Written By Shard
Nov. 21, 2018, 4:17 p.m.(1/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Amund
My tribe never attacked Compact holdings, villages, or caravans. That didn't stop someone from sending people like you to kill us down to every last man, woman, and child. The first experience I ever personally had with people from the Compact was when /they/ came to kill /me/, and the first lesson I learned from that is that the Compact measures lives in coin. And not a particularly large amount of coin either.
Don't talk to me about rabid animals when you and your kind can't even be bothered to tell the difference between actual threats and literal babies.
Don't talk to me about rabid animals when you and your kind can't even be bothered to tell the difference between actual threats and literal babies.
Written By Shard
Nov. 21, 2018, 4:08 p.m.(1/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
Here's the problem. The Compact claims all of Arvum. Your actual borders are the entire continent. Every time you expand, and you expand often, you'll be pushing them further and further into lands that are harder and harder to live in. Eventually you will push them straight into the sea, because there will be no more land left.
And I would ask people to consider this: if an invading army came to your holdings, demanded you join them or leave lands you have guarded and lived on for generations, possibly so long your people can't remember any time they did not live as they do, where they do...if this happened to you, would you join the invaders? Would you help them drive other peoples off their lands? Would you simply leave your homes, your villages, your holdings, be exiled from everything you've known, and take all of your people into unknown territory where there is no shelter, where there are hostile people or simply people who have their own spot of land they've lived on and who won't be happy with your trespassing, with only as much as you could carry with you?
Or would you stand and fight to defend yourself and your people and the place that you consider to be yours by right?
And I would ask people to consider this: if an invading army came to your holdings, demanded you join them or leave lands you have guarded and lived on for generations, possibly so long your people can't remember any time they did not live as they do, where they do...if this happened to you, would you join the invaders? Would you help them drive other peoples off their lands? Would you simply leave your homes, your villages, your holdings, be exiled from everything you've known, and take all of your people into unknown territory where there is no shelter, where there are hostile people or simply people who have their own spot of land they've lived on and who won't be happy with your trespassing, with only as much as you could carry with you?
Or would you stand and fight to defend yourself and your people and the place that you consider to be yours by right?
Written By Shard
Nov. 21, 2018, 3:57 p.m.(1/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Oh yes, we have very different perspectives. But when I said 'slavery or death', I didn't mean to imply the choice was the Abandoned's. I've never heard of the Horned One giving people that choice. It would surprise me quite a bit if he did, considering. If you're quick enough, you might be able to cut your own throat. Throw yourself on your sword or off a cliff. Kill your family? But otherwise, if he wants to take your name, he will take your name. He will take you. And then you're lost to almost everything that can be done.
I don't think we'll ever agree on what should be done, but your proposed solution is much better than what I've heard in the past. You making a distinction between different tribes is a lot more than I hear from most people on this subject. And when the Horned One is coming, I much prefer having tribes flee to simply wiping them out to make sure he can't use them against the Compact. This causes its own problems down the line, but it's better than the alternative.
I don't think we'll ever agree on what should be done, but your proposed solution is much better than what I've heard in the past. You making a distinction between different tribes is a lot more than I hear from most people on this subject. And when the Horned One is coming, I much prefer having tribes flee to simply wiping them out to make sure he can't use them against the Compact. This causes its own problems down the line, but it's better than the alternative.
Written By Meriah
Nov. 21, 2018, 1:43 p.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Amund
It is amazing how terribly wrong you are and as someone who was attacked by an enemy of the Compact and left mutilated for it I wouldn't do a damn thing different if it meant I could save the same lives, help the same people. Besides, I'm told the eye-patch is a "good look" for me.
That is the truth of Medicine, my friend. It belongs to everyone. It heals the world. Not just our narrow view of the world.
It heals the heart, the soul as much as bones and flesh, as much as it heals disease.
Even a rabid animal--sure you see the irony here yeah?--deserves care.
My sympathies, though, that no one ever taught you that old 'violence begets violence' adage.
