Written By Kenna
July 28, 2018, 5:53 p.m.(4/13/1009 AR)
I'm not a dog to be patted on the head.
That's Princess Muffin, thank you very much.
That's Princess Muffin, thank you very much.
Written By Violet
July 28, 2018, 5:16 p.m.(4/13/1009 AR)
I went to meet up with Thorley at the Training Center the other day. What I found when I got there was the start of a grand melee. It's been awhile since I've participated in such. For several I'm sure it was a warmup for the competition. Fur me it was simply fun. It was Sir Thorley, Dame Felicia, Aksel, Prince Jasher, Lord Cadern, Rowenova and Myself. I took a good few hits from various opponents, mainly Aksel after he took down Thorley who took to guarding my back. Tends to happen when you're married, even in a grand melee. I'm glad we didn't wind up the last two standing.
As it wound out, though, it came down to Jasher and I. Even after Aksel came for me, I managed to take him down with a few well-placed arrows. Though I'll have some lovely bruises to show for it. Then it was his Highness and I, with me finally taking him down. It was quite the show I am told. All I know is it felt good to have the blood pumping for the fun of it and not because my life was in danger.
As it wound out, though, it came down to Jasher and I. Even after Aksel came for me, I managed to take him down with a few well-placed arrows. Though I'll have some lovely bruises to show for it. Then it was his Highness and I, with me finally taking him down. It was quite the show I am told. All I know is it felt good to have the blood pumping for the fun of it and not because my life was in danger.
Written By Mirari
July 28, 2018, 2:20 p.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
To those who have contacted me about Talen's unicorn :
It's a unique item. I won't be making more, but with a little bit of felt, you could make one yourself...
..it just won't be as good as Unisworn.
It's a unique item. I won't be making more, but with a little bit of felt, you could make one yourself...
..it just won't be as good as Unisworn.
Written By Cambria
July 28, 2018, 2:14 p.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
Thoughts about knighthood:
A knight is an individual who lives honorably and dies (if you believe in such things) honorably, because the knight cares more for honor than for their own life. If honor requires the knight to fight, then a fight there shall be. The knight does not count the number of foes arrayed before them, nor measure their strength. To the knight, those things do not matter. They do not affect the knight's decision.
A knight is an individual who lives honorably and dies (if you believe in such things) honorably, because the knight cares more for honor than for their own life. If honor requires the knight to fight, then a fight there shall be. The knight does not count the number of foes arrayed before them, nor measure their strength. To the knight, those things do not matter. They do not affect the knight's decision.
Written By Cambria
July 28, 2018, 1:57 p.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
Once I thought that time was but a single thread; a straight line one could follow to look at the past, the present, and then onward, into the future. I no longer think that way. Time is a weaving, a tapestry that extends infinitely in all directions.
Written By Cambria
July 28, 2018, 1:50 p.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
I had a Scholar when I was a lass who used to say, 'Happy is the soul who has found their work - but of course the addict who has found a large stash of Dust is happy, too.' One kind of addiction is approved by society, and the other is not, but both can destroy their victims.
Written By Rosalie
July 28, 2018, 12:58 p.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
Today ends my weeklong sojourn into the Shrine of the Thirteenth. Not the first time I've done such a thing, either, though that was strictly for personal reasons. I find that the shrine is a calming influence, the utter silence that can nearly deafen a person with its finality is welcome after weeks of a constant social whirl. Yes, after a few days it can become to quiet that the sound of one's own breathing can sound like a bellows, but it does help to focus the mind and clear away all the detritus. Choices become so much clearer, the clean logic of it so pure its nearly blinding. I know I'm probably expected to talk about whether or not I will take my vows as a Scholar, but I won't. I knew the answer to that before I ever set foot inside the Thirteenth's shrine and nothing has changed my mind since them. Instead I will say this..
Making up your own mind about any given choice is the only -true- freedom anyone has. Don't waste it.
Making up your own mind about any given choice is the only -true- freedom anyone has. Don't waste it.
Written By Asher
July 28, 2018, 11:05 a.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
It's been a while since I wrote one of these. Not sure where I lost the time. I know that these are public thoughts, and yet writing it all down seems to be quite personal. It's for posterity, so that later generations can search through and research their history. Some might disdain to look at such things from a common man like me - I wasn't even born a Grayhope, just little Asher Morrlin, that runt nobody expected to survive his tenth winter. But I did, tenacious snot that I am. And I've learned some things that will help people survive. All people.
Hubris is dangerous. Your own overconfidence can, and usually will, be your undoing. I don't mean this in a way to say that you should not boast when drunk - that's all in good fun. I'm talking when thinking that you're stronger than your opponent, when you think you can handle something you don't understand. It is for this reason that I emphasize that magic be taken with a gravity that nothing else can. I should also apply this to the miracles given by the Gods, though the Gods know what they are doing when they give such miracles.
