems to be an easy enough job! Lots of parties, probably.
So, yes really. I'm no longer the not-a-bard. I'm Bard Evaristo Arterius, Mockingbird of the Bard's College - and Captain of Josie
Written By Athaur
March 13, 2019, 8:17 a.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
I am pleased at the announcement given of House Thrax. It could not make me happier to see such practices come to an end in the land I now call my home. My people have already offered home for those in need. If it is something we may continue doing we would be happy to do so. Some few of my clan will likely come to join us.
Written By Joscelin
March 13, 2019, 4:12 a.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Evaristo
Oh no. What did you do?
Written By Mirari
March 13, 2019, 4:11 a.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mailys
Dearest sister, I wish you would return. I need your steady hand, and your absolutely stunning fashion sense in my life once more.
Written By Marian
March 13, 2019, 2:34 a.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
Always kill as a last resort. It's a mantra that my father drilled into me once I took up the sword. Diplomacy before warfare. To end a conflict without bloodshed is by far a greater victory. The offer to bend on knee, an invitation to rejoin the fold that can be given before the war horns sound and after the signal of surrender. Tribe by tribe we welcome prodigals back into the Compact.
Exile before execution. Choices have consequences, which can lead to an escort to the edge of our lands. An opportunity to seize life. A chance to start with a clean slate in lands outside the Compact. For those who seek life but wish to remain separate, a viable option. As long as they leave in peace, I shall bid them good journey. Our parting words are a warning not to return because my sympathy only stretches so far.
Death should never come easily. In the same token, never suffer an enemy to live. If their lives will mean the deaths of my people in the future then I shall bloody my sword without remorse. It's a judgment call in the moment. If I look into the heart of another and see malice of foul intentions, I strike. I have lived the Tragedy of not being vigilant. I would never criticize another for making hard decisions to keep the peace in their lands.
Weigh the scales. Review each life carefully before making your edict. Action once taken can not be undone.
Exile before execution. Choices have consequences, which can lead to an escort to the edge of our lands. An opportunity to seize life. A chance to start with a clean slate in lands outside the Compact. For those who seek life but wish to remain separate, a viable option. As long as they leave in peace, I shall bid them good journey. Our parting words are a warning not to return because my sympathy only stretches so far.
Death should never come easily. In the same token, never suffer an enemy to live. If their lives will mean the deaths of my people in the future then I shall bloody my sword without remorse. It's a judgment call in the moment. If I look into the heart of another and see malice of foul intentions, I strike. I have lived the Tragedy of not being vigilant. I would never criticize another for making hard decisions to keep the peace in their lands.
Weigh the scales. Review each life carefully before making your edict. Action once taken can not be undone.
Written By Bhandn
March 13, 2019, midnight(9/23/1010 AR)
I wasn't sure what to expect, by attending the Assembly of Peers. Formality, for sure, but there was a kind of... primal dramatism to it that I can't fully explain. It certainly did not lack for instigation. I'm rather curious what all the shouting was about myself. Twenty years ago, I probably would have stepped on quite a few toes and barged out to help with dragging the caterwauling fool away. Now, some part of me found it... funny. One has to have made quite the mistake to have been -- I assume -- barred entry, if the words themselves and their volume were any indication. Valena would have gone out there to chastise someone with her favorite herbs and the consequences be damned. She had no concept of the notion of propriety at times, when it concerned being interrupted at a time or in a place in which she did not wish to be interrupted.
Still, attending let me put faces to all the names that have passed my ears these past days. I'll probably forget half of them by the time I finish writing this, let alone by the time our paths cross, if ever.
The declaration by His Grace Victus Thrax is a matter I could not begin to untangle in my thoughts. One has heard plenty over the years, and with the winds of change blowing quite strongly, I can't help but feel a storm brewing. Nevertheless, how the Houses choose to govern their people is a matter to which I have given no consideration or involvement, and I rather intend to keep it that way. I have my own duties and worries. Those duties are why I find myself more interested in the proposal the Grandmaster of the Templar Order put forward. I certainly intend to listen for news of it, though a part of me wonders if perhaps it's too... bold. I will need to think on it more.
Still, attending let me put faces to all the names that have passed my ears these past days. I'll probably forget half of them by the time I finish writing this, let alone by the time our paths cross, if ever.
The declaration by His Grace Victus Thrax is a matter I could not begin to untangle in my thoughts. One has heard plenty over the years, and with the winds of change blowing quite strongly, I can't help but feel a storm brewing. Nevertheless, how the Houses choose to govern their people is a matter to which I have given no consideration or involvement, and I rather intend to keep it that way. I have my own duties and worries. Those duties are why I find myself more interested in the proposal the Grandmaster of the Templar Order put forward. I certainly intend to listen for news of it, though a part of me wonders if perhaps it's too... bold. I will need to think on it more.
