Written By Cambria
Jan. 22, 2019, 11:04 p.m.(6/9/1010 AR)
Typically, when one seeks to take over something, they try not destroy it in the process of acquiring it. For example, if I were trying to rise up the ranks of the Iron Guard, I would not want to discredit the Iron Guard in the process. What would be the point of being promoted, if the post I finally attain has been made worthless? This instinct becomes stronger once you have gained control of whatever it was you were after. Now it is yours and you do what you must to protect and increase its value.
Written By Domonico
Jan. 22, 2019, 11:02 p.m.(6/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
The thought is appreciated although there is truly no need for the alcohol. I thank you nevertheless for it.
Perhaps some discourse face to face would hekp alleviate future misunderstandings?
Perhaps some discourse face to face would hekp alleviate future misunderstandings?
Written By Miranda
Jan. 22, 2019, 9:50 p.m.(6/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Fecundo
I used to think about how I wanted to be as smart as you, Brother. You always seemed wise to me when we were children. And, now, as adults, I've often looked to you to be my sounding board.
I think your wife just took your job:
"There was a doctor that talked about we find mates that are like the first person we loved. Would make sense you love peacocks."
I mean... wow. Think about it. She's totally onto something here.
I think your wife just took your job:
"There was a doctor that talked about we find mates that are like the first person we loved. Would make sense you love peacocks."
I mean... wow. Think about it. She's totally onto something here.
Written By Victus
Jan. 22, 2019, 8:37 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
If I see one more fucking goat in this house we're having lamb for dinner. The whole week, only lamb.
Written By Victus
Jan. 22, 2019, 8:36 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
If I see one more fucking goat in this house we're having lamb for dinner. The whole week, only lamb.
Written By Lorenzo
Jan. 22, 2019, 7:03 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
Another year in the books. Broke open a bottle of whiskey from Farhaven with my dearest. It has been a good year.
Written By Arianna
Jan. 22, 2019, 5:28 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
I've read a few journals, they're alright with a glass of wine and something for the headache. There's talks of Brass, Copper and other Heroes whom we're supposed to be in awe over, but most of the Compact's people only have someone elses experience to take as absolute truth. Piffle.
The other thing that gets me is the hypocrisy.
"We're a free people! Slavery isn't in our nature."
That's interesting considering all the people who have been and will be -forced- to bend the knee. Join or die is what we've always offered the Abandoned. It is the illusion of choice, and no real choice at all. I find the arrival of foreign powers who are basically doing the same to be nothing more than the Dreams way of balancing things. You give what you get. Let's not even get started in how the vast majority of us won't get to decide for ourselves which offer is best for us. Someone else getting to make decisions for you, is...essentially taking away your freedom of choice.
Freedom comes in many forms as does slavery.
The other thing that gets me is the hypocrisy.
"We're a free people! Slavery isn't in our nature."
That's interesting considering all the people who have been and will be -forced- to bend the knee. Join or die is what we've always offered the Abandoned. It is the illusion of choice, and no real choice at all. I find the arrival of foreign powers who are basically doing the same to be nothing more than the Dreams way of balancing things. You give what you get. Let's not even get started in how the vast majority of us won't get to decide for ourselves which offer is best for us. Someone else getting to make decisions for you, is...essentially taking away your freedom of choice.
Freedom comes in many forms as does slavery.
Written By Berenice
Jan. 22, 2019, 4:47 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
You mourn however you damn well please and crush the fools who would critique your manners, darling.
Written By Perronne
Jan. 22, 2019, 3:38 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
The spectre of RESPONSIBILITY looms.
It's weird, if you think about it - I've never been responsible for much outside myself. Yes, my clients' money and goods, of course, but taking care of them was part and parcel of taking care of myself. You can't be a careless merchant and still be successful, so I've always tried to be on top of those sorts of things. But other than that, I go where I will, I do what I want, and I don't really have anything tying me down. If I wanted to pick up and leave somewhere, I always could. And really needed to, because eventually you exhaust the local opportunities for profit, and sticking around would just be sad and disappointing. And why live life to be sad and disappointed?
But Arx isn't like that. Everything is here! All the goods come through here, even exotics like steelsilk and pyreweave. People with stories from all over the Compact rest here, and share knowledge - some wonderful and fantastic knowledge. And oh, the money. I have no words for the wealth that accumulates in the capital of the Compact. It is tremendous and remarkable and beautiful. Not just because it's all very shiny (although it is ALL very shiny), but because of what it represents, the lively interactions and bargaining and transfers of things from the known world. It's amazing, and I'm happy to be a part of it. But being a part of it, there's always that urge to do more, to rise and to strive for a place and a position.
And that's just as scary as it is enticing. Because a position means having to answer to other people, having to follow a code that maybe isn't your own. And I'd never agree to serve in a position and then /not/ follow that code, or refuse to answer to those people. That would be dishonest and dishonorable, I think. But sometimes it feels a little like I can feel the weight settling on me, of other people and their needs, and I just want to flee.