It sounds like you don't really like your work, either. Maybe you should take up cooking (you still get to stab things!) or woodworking.
You could make a few more bed frames for the clinic's new addition!
That is the truth of Medicine, my friend. It belongs to everyone. It heals the world. Not just our narrow view of the world.
It heals the heart, the soul as much as bones and flesh, as much as it heals disease.
Even a rabid animal--sure you see the irony here yeah?--deserves care.
My sympathies, though, that no one ever taught you that old 'violence begets violence' adage.
It sounds like you don't really like your work, either. Maybe you should take up cooking (you still get to stab things!) or woodworking.
You could make a few more bed frames for the clinic's new addition!
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 21, 2018, 1:42 p.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Compliments were paid to me last night at Trader, that I was radiant like the moon. My -radius- is like the moon. I am very round and glorious, I guess, but mostly that other thing.
Before falling asleep, I've taken to chamomile tea to calm my nerves. My sleep isn't what it should be, it's hard to find enough peace to close my eyes. Often I wonder if I'd sleep at all if it weren't for the baby or Magpie's amazing tea. This part of the Murder is so quiet too. It should be easier.
Last night I had a dream. I wasn't completely asleep, I was half awake, but I was talking to the creature growing inside me. It prattled with joy, bubbling with thought, telling me about how happy it was it picked me to be its mother, that it was blessed to be mine, that Death made it but I would make its life and how -wonderful- was that...?
Manic. It sounded manic. A child with a kitten it could not stop talking to. I realize now, writing this, I should be more horrified. It was just a dream, but I still remember feeling amused in my half-awake doze, running my hand over my belly and 'talking' back. Trying to tell them I hoped they were alright with things being unfamiliar, that their new life not being what they chose, exactly. That there were pieces missing, and that I was alone.
Unfazed, that joy. Still carrying on. Chatter chatter chatter.
I've had stranger dreams but I can't think of any. So many odd ones since I conceived. Very vivid, threads of light and butterflies, and Death in the guise of a youth. They're worse when I read Aureth's writings, and by 'worse' I simply mean 'more intense'. I know it's my fault; I'm not obsessed with death, or Death, but I'm creating life and death has been a frequent visitor. I suspect it's the trait of pregnancy to feel more and more calm about large, philosophical ideas, accepting of the world in general.
I still want to throw things sometimes. Little things irritate me. I found myself crying at the change in -tone- someone had when speaking to me, immediately thinking the worst, but I'll have you know I waited until I was alone...! I only thought they were horribly mean for about a day, and then I was fine again. Someone brought me pie at the Trader but I'd asked for apple strudel and promptly sobbed into my hands. I think that was worse.
I'm still working thorough the interested applicants for Patron. I'm conflicted and interested in all of them, but there are strengths and weaknesses to consider. I think I'm also in the market for a protege myself, but I suspect that's far more selfish than I'd really considered. Where before I chose for social strengths and trade skill, I may need to consider something different. Or maybe just hire a bodyguard. That was supposed to be Oliver's job, but-
The hours pass. The sun rises and sets and the moon- ...well. I imitate the moon, awake all night, round and 'radiant'. I guess. I'm looking ahead to the years that stretch out before me and I feel painfully lonely. And yet? I'm also certain that despite that I'll be completely alright.
Look at me? No so morose, for once.
Before falling asleep, I've taken to chamomile tea to calm my nerves. My sleep isn't what it should be, it's hard to find enough peace to close my eyes. Often I wonder if I'd sleep at all if it weren't for the baby or Magpie's amazing tea. This part of the Murder is so quiet too. It should be easier.
Last night I had a dream. I wasn't completely asleep, I was half awake, but I was talking to the creature growing inside me. It prattled with joy, bubbling with thought, telling me about how happy it was it picked me to be its mother, that it was blessed to be mine, that Death made it but I would make its life and how -wonderful- was that...?