Written By Victus
March 12, 2019, 11:50 p.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
A common phrase that I've heard most of my life is 'how much longer'.
How much longer until my happy days come? How much longer until I can get paid? How much longer until I get what I deserve? Some people don't have the luxury of asking how long it will take until they get something they want. Some can only ask, how much longer until it stops?
You see it everywhere in the Mourning Isles. In the rowers of our ships, in the ones tending our field, in the ones breaking their backs in our mines. They work day in and day out with shackles upon their wrists and they ask, how much longer until we're free? How much longer do they work until their debt is paid? Because theoretically, everyone who is placed into their chains will one day walk without them in our system. That is true for some places. It's the furthest thing from the truth in others. Whoever rules the land where they have been born or where they have been taken is who also rules their lot in life.
I tried to stop that, lawfully. But laws did not become enough to curb the atrocity that still festered in the heart of it. It could only slice the skin of the corruption, a flesh-wound at best.
Still, they looked at their masters with glassy eyes and asked them, how much longer until I am free? Until my spouse is free? Until my children are free? Yes, spouses, children. Because misery loves company, they find love in even the bleakest of places. They make something of that love, and then that too was wrapped in a chain and sent to work.
Those souls who looked at me and asked me why. Those souls who told me death would be preferable than a family in eternal servitude. Those souls who asked me how much longer? I could not give them an answer.
It makes me wonder how long these questions have been asked of us. In the time of Queen Triscali, did the slaves of the Compact ask when their torment would end? Or were they not given that carrot at the end of the stick? Was their hope for something that seemed unobtainable and not for something they were promised? I wonder what their eyes looked like when freedom came at last. What do the eyes of someone filled with nothing but hopelessness look like when they finally have a taste of humanity again?
It must have been beautiful for the ones who survived. As make no mistake, when evil infests your body it will take great pain to cut it free. That is true of a disease, true of an Abyssal root on your soul and it will be true of thralldom as well. We will bleed. If not for the sake of tradition, than for the sake of those who have known no other way. Who have lived for centuries knowing that this was their livelihood, their only means of survival. This will be no harmless transition.
Like every struggle toward the light, it will be found on top of the corpses of the defenders and the aggressors alike. The ones who have the conviction to die for what they believe in will populate both sides. Only one of them will be righteous. The world will suffer for it. This, there is no denying.
This is not for me, this is not for you, this is not for the man or woman who suffers in chains. This is for /us/. All of us to share in a world that rejects the cruelty of slavery. No more excuses. No more half-truths. No more infection from an aberration to our very Gods.
They will ask us how much longer they must suffer and we will give them an answer. Find your courage and join us.
How much longer until my happy days come? How much longer until I can get paid? How much longer until I get what I deserve? Some people don't have the luxury of asking how long it will take until they get something they want. Some can only ask, how much longer until it stops?
You see it everywhere in the Mourning Isles. In the rowers of our ships, in the ones tending our field, in the ones breaking their backs in our mines. They work day in and day out with shackles upon their wrists and they ask, how much longer until we're free? How much longer do they work until their debt is paid? Because theoretically, everyone who is placed into their chains will one day walk without them in our system. That is true for some places. It's the furthest thing from the truth in others. Whoever rules the land where they have been born or where they have been taken is who also rules their lot in life.
I tried to stop that, lawfully. But laws did not become enough to curb the atrocity that still festered in the heart of it. It could only slice the skin of the corruption, a flesh-wound at best.
Still, they looked at their masters with glassy eyes and asked them, how much longer until I am free? Until my spouse is free? Until my children are free? Yes, spouses, children. Because misery loves company, they find love in even the bleakest of places. They make something of that love, and then that too was wrapped in a chain and sent to work.
Those souls who looked at me and asked me why. Those souls who told me death would be preferable than a family in eternal servitude. Those souls who asked me how much longer? I could not give them an answer.
It makes me wonder how long these questions have been asked of us. In the time of Queen Triscali, did the slaves of the Compact ask when their torment would end? Or were they not given that carrot at the end of the stick? Was their hope for something that seemed unobtainable and not for something they were promised? I wonder what their eyes looked like when freedom came at last. What do the eyes of someone filled with nothing but hopelessness look like when they finally have a taste of humanity again?
It must have been beautiful for the ones who survived. As make no mistake, when evil infests your body it will take great pain to cut it free. That is true of a disease, true of an Abyssal root on your soul and it will be true of thralldom as well. We will bleed. If not for the sake of tradition, than for the sake of those who have known no other way. Who have lived for centuries knowing that this was their livelihood, their only means of survival. This will be no harmless transition.