I want to go camping. Who can I kidnap to go camping with me?
It's weird, if you think about it - I've never been responsible for much outside myself. Yes, my clients' money and goods, of course, but taking care of them was part and parcel of taking care of myself. You can't be a careless merchant and still be successful, so I've always tried to be on top of those sorts of things. But other than that, I go where I will, I do what I want, and I don't really have anything tying me down. If I wanted to pick up and leave somewhere, I always could. And really needed to, because eventually you exhaust the local opportunities for profit, and sticking around would just be sad and disappointing. And why live life to be sad and disappointed?
But Arx isn't like that. Everything is here! All the goods come through here, even exotics like steelsilk and pyreweave. People with stories from all over the Compact rest here, and share knowledge - some wonderful and fantastic knowledge. And oh, the money. I have no words for the wealth that accumulates in the capital of the Compact. It is tremendous and remarkable and beautiful. Not just because it's all very shiny (although it is ALL very shiny), but because of what it represents, the lively interactions and bargaining and transfers of things from the known world. It's amazing, and I'm happy to be a part of it. But being a part of it, there's always that urge to do more, to rise and to strive for a place and a position.
And that's just as scary as it is enticing. Because a position means having to answer to other people, having to follow a code that maybe isn't your own. And I'd never agree to serve in a position and then /not/ follow that code, or refuse to answer to those people. That would be dishonest and dishonorable, I think. But sometimes it feels a little like I can feel the weight settling on me, of other people and their needs, and I just want to flee.
I want to go camping. Who can I kidnap to go camping with me?
Written By Jasher
Jan. 22, 2019, 2:10 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
I never thought I would see a goat outside books until today. But these ones are the size of a cat, with stumpy legs more akin to a child's toy than what I have seen in illustrations. Apparently, they are a breed unique to Keaton holdings.
They are also abhorrently destructive. At least the children like them. Good for them.
They are also abhorrently destructive. At least the children like them. Good for them.
Written By Beatrice
Jan. 22, 2019, 1:31 p.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
I miss Nilanza. It is a good time to visit home, when everything is dire and you know this paradise isn't safe from the world's interference. Then, return with resolve firm.
How reassuring the journals have been. Yes, there are fights and misunderstandings. Such is life. But on decisions of such magnitude? Stirring our deepest passions? Facing such consequences? I have hope. A rational people making a sober, solemn choice - even if it is decided to be the "best worst choice" - are ones who can surmount the challenges to follow. Like that, and only that, can we move forward together.
Until then, paradise calls. I think, too, I will miss you Arx while I am gone. I love the sand and the surf, and I love Arx's dreamers and wish-fillers, its artists and aesthetes, its bold merchants and happy warriors, and - of course! - the family formed within its walls.
How reassuring the journals have been. Yes, there are fights and misunderstandings. Such is life. But on decisions of such magnitude? Stirring our deepest passions? Facing such consequences? I have hope. A rational people making a sober, solemn choice - even if it is decided to be the "best worst choice" - are ones who can surmount the challenges to follow. Like that, and only that, can we move forward together.
Until then, paradise calls. I think, too, I will miss you Arx while I am gone. I love the sand and the surf, and I love Arx's dreamers and wish-fillers, its artists and aesthetes, its bold merchants and happy warriors, and - of course! - the family formed within its walls.
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 Sophie
Jan. 22, 2019, 10:27 a.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
When every single option represents catastrophic loss how do you choose your path?
While the King and High Council make their decisions we as citizens must make our own decisions. What path will we walk? Will we stand behind our faith and rally to the cries of our gods? Will we take up swords and prepare to die if we must to slay the enemies that threaten to destroy us? Will we wear our perfumes and pretty dresses and dance while the world crumbles around us?
In the First Reckoning we saw men and women rise up to the occasion. We saw allies appear just when we needed them. We banded together to vanquish our foes by sheer will and we came out victorious - battered, but victorious.
We can stand on our own. I am certain of it. It is fraught with danger, and we will certainly see more loss of life than I can bear to imagine, but we will stand. We will fight. We will heal. We will endure.
I hope our King, High Counsel, and the people of Arvum share my faith in us.
And while this is happening we must our own decisions. How will we rise to the occasion? What can we do to make the world better today? What can we do today to prepare to make the world better tomorrow? We can make a difference. Each and every once of us.
While the King and High Council make their decisions we as citizens must make our own decisions. What path will we walk? Will we stand behind our faith and rally to the cries of our gods? Will we take up swords and prepare to die if we must to slay the enemies that threaten to destroy us? Will we wear our perfumes and pretty dresses and dance while the world crumbles around us?
In the First Reckoning we saw men and women rise up to the occasion. We saw allies appear just when we needed them. We banded together to vanquish our foes by sheer will and we came out victorious - battered, but victorious.