Manic. It sounded manic. A child with a kitten it could not stop talking to. I realize now, writing this, I should be more horrified. It was just a dream, but I still remember feeling amused in my half-awake doze, running my hand over my belly and 'talking' back. Trying to tell them I hoped they were alright with things being unfamiliar, that their new life not being what they chose, exactly. That there were pieces missing, and that I was alone.
Unfazed, that joy. Still carrying on. Chatter chatter chatter.
I've had stranger dreams but I can't think of any. So many odd ones since I conceived. Very vivid, threads of light and butterflies, and Death in the guise of a youth. They're worse when I read Aureth's writings, and by 'worse' I simply mean 'more intense'. I know it's my fault; I'm not obsessed with death, or Death, but I'm creating life and death has been a frequent visitor. I suspect it's the trait of pregnancy to feel more and more calm about large, philosophical ideas, accepting of the world in general.
I still want to throw things sometimes. Little things irritate me. I found myself crying at the change in -tone- someone had when speaking to me, immediately thinking the worst, but I'll have you know I waited until I was alone...! I only thought they were horribly mean for about a day, and then I was fine again. Someone brought me pie at the Trader but I'd asked for apple strudel and promptly sobbed into my hands. I think that was worse.
I'm still working thorough the interested applicants for Patron. I'm conflicted and interested in all of them, but there are strengths and weaknesses to consider. I think I'm also in the market for a protege myself, but I suspect that's far more selfish than I'd really considered. Where before I chose for social strengths and trade skill, I may need to consider something different. Or maybe just hire a bodyguard. That was supposed to be Oliver's job, but-
The hours pass. The sun rises and sets and the moon- ...well. I imitate the moon, awake all night, round and 'radiant'. I guess. I'm looking ahead to the years that stretch out before me and I feel painfully lonely. And yet? I'm also certain that despite that I'll be completely alright.
Look at me? No so morose, for once.
Written By Isidora
Nov. 21, 2018, 12:46 p.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
I now currently have three apprentices. Of all three I am intrigued by in their own way.
Therese, my cousin, is wanting to learn to help our family survive things like the Lodge better. I commend her. I started teaching as many as I could so that when things happen more people are able to help with the healing.
Carmen. A Lieutenant with the Crimson Blades. Upon first meeting I can tell she is a hard worker. I always appreciate that. It means one will go far.
Sunniva. Queen of the Herbs. In that she may surpass me. Always good to know where you need to learn.
Therese, my cousin, is wanting to learn to help our family survive things like the Lodge better. I commend her. I started teaching as many as I could so that when things happen more people are able to help with the healing.
Carmen. A Lieutenant with the Crimson Blades. Upon first meeting I can tell she is a hard worker. I always appreciate that. It means one will go far.
Sunniva. Queen of the Herbs. In that she may surpass me. Always good to know where you need to learn.
Written By Amund
Nov. 21, 2018, 12:36 p.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
No, thanks.
Written By Arik
Nov. 21, 2018, 12:17 p.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
There appears to be a lot of discussion and mayhap concern about the abandoned of late and Sir Preston's own thoughts on the matter. I cannot help but wonder why? The Faith Militant does not go throughout the Compact uninvited to do as they please. The matter of shavs has always and will always be the onus for the landholding families, the Peerage. As long as you do not violate the percepts of the Gods nor the laws of the Crown you may do as you wish to secure the lands and your people against threat. If people would judge you than so be it, you were not given such responsibility to never face adversity. You were not given lands and people and privilege to not lead. It is the Noble Duty to make such choices and live with such consequences even if it means disfavor at court. What a terror it must be.
Beyond my questioning observation my only advice to offer is simple. No matter what is said or written the results of your decision are your own. Be you the head of your family, the voice of your house, or the war minister for your people. Never can you shirk responsibility and say but they said. You must do as you feel best for your people and your lands be it mercy or brutality. All that comes after comes because of you.
Beyond my questioning observation my only advice to offer is simple. No matter what is said or written the results of your decision are your own. Be you the head of your family, the voice of your house, or the war minister for your people. Never can you shirk responsibility and say but they said. You must do as you feel best for your people and your lands be it mercy or brutality. All that comes after comes because of you.
