Written By Cambria
Feb. 2, 2019, 12:31 p.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
The minor inconveniences of life often cause disproportionate despair, at least if the reactions I have witnessed to them are anything to go by. Is life worth living, one wonders, when there is no space for a carriage and one has to search for half an hour merely to be able to get out of it?
Written By Gianna
Feb. 2, 2019, 11:38 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
The Lantern Lighting ceremony was particularly lovely, though it did involve more writing than I was expecting. Duskstone looks magnificent in shifting lantern light! Clearly, I made the right choice accessorizing. It's always good to see Princess Elgana, and I made a few other new acquaintances as well.
Written By Domonico
Feb. 2, 2019, 11:16 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jan
I would never truly recommend the flail as a weapon. Too imprecise. Too unforgiving of mistakes due to it's difficulty to control. The advantage gained in being difficult to parry or blow with a shield is countered by the fact that it is not a weapon suitable for fighting alongside allies in ranks. For these reason I will always recommend sword or spear over the flail.
Written By Domonico
Feb. 2, 2019, 10:50 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Martino
Brother,
If you are ever wanting to test yourself at Conquer or the Queen of Games then just let me know and I will happily be an opponent for you. Hopefully I shall teaach you some things too.
If you are ever wanting to test yourself at Conquer or the Queen of Games then just let me know and I will happily be an opponent for you. Hopefully I shall teaach you some things too.
Written By Vittorio
Feb. 2, 2019, 10:47 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Now, I am not one for so-called games of chance, particularly dice games.
There's an art to playing card games, knowing which cards have been played and what possibilities remain in the deck. There's still risk, but a sharp mind can help mitigate that risk somewhat.
Dice games are different. It's all up to the single toss of the dice and fortune can clearly go one way or another.
However.
This dice game I played last night was far better than any other dice game I've ever tried my hand out. I'll not put any more details here, as it's not my place. All I will say is this... yes, there is chance, but there are also ways to mitigate that chance and to slowly crawl one's way to victory. Plus, it made -me- enjoy such a game, and as I said before... I'm not much for dice games.
There's an art to playing card games, knowing which cards have been played and what possibilities remain in the deck. There's still risk, but a sharp mind can help mitigate that risk somewhat.
Dice games are different. It's all up to the single toss of the dice and fortune can clearly go one way or another.
However.
This dice game I played last night was far better than any other dice game I've ever tried my hand out. I'll not put any more details here, as it's not my place. All I will say is this... yes, there is chance, but there are also ways to mitigate that chance and to slowly crawl one's way to victory. Plus, it made -me- enjoy such a game, and as I said before... I'm not much for dice games.
Written By Marian
Feb. 2, 2019, 10:46 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
It was never about the stockings. Fashion has never been a focus for me. Those silken thigh highs were merely the catalyst. The reasons go much deeper. Its foundation lives somewhere between pride and purpose.
Written By Ailith
Feb. 2, 2019, 10:05 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
If the ends mean compromising your fidelity, your honor, your Faith, all in the ideal of achieving a supposed wondrous end, do you remain wholly untarnished? Who are impacted unfavorably by your ends? Every decision has its consequences, from minor to major.
There are those, despite how the ends removes traces of their being, however callous and horrendous, will do so and accept or scorn the judgment of their peers, lieges, the Crown and Faith. And when they return to the Wheel, they will discover the righteousness of the Gods.
This is why we choose to uphold our fidelity and honor. Our Faith shall guide us through and have care of the choices we make.
There are those, despite how the ends removes traces of their being, however callous and horrendous, will do so and accept or scorn the judgment of their peers, lieges, the Crown and Faith. And when they return to the Wheel, they will discover the righteousness of the Gods.
This is why we choose to uphold our fidelity and honor. Our Faith shall guide us through and have care of the choices we make.
Written By Reese
Feb. 2, 2019, 9:43 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Willow
I got a wonderful painting from Willow. She is so very talented.
Written By Ailith
Feb. 2, 2019, 9:32 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
A woman of many talents and skills -- one, which I admire most, is being a voice to the many not heard, to speak the truths of choice and consequence despite however unfavorable it may be to be heard. I have heard her described as being contrite. To my own meaning of the word, she does not speak to the contrary for the sake of it. In my humble opinion, she tends to speak when it matters.
A well-worn page in my prayer book is entitled -- The Sentinel Sees All. Consideration to all voices and listening with care to gain awareness of a situation prepares us to face the consequences and outcomes of our decisions. This is one reason why Shard's journals are among the few, which I take the time to read and consider. And I am grateful for her being such a voice, for it has guided me through many decisions in my time as a mere commoner, a Palace Seraph, and now a Legate.
Or it may be how we first met at the House of Solace, my recovery from a plague, and her writing tasks to the members of the Valorous Few. Her few words then reminded me to always consider the voices not unheard, to face the consequence of every action, and learn how to accept your choices in life.
Thank you.