Like every struggle toward the light, it will be found on top of the corpses of the defenders and the aggressors alike. The ones who have the conviction to die for what they believe in will populate both sides. Only one of them will be righteous. The world will suffer for it. This, there is no denying.
This is not for me, this is not for you, this is not for the man or woman who suffers in chains. This is for /us/. All of us to share in a world that rejects the cruelty of slavery. No more excuses. No more half-truths. No more infection from an aberration to our very Gods.
They will ask us how much longer they must suffer and we will give them an answer. Find your courage and join us.
Written By Bhandn
March 12, 2019, 11:37 p.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Each time I think on what we discussed -- more so, the reason he gave for it -- I cannot help but feel a touch of apprehension. Just what has been happening that I had not given much thought towards, over the years? How many stories and rumors have I discounted as nothing more than that? It took me many, many days to even think up those questions, a thought which does not particularly please me.
Written By Leta
March 12, 2019, 10:40 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
I played a bit of music for the king today. Well, I mostly just played the lute a bit to accompany Master Captain Evaristo Arterius who was singing a song he wrote and everything, right in the middle of the street, and I just did some embellishments on the melody and such to go along. I was a bit afraid of ruining it but I suppose we did alright. Well, the king said it was alright but then I think the king is very gracious about these things, and he wouldn't go around telling folk they're no good, so you have to take the king with a grain of salt, if you pardon.
Written By Gianna
March 12, 2019, 9:26 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
It pleases me to have named a second Mockingbird for the College, Captain Evaristo Arterius. His dedication to music is quite evident and his goals align nicely with the College's. Another set of hands just might be useful in the coming days.
Written By Skye
March 12, 2019, 5:54 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
When I began this journey as Baroness of Blackshore, I made a conscious choice to abolish the practice of thralldom. While its original intention was to give harden criminals a chance to pay back their debts to society, it twisted into a practice that spanned debt across generations. At its worst examples, became what many claimed as slavery.
Thralldom does not define who we are as a nation. Our legacy is not tied to indentured servitude. We should not diminish our independence by holding onto this flawed economic structure anymore. Our dependency weakens us. It holds us back. It sours our relations with other houses. We are better than that. By our high lord's declaration, he has freed us from the chains of this flawed tradition, and allowed us to return to our fierce naval roots. I am proud to stand by Thrax decision to abolish thralldom.
Thralldom does not define who we are as a nation. Our legacy is not tied to indentured servitude. We should not diminish our independence by holding onto this flawed economic structure anymore. Our dependency weakens us. It holds us back. It sours our relations with other houses. We are better than that. By our high lord's declaration, he has freed us from the chains of this flawed tradition, and allowed us to return to our fierce naval roots. I am proud to stand by Thrax decision to abolish thralldom.
Written By Beatrice
March 12, 2019, 5:51 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Venturo
In return, Nilanza thanks Kismet Carnivals for living up to its promise of audacious, exhilarating entertainment. We look forward to the next.
Perhaps next time the shows might include a duck. I find they never run afowl [sic] of fate.
Perhaps next time the shows might include a duck. I find they never run afowl [sic] of fate.
Written By Sparte
March 12, 2019, 5:16 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
I stand with Highlord Victus.
I thought for a while about trying to same something more elaborate, but that is all that needed to be said.
I stand with Highlord Victus.
I thought for a while about trying to same something more elaborate, but that is all that needed to be said.
I stand with Highlord Victus.
Written By Joscelin
March 12, 2019, 4:58 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
I can successfully negotiate any number of financial arrangements, read what a client wants with barely a handful of words, suss out a disagreement between old friends or competitors with minimal bloodshed.
So when I completely misread a social situation and make an ass of myself, I've no one to blame but me.
So when I completely misread a social situation and make an ass of myself, I've no one to blame but me.
Written By Amari
March 12, 2019, 4:43 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
I hope your knee is feeling better, big cousin. It was a lovely party, aside from that unfortunate accident.
Lady Gretchen may have considered it the result of a lack of imagination rather than a failure of wrist and shoulder, but Norwood was convinced it was solely a question of training. Personally, I think it was a curse, or somehow Venturo's fault.
I spent all morning swinging a wooden sword either way. It only got away from me once or maybe ten or twenty times in truth.
Lady Gretchen may have considered it the result of a lack of imagination rather than a failure of wrist and shoulder, but Norwood was convinced it was solely a question of training. Personally, I think it was a curse, or somehow Venturo's fault.
I spent all morning swinging a wooden sword either way. It only got away from me once or maybe ten or twenty times in truth.
Written By Martino
March 12, 2019, 4:15 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaia
The work you have done on the Great Hall of House Bisland is simply incredible and, truly my sweet Lady Kaia, one does hope that the tea we shared with friends - and my sister - will not be the last time.
I must make the point that, well, you must not deny such beauty in my life.
I must make the point that, well, you must not deny such beauty in my life.
Written By Rysen
March 12, 2019, 12:25 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
Having missed the grand opening of the observatory, I recently went to visit on a clear night. The view of myriad stars gleaming in the night sky was moving: it reminded me that though one star may glimmer faintly, a sky full of constellations illuminates brightly, and gives shape to such beautiful light. Such a reflection was not irrelevant to the announcement made by Prince Victus of House Thrax shortly after my visit. Though renowned as a warlord, and a sailor, the Prince's oratory was masterful, sincere, and well reasoned. I believe his courage will make the constellation of the Compact ever brighter.
While at the observatory I met an intriguing young woman. She had something of the Valardin style of dress, and a sort of ethereal beauty - somewhat cold and distant - though when I was leaving her presence, she smiled, and it was like the rising of Spring flowers after a stark Winter. I hope to see her again, though I suspect I will be reluctant to trouble her, on account of whatever it is that haunts her, and keeps her from engaging with the fire and zeal of life.
On the subject of life and its passing, I more recently went to Keaton Hall to celebrate Lady Tessa Moore. Though I never met her, I hoped to offer some support to her friends and family, and perhaps learn a little about the one whose passing has moved so many. Marquessa Reigna and Marquess Kael Keaton were superb hosts, and it was good to see Lady Gretchen, Venturo and Gilroy - the latter of which surprised me a great deal, as his demeanor was far different from that which I have observed on other occasions. He is clearly a man of more depth than I had first supposed, and seems a true and worthy friend to Lady Gretchen. The highlight of the celebration was a paper mache garantuan, which a number of us managed to destroy with wooden clubs, revealing its contents to be absurdly expensive gifts. The experience taught me two things: the expansive generosity and largesse of Marquessa Reigna, and to guard one's face whenever Lady Amari holds any sort of dangerous object.
The celebration at Keaton Hall has inspired me. When my time comes, I hereby ask Cousin Fianna and Princess Helena to hold a celebration of my life at The Black Hall of Axes, and invite every poet, and every person who has ever felt the slightest pleasure from the arts of language, or true felt emotion, to perform those works which move them most. Let my twin swords be placed next to the axes in the hall, and let me fall to the Abyss with a smile on my face, winged with soaring verse, and the laughter of friends and family.
While at the observatory I met an intriguing young woman. She had something of the Valardin style of dress, and a sort of ethereal beauty - somewhat cold and distant - though when I was leaving her presence, she smiled, and it was like the rising of Spring flowers after a stark Winter. I hope to see her again, though I suspect I will be reluctant to trouble her, on account of whatever it is that haunts her, and keeps her from engaging with the fire and zeal of life.
On the subject of life and its passing, I more recently went to Keaton Hall to celebrate Lady Tessa Moore. Though I never met her, I hoped to offer some support to her friends and family, and perhaps learn a little about the one whose passing has moved so many. Marquessa Reigna and Marquess Kael Keaton were superb hosts, and it was good to see Lady Gretchen, Venturo and Gilroy - the latter of which surprised me a great deal, as his demeanor was far different from that which I have observed on other occasions. He is clearly a man of more depth than I had first supposed, and seems a true and worthy friend to Lady Gretchen. The highlight of the celebration was a paper mache garantuan, which a number of us managed to destroy with wooden clubs, revealing its contents to be absurdly expensive gifts. The experience taught me two things: the expansive generosity and largesse of Marquessa Reigna, and to guard one's face whenever Lady Amari holds any sort of dangerous object.
The celebration at Keaton Hall has inspired me. When my time comes, I hereby ask Cousin Fianna and Princess Helena to hold a celebration of my life at The Black Hall of Axes, and invite every poet, and every person who has ever felt the slightest pleasure from the arts of language, or true felt emotion, to perform those works which move them most. Let my twin swords be placed next to the axes in the hall, and let me fall to the Abyss with a smile on my face, winged with soaring verse, and the laughter of friends and family.
Written By Gilroy
March 12, 2019, 10:44 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
If you've decided that your only options are letting criminals go or killing them, then you might as well do it yourself.
I can't imagine you have much experience at 'hiring' people to do things anyway.
I can't imagine you have much experience at 'hiring' people to do things anyway.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.