Written By Miranda
Nov. 21, 2018, 11:52 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Roran
A bit overdue...
But thank you for your kind words and thoughtful advice.
I'm not one who usually seeks out the faith to talk, but it was a good conversation about a heavy subject.
Needless to say, my head is high and life goes on.
As always, things change.
Praise Lagoma
But thank you for your kind words and thoughtful advice.
I'm not one who usually seeks out the faith to talk, but it was a good conversation about a heavy subject.
Needless to say, my head is high and life goes on.
As always, things change.
Praise Lagoma
Written By Miranda
Nov. 21, 2018, 11:50 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
Orathy...
You've been cleaning out closets?
Well, you missed mind, cobwebs still right where they were when I left.
Next time, I suppose!
You've been cleaning out closets?
Well, you missed mind, cobwebs still right where they were when I left.
Next time, I suppose!
Written By Thesarin
Nov. 21, 2018, 11:16 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
And if you drive them from the lands hold the bones of their mothers' mothers, and leave them without homes or shelter, who do you reckon is waiting to take 'em in, making them promises of their pride, their lands, and vengeance against them killed their kin and left them with nothing?
Written By Fortunato
Nov. 21, 2018, 10:53 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Thank you for indulging me. It is easy for an artist with no authority and no capacity for battle to warn broad cautions and speak in a way that reflects my own nightmares. You did not have to address the doubts of a nobody about a word choice.
Written By Josephine
Nov. 21, 2018, 10:03 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Really, this weather has become ridiculous. I am not fond of rain, and water? Well water serves the purpose to bathe and drink. I was warned, about the snow when I came and perhaps it's that my leg bothers me more right now that I need the cane far more than I thought but this snow is ridiculous. Frozen rain. Coming down with such fierceness that to make my way home is impossible and I either hunker down in my work room by the forge or find my way across to the Hundred Cities but even then.
I miss Lenosia. I do not think that my children sufficiently warned me enough about all this blistering cold and snow. Clearly I need a better cloak. To go with this scarf.
I miss Lenosia. I do not think that my children sufficiently warned me enough about all this blistering cold and snow. Clearly I need a better cloak. To go with this scarf.
Written By Alrec
Nov. 21, 2018, 8:50 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
You have nothing to apologies for, marquessa. It was a good read never the less.
Written By Verity
Nov. 21, 2018, 7:58 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
I do not often pen my thoughts into the Whites, so take note on this rare exception. Blame my introspective thoughts on the snow that has fallen so frequently of late, and the winter chill that inspires time spent quietly beside the fire.
I have been blessed with many a change over the past year. A change of outlook. A change of friends. A change of fortunes, if you will. Not the least of which is the blessing of having Mother Bianca as my patron. Many who now reside in Arx can say the same for themselves, if these journals are any indication. The city may be dedicated to the Queen of Endings, buts the Lady of Flame has certainly found a way to touch us all in these walls.
Likewise, I have watched many call for and receive the blessings of Mercies. With the constant trials of combat with which we make our stand against the forces that assail us, the healers of Lagoma's Discipleship have been in great demand.
So, for the blessings She has given me personally, and for those she's given to the rest of Arx, I have decided to sponsor a pilgrimage to one of Lagoma's most active centers of worship. For those in Arx, any Mercy, or any man or woman who has received the aid of those mercies, that wishes to take pilgrimage to show their appreciation for Lagoma, should know that I am offering to cover the cost of travel and protection along the way. I've already begun working out details with those who can aid in this endeavor. We will set out in two months.
I have been blessed with many a change over the past year. A change of outlook. A change of friends. A change of fortunes, if you will. Not the least of which is the blessing of having Mother Bianca as my patron. Many who now reside in Arx can say the same for themselves, if these journals are any indication. The city may be dedicated to the Queen of Endings, buts the Lady of Flame has certainly found a way to touch us all in these walls.
Likewise, I have watched many call for and receive the blessings of Mercies. With the constant trials of combat with which we make our stand against the forces that assail us, the healers of Lagoma's Discipleship have been in great demand.
So, for the blessings She has given me personally, and for those she's given to the rest of Arx, I have decided to sponsor a pilgrimage to one of Lagoma's most active centers of worship. For those in Arx, any Mercy, or any man or woman who has received the aid of those mercies, that wishes to take pilgrimage to show their appreciation for Lagoma, should know that I am offering to cover the cost of travel and protection along the way. I've already begun working out details with those who can aid in this endeavor. We will set out in two months.
Written By Amund
Nov. 21, 2018, 7:15 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Meriah
I'm not going to play at compassion for people who have done to me, personally, what they have done to countless others. Neither should you. I feel no empathy for them.
If you act like a rabid animal, expect to be treated like a rabid animal. Nothing more, nothing less.
I leave diplomats to do diplomacy. When their heads inevitably get impaled on boar spears as a warning, that's where 'serious killers' come in.
To get the job that should get done in the first place.
If you act like a rabid animal, expect to be treated like a rabid animal. Nothing more, nothing less.
I leave diplomats to do diplomacy. When their heads inevitably get impaled on boar spears as a warning, that's where 'serious killers' come in.
To get the job that should get done in the first place.
Written By Alrec
Nov. 21, 2018, 7:03 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Tell me about it. Even after they bent the knee to the compact. Not that I know any pirates.
Written By Alrec
Nov. 21, 2018, 7:01 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
Tears in your wake, never at your wake. I hope I am afforded the same Glory you were, to die in world ending battle.
Written By Lou
Nov. 21, 2018, 5:32 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
A different perspective for consideration. I've been heavily involved in the Lodge situation from an early, early time. Many months of preparation went into what happened. Part of my job was to determine where our enemy was, and to present that information to various people of the Compact. So, I scouted. On more than one occasion.
What I found among the Abandoned were not people who wanted to be enemies of the Compact, even though technically they were. I found a people willing to talk, and potentially even compromise and join the Compact, for the sheer reason that they were frightened of the growing situation in the forests and wanted our protection. People in their villages were disappearing, without a trace of how it happened. Whole villages were wiped out in sacrifice. Many were captured, to be used to fuel dark deeds or to be made into mindless slaves.
During my time in the caves, seeking out the cultists, I saw the product of what some of that mindless slave business was like. Some might have been willing, but I choose to believe that most were not. No one deserves that kind of fate, to be in a living nightmare that they can never awake from.
It is easy to forget, as history is fraught with many hurt feelings and feuding between our cultures, that the shav'arvani people used to be our people.
What I found among the Abandoned were not people who wanted to be enemies of the Compact, even though technically they were. I found a people willing to talk, and potentially even compromise and join the Compact, for the sheer reason that they were frightened of the growing situation in the forests and wanted our protection. People in their villages were disappearing, without a trace of how it happened. Whole villages were wiped out in sacrifice. Many were captured, to be used to fuel dark deeds or to be made into mindless slaves.
During my time in the caves, seeking out the cultists, I saw the product of what some of that mindless slave business was like. Some might have been willing, but I choose to believe that most were not. No one deserves that kind of fate, to be in a living nightmare that they can never awake from.
It is easy to forget, as history is fraught with many hurt feelings and feuding between our cultures, that the shav'arvani people used to be our people.
Written By Audric
Nov. 21, 2018, 5:25 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Amund
I kill. I pillage. I raid, and I burn. I do these things because I'm paid by people of the Compact to do them. Would you care to try to kill me? You're more than welcome to make the attempt! It's always so fun when people try. I hear you call yourself a sellsword, too! You should read my book, really. One of the prime rules of sellswording is a lack of judgment. I take anyone that wants a new life, make them rich, and put them to use! Although, I probably wouldn't take you. An exception proves the rule. After all, I'd have to go through all the trouble of training you, and then you'd decide all Abandoned need to die and my Prodigal second-in-command would kill you out of hand.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.