A well-worn page in my prayer book is entitled -- The Sentinel Sees All. Consideration to all voices and listening with care to gain awareness of a situation prepares us to face the consequences and outcomes of our decisions. This is one reason why Shard's journals are among the few, which I take the time to read and consider. And I am grateful for her being such a voice, for it has guided me through many decisions in my time as a mere commoner, a Palace Seraph, and now a Legate.
Or it may be how we first met at the House of Solace, my recovery from a plague, and her writing tasks to the members of the Valorous Few. Her few words then reminded me to always consider the voices not unheard, to face the consequence of every action, and learn how to accept your choices in life.
Thank you.
Written By Willow
Feb. 2, 2019, 9:31 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
My inner idealist agrees with you 1000%. My inner pragmatist says that the idea of a freedom whose quality of life doesn't offer at least the likelihood of shelter and food is a very questionable goal to fight for. Do I want them to be free yesterday? Absolutely.
But how many people who have never known another life would be turned out to go hungry. And the idea 'just pay them for what they are doing already' is a very sticky one. You simply aren't going to make someone wealthy enough to pay a million people by taking away their entire workforce. And, let's be real, saying that it /can/ come from Thrax because they have all this extra money laying around... Is not a solution. Saying that you have two coats and so you can give me a coat is a sentiment, not a plan to get me a coat, if that makes sense.
Still, where we disagree on method, I am glad that you also feel so passionate about the liberation of these people.
But how many people who have never known another life would be turned out to go hungry. And the idea 'just pay them for what they are doing already' is a very sticky one. You simply aren't going to make someone wealthy enough to pay a million people by taking away their entire workforce. And, let's be real, saying that it /can/ come from Thrax because they have all this extra money laying around... Is not a solution. Saying that you have two coats and so you can give me a coat is a sentiment, not a plan to get me a coat, if that makes sense.
Still, where we disagree on method, I am glad that you also feel so passionate about the liberation of these people.
Written By Preston
Feb. 2, 2019, 8:41 a.m.(7/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Justify? No. If the means are bad, they are bad. If they are wrong, they are wrong. But, it may make you think the consequences are worth bearing. That is a choice people must make, the Gods gave us the freedom to do bad as well as good.
As other say though, it is a complicated matter, and often far less extreme than in the abstract. Still, our actions must be honourable, innocents must be protected, our oaths upheld - if that forces us in a position where we might lose, then perhaps it is better to lose as a good person than it is to live knowing you forfeited Gloria's respect?
As other say though, it is a complicated matter, and often far less extreme than in the abstract. Still, our actions must be honourable, innocents must be protected, our oaths upheld - if that forces us in a position where we might lose, then perhaps it is better to lose as a good person than it is to live knowing you forfeited Gloria's respect?
Written By Edain
Feb. 2, 2019, 5:33 a.m.(7/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I have thought about your question and I hope it does not sound like I am being a semantic smart-ass when I say my answer is thus:
Do the ends *ever* justify the means?
Yes.
Do the ends *always* justify the means?
An emphatic no.
Do the ends *ever* justify the means?
Yes.
Do the ends *always* justify the means?
An emphatic no.
Written By Evonleigh
Feb. 2, 2019, 12:34 a.m.(7/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Kenna
To my sister and her new husband,
I wish you all the best in this newfound partnership. I feel both heartbroken and yet so proud at the same time. Please know I will miss the late-night hallway whispers, the closet sharing, the giggles that come at inopportune times, and mostly knowing you are but a door or two away should I ever need you.
I know you're still there for me, as I will ever be there for you -- though across town or across mountains still is much too far for my liking.
Congratulations. You deserve only the most beautiful of lives.
I wish you all the best in this newfound partnership. I feel both heartbroken and yet so proud at the same time. Please know I will miss the late-night hallway whispers, the closet sharing, the giggles that come at inopportune times, and mostly knowing you are but a door or two away should I ever need you.
I know you're still there for me, as I will ever be there for you -- though across town or across mountains still is much too far for my liking.
Congratulations. You deserve only the most beautiful of lives.
Written By Thena
Feb. 1, 2019, 10:52 p.m.(7/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I don't know. For a long time I thought they did. Then I thought they didn't.
And now I don't know.
And now I don't know.
Written By Ajax
Feb. 1, 2019, 10:36 p.m.(7/1/1010 AR)
The sip and spar, I think I've said before that I love it and hate it. This last one though was a tad interesting, Captain Harlex of the Crimson Blades had arrived, and took part himself. I had heard many rumors of this wolves skill and assumed some of it was just blown out of proportion like when Red talks me and my men up. However, this time around it appears warranted he dropped Greyhope without breaking much of a sweat. Then he hung back until the arrival of a Templar Dame Emilia that he knew and then engaged for one of the longest fights I had seen since coming into town.
That one felt personal, it screamed personal, it was. As nice as the Dame appeared to be afterwards, part of me questions the judgment to stop and speak to your enemy when they're whirling at you. Afterwards she did come by and give a good hello and came off very friendly and approachable, still strange seeing a Templar in a place that sums up heavy drinking, and thrashing at people. But you meet all sorts in Arx. As the evening started coming to a close, I partook in a couple of matches. The first with Lady Kennex, who had managed to drop the kid. For me? That was more personal then I would like to admit under normal circumstance. Not seen him around since he lost so I hope he's alright.