We can stand on our own. I am certain of it. It is fraught with danger, and we will certainly see more loss of life than I can bear to imagine, but we will stand. We will fight. We will heal. We will endure.
I hope our King, High Counsel, and the people of Arvum share my faith in us.
And while this is happening we must our own decisions. How will we rise to the occasion? What can we do to make the world better today? What can we do today to prepare to make the world better tomorrow? We can make a difference. Each and every once of us.
Written By Samantha
Jan. 22, 2019, 10:23 a.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
I have had a few people inquire as to my opinion regarding the choice for our future.
I am also fully aware that at the end of it all I have no say in the matter, but if my opinion is worth anything, then my only response is that if you know anything about me at all, you know what my choice would be.
I am also fully aware that at the end of it all I have no say in the matter, but if my opinion is worth anything, then my only response is that if you know anything about me at all, you know what my choice would be.
Written By Jaenelle
Jan. 22, 2019, 10:20 a.m.(6/8/1010 AR)
Is there a proper way to mourn?
Written By Shard
Jan. 22, 2019, 2:34 a.m.(6/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Octavia
You're right, I don't know how to rule, not like nobles do. I never had any reason or opportunity to learn something like that. But from what I've seen (and experienced) of battlefield surgery, cutting out an arrowhead isn't remotely simple. It's messy, extremely painful, and might well kill you. Often the wound has to be cauterized, and it will scar. But if you don't remove it, it will continue to cut, and fester, until eventually you might die of it anyway.
The battlefield is not a place for simple answers. People die with every single order you give. Wars are won or lost on decisions made. And having been on those battlefields and given my share of orders, having faced the enemy, I can tell you they're only getting stronger.
The battlefield is not a place for simple answers. People die with every single order you give. Wars are won or lost on decisions made. And having been on those battlefields and given my share of orders, having faced the enemy, I can tell you they're only getting stronger.
Written By Helle
Jan. 22, 2019, 1:16 a.m.(6/7/1010 AR)
Melancholy and the Beast
On a night as dismal as any other, he shook her to her hidden core. Her very real core. Her blood was metallic. It wasn't slow and sluggish within her. Pain is always real, but now it fades. It was only a Dream.
Beast. No man are you.
On a night as dismal as any other, he shook her to her hidden core. Her very real core. Her blood was metallic. It wasn't slow and sluggish within her. Pain is always real, but now it fades. It was only a Dream.
Beast. No man are you.
Written By Octavia
Jan. 21, 2019, 7:11 p.m.(6/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
If you are going to be acknowledged as the last of a noble line from a far away land, you would do well to educate yourself about the burden of rule and how very few problems have simple answers like they do on the battlefield.
Written By Margot
Jan. 21, 2019, 6:30 p.m.(6/6/1010 AR)
If one sits around waiting for a solution to fall into their lap they will die of old age, starvation or war.
Presented with a platter of unpleasant choices one should choose the one they can stomach most or go into the kitchen and make a new option for themselves.
Presented with a platter of unpleasant choices one should choose the one they can stomach most or go into the kitchen and make a new option for themselves.
Written By Sabella
Jan. 21, 2019, 5:34 p.m.(6/6/1010 AR)
I have heard it repeated many a times these past weeks that we have lost our great protector, Copper, and that there are never be another like her. I admit, I did not really know of her, except what I learned through some old stories and Princess Sorrel's operas. And those all make her seem formidable, someone who stood up for others who would not or could not do so for themselves. Someone who was an unknown savior, who worked not for pride or acclaim, but to see good win out over evil. A true hero, perhaps the truest kind, one not honestly known until they are gone and their good works laid bare.
I have no doubt that she has left large boots to fill, but for those that shake their heads and say that we shall never see another like her, I don't know that I agree. Surely there will never be another Copper, but when there is a need for heroes that is where they rise up. Maybe to great acclaim like Alarice or subtle whispers like Copper, but there is always someone to take up the mantle of the downtrodden. To stand against the shadows and create light and hope where there is none. To be the inspiration for the next generation of stories that inspire those who might otherwise stand by to lift their voices and swords against atrocity and evil.
There might never be another Copper, but there will be someone else. Maybe a great many someone elses. Maybe someone reading this now or years down the line! Our world is expanding and we live in a time of marvel's and wonders!
And there is still hope.
I have no doubt that she has left large boots to fill, but for those that shake their heads and say that we shall never see another like her, I don't know that I agree. Surely there will never be another Copper, but when there is a need for heroes that is where they rise up. Maybe to great acclaim like Alarice or subtle whispers like Copper, but there is always someone to take up the mantle of the downtrodden. To stand against the shadows and create light and hope where there is none. To be the inspiration for the next generation of stories that inspire those who might otherwise stand by to lift their voices and swords against atrocity and evil.
There might never be another Copper, but there will be someone else. Maybe a great many someone elses. Maybe someone reading this now or years down the line! Our world is expanding and we live in a time of marvel's and wonders!
And there is still hope.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.