The reasoning for the serious attitude towards magic is simple - it is the same reason that there is a law against using it. For your own protection, of course. There is something, created around the time of the Reckoning, which poisons the Primum of humanity; the inert substance within oneself that would, theoretically, allows magic to be cast. Being poisoned, attempting magic gravely wounds you, or even kills you. But even without that, you must realize the reason that such a thing was likely created:
I'm fairly certain that humanity caused the Reckoning. I know not who, or why, but someone used magic and its outcome was to bring Archfiends to the world, which indeed did require the Compact to defeat, along with the great heroes of that age. Even so, magic was hidden away from us for a good reason. We cannot be trusted with it. Not at that level, at least. Even so many centuries later, I don't think humanity is yet ready for the full force of it; trust in the Gods, for now. When the Despite is destroyed, and its creator slain - in truth I don't know if they're dead already - that is when we might be safe enough to do small things. Very small.
The point is, hubris is deadly. Don't try to fight an avalanche. You might cause a larger one, and kill more than yourself in the process.
Hubris is dangerous. Your own overconfidence can, and usually will, be your undoing. I don't mean this in a way to say that you should not boast when drunk - that's all in good fun. I'm talking when thinking that you're stronger than your opponent, when you think you can handle something you don't understand. It is for this reason that I emphasize that magic be taken with a gravity that nothing else can. I should also apply this to the miracles given by the Gods, though the Gods know what they are doing when they give such miracles.
The reasoning for the serious attitude towards magic is simple - it is the same reason that there is a law against using it. For your own protection, of course. There is something, created around the time of the Reckoning, which poisons the Primum of humanity; the inert substance within oneself that would, theoretically, allows magic to be cast. Being poisoned, attempting magic gravely wounds you, or even kills you. But even without that, you must realize the reason that such a thing was likely created:
I'm fairly certain that humanity caused the Reckoning. I know not who, or why, but someone used magic and its outcome was to bring Archfiends to the world, which indeed did require the Compact to defeat, along with the great heroes of that age. Even so, magic was hidden away from us for a good reason. We cannot be trusted with it. Not at that level, at least. Even so many centuries later, I don't think humanity is yet ready for the full force of it; trust in the Gods, for now. When the Despite is destroyed, and its creator slain - in truth I don't know if they're dead already - that is when we might be safe enough to do small things. Very small.
The point is, hubris is deadly. Don't try to fight an avalanche. You might cause a larger one, and kill more than yourself in the process.
Written By Tikva
July 28, 2018, 10:54 a.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
The Tournament of Swords was an unqualified success. Princess Sabella and Princess Coraline were stalwart allies unto the breach. Over the course of two nights of contest and celebration, we gave away thousands of silver, rubicund, seasilk, gemstones, stygian, iridescite, epiphanite, and of course, the diamondplate prize for the melee. We also gave away gallons of ale, wine, mead, approximately 70 whole roast pigs, 4 spitted cattle, 100 fowl, 200 charcoal baked potatoes, and I'm not sure how many cakes and tarts, but the staff has informed me that it was a lot!
I also have no idea how much face paint we went through, but the children definitely seemed to enjoy themselves, especially at the beach parade portion of the entertainment. Tiber threw a fit when we had to wash the griffon paint off his face, because he wanted to stay a monster forever. (I somehow did not comment on this.)
Congratulations to all of those who were victorious and my thanks to everyone who competed, I'm so glad you came and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!
(I'm left without any comment on the Archduke's unicorn.)
I also have no idea how much face paint we went through, but the children definitely seemed to enjoy themselves, especially at the beach parade portion of the entertainment. Tiber threw a fit when we had to wash the griffon paint off his face, because he wanted to stay a monster forever. (I somehow did not comment on this.)
Congratulations to all of those who were victorious and my thanks to everyone who competed, I'm so glad you came and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!
(I'm left without any comment on the Archduke's unicorn.)
Written By Thorley
July 28, 2018, 10:44 a.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
If he's getting rid of an alacrite axe, I know of a good home for it.
No, not in my skull - or anywhere in my person.
No, not in my skull - or anywhere in my person.
Written By Corban
July 28, 2018, 9:33 a.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
The Bladesong is a credit to her family and fealty. After her impressive skills in combat, she now bested the entire field in the Joust.
All of Gloria's honor to you, my friend.
All of Gloria's honor to you, my friend.
Written By Fecundo
July 28, 2018, 9:32 a.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
The closing night of the Tournament of Swords was my first large event of it’s type for me here in Arx. There was some excellent talent on display, from Sir Calaudrin Estedes taking the archery contest in fine fashion to Princess Sorrel Thrax’s display of skill in the joust (I must learn how to ride one of these days and stop just being a foot soldier).
Now…having been a knight and a Champion, I thought myself ready for the melee. I will say it is fortunate that is was mostly a friendly contest (though I do believe Talen and Victus were a little too eager to do harm to one another..and show just how much of a beating they could take. I won’t even go into the unicorn). Just from my experience at that event, I have learned I much prefer the more controlled chaos of a duel to that of this tourney’s free for all style. Not knowing where, or from whom, a blow might come was rather nerve wracking. I held my own for a while and was mostly trading steel with a young lady named Helia. I will have to seek her out as a sparring and practice partner later. Her agility and liquidity kept me from landing all but one shot while she was picking away at me.
In the end, it was Sir Jordan Ober, who took me out of play. I was so engaged with the aforementioned young lady, that I did not see or expect his strike. So deft was his initial (and final, as it were) blow that three healers could not entirely set me to rights and I will have to seek out further care. In some ways, it lessens the shot to the ego to be taken out by the eventual winner…but only a little.
What I have learned is that I am in need of better armor, faster feet and more practice. The first is easy, the second two are about continuing to learn and improve oneself. That is, after all, one of the big reasons I came here. On to the next lesson…
Now…having been a knight and a Champion, I thought myself ready for the melee. I will say it is fortunate that is was mostly a friendly contest (though I do believe Talen and Victus were a little too eager to do harm to one another..and show just how much of a beating they could take. I won’t even go into the unicorn). Just from my experience at that event, I have learned I much prefer the more controlled chaos of a duel to that of this tourney’s free for all style. Not knowing where, or from whom, a blow might come was rather nerve wracking. I held my own for a while and was mostly trading steel with a young lady named Helia. I will have to seek her out as a sparring and practice partner later. Her agility and liquidity kept me from landing all but one shot while she was picking away at me.
In the end, it was Sir Jordan Ober, who took me out of play. I was so engaged with the aforementioned young lady, that I did not see or expect his strike. So deft was his initial (and final, as it were) blow that three healers could not entirely set me to rights and I will have to seek out further care. In some ways, it lessens the shot to the ego to be taken out by the eventual winner…but only a little.
What I have learned is that I am in need of better armor, faster feet and more practice. The first is easy, the second two are about continuing to learn and improve oneself. That is, after all, one of the big reasons I came here. On to the next lesson…
Written By Gerard
July 28, 2018, 9:20 a.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
That was.... unfortunate. Ow
Written By Edward
July 28, 2018, 8:27 a.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
Congratulations to Sir Norwood and House Laurent on the development of Duskshire.
Written By Edward
July 28, 2018, 8:26 a.m.(4/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
Luca! Start wearing armored codpieces. No more of this letting burly Redrain warriors do full sprinted punts to your dangly bits because you're too drunk to feel it or care while you spar naked.
Written By Aksel
July 28, 2018, 1:53 a.m.(4/11/1009 AR)
It's always good to test ones skill in battle. Even in a fray such as I was just in of the Tournament of Swords, there are tests. And things you learn.
The biggest thing I learned? Wearing a full set of plate is mighty handy, don't know if I would enjoy being rattled around like that though.
The biggest thing I learned? Wearing a full set of plate is mighty handy, don't know if I would enjoy being rattled around like that though.
Written By Jordan
July 28, 2018, 1:17 a.m.(4/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
It goes without saying but your performance throughout the jousting competition was amazing. The Bladesong is most definitely not one to trifle with on horseback.
By the Gods, I could swear I was flying down the lists after that unhorsing.
By the Gods, I could swear I was flying down the lists after that unhorsing.
Written By Jordan
July 28, 2018, 1:15 a.m.(4/11/1009 AR)
It was an honor to fight in the Tournament of Swords, and I thank Gloria for Her blessings tonight. I did my best, as did everyone on the arena. An amazing display of daring, might and skill-at-arms. Also an unicorn.
Didn't mean to hurt you as badly as I did, Prince Talen, a thousand apologies.
Didn't mean to hurt you as badly as I did, Prince Talen, a thousand apologies.
Written By Victus
July 28, 2018, 1:09 a.m.(4/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
I've never been one for a joust. Horses and I don't get along nearly as well as other animals. But I've always respected the sport for its visceral style and the brutality one risks when getting smashed by a lance at high speeds.
Falling from horses looks like it's shit. So kudos to Sorrel for staying on the horse and bearing the brunt of her share of blows.
Falling from horses looks like it's shit. So kudos to Sorrel for staying on the horse and bearing the brunt of her share of blows.
Written By Kael
July 28, 2018, 1:07 a.m.(4/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
I second the Dusk Knight