That one felt personal, it screamed personal, it was. As nice as the Dame appeared to be afterwards, part of me questions the judgment to stop and speak to your enemy when they're whirling at you. Afterwards she did come by and give a good hello and came off very friendly and approachable, still strange seeing a Templar in a place that sums up heavy drinking, and thrashing at people. But you meet all sorts in Arx. As the evening started coming to a close, I partook in a couple of matches. The first with Lady Kennex, who had managed to drop the kid. For me? That was more personal then I would like to admit under normal circumstance. Not seen him around since he lost so I hope he's alright.
Written By Shard
Feb. 1, 2019, 10:33 p.m.(7/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Yes, but not always, and not to every extreme. The means has consequences as well, and those are on your head along with any successes that might come out of what's done. You can't just pretend something didn't happen because you got what you wanted out of the aftermath. So it matters which ends, and which means, and who, if anyone, gets hurt along the way.
Written By Merek
Feb. 1, 2019, 9:33 p.m.(7/1/1010 AR)
I have planted a few flowers to my gardens. I am hopeful that some of them will be useful with alchemy. I would like to know what kind of flowers people would actually like to buy at shops.
Written By Mirk
Feb. 1, 2019, 7:45 p.m.(6/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
My answer is probably unsatisfying, but I'll try: Sometimes. The ends can justify the means, depending on the ends and the means. An important end goal justifies small sins, like telling a lie to keep a secret. It should only be done with consideration and care, and you owe it to the people harmed by your actions to make it right. But some things cannot be made right. Oathbreaking, for one. Murder, for another. And as it cannot be set right, it cannot be justified. There are other considerations, I think, but that is the crux of it in my mind.
Written By Reigna
Feb. 1, 2019, 6:33 p.m.(6/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Deal!
...Not that I would take your money.
Nor would I, if I am to be honest, have the audacity to -- oh, who am I kidding? I believe I already tried to chide His Grace Prince Victus once, when he and Marian nearly gutted each other over a "friendly" spar over stockings.
The problem is, it does not seem to stick.
For you, however, I shall try.
...Not that I would take your money.
Nor would I, if I am to be honest, have the audacity to -- oh, who am I kidding? I believe I already tried to chide His Grace Prince Victus once, when he and Marian nearly gutted each other over a "friendly" spar over stockings.
The problem is, it does not seem to stick.
For you, however, I shall try.
Written By Josephine
Feb. 1, 2019, 6:15 p.m.(6/28/1010 AR)
It has been a few weeks and the few offers that ushered in with offer of patronage were considered. Considered just as long and carefully as I had when it was Lord Grady. There's something to be said to finding someone who make no demands of you save that at some point, you board a ship so they can show you their home.
The idea is not appealing.
And yet, there is a promise of being shown the mines and all the shafts belonging to the family, to temper that horror filled image of a ships deck and the water around.
There's something to be said too for selecting a patron not so high within the noble hierarchy. Which is not to say those who were were immediately struck. It is decidedly more a choice of how well we will align with one another. The expectations. Coin does not cross my mind, I make enough of it as is. The demands to place their requests before all others does not interest me, or the limits to whose goods that I can procure my supplies from and the like, do not interest me either.
In the end, it was a shared history. She is my past, and I suppose, in a way, I am her future. Strangely enough. A shared wound, a shared history, a shared grief that slipped out some time ago when we least expected it.
And a rose to seal the deal.
And so while I bid farewell to Lord Grady Deepwood and wish him the best on his journey and will remain ever at the service of the Deepwoods should they have need, I turn my - to borrow a phrase from my sailor sons - sails to Tor. To the Fidantes.
This rose sits in my forge, in a glass vase and I smile at it. Would that it sang like the gems and metals. I imagine it would be a quiet joy. I bid hello to Lady Lora Fidante. Let us see where this takes us.
The idea is not appealing.
And yet, there is a promise of being shown the mines and all the shafts belonging to the family, to temper that horror filled image of a ships deck and the water around.
There's something to be said too for selecting a patron not so high within the noble hierarchy. Which is not to say those who were were immediately struck. It is decidedly more a choice of how well we will align with one another. The expectations. Coin does not cross my mind, I make enough of it as is. The demands to place their requests before all others does not interest me, or the limits to whose goods that I can procure my supplies from and the like, do not interest me either.
In the end, it was a shared history. She is my past, and I suppose, in a way, I am her future. Strangely enough. A shared wound, a shared history, a shared grief that slipped out some time ago when we least expected it.
And a rose to seal the deal.
And so while I bid farewell to Lord Grady Deepwood and wish him the best on his journey and will remain ever at the service of the Deepwoods should they have need, I turn my - to borrow a phrase from my sailor sons - sails to Tor. To the Fidantes.
This rose sits in my forge, in a glass vase and I smile at it. Would that it sang like the gems and metals. I imagine it would be a quiet joy. I bid hello to Lady Lora Fidante. Let us see where this takes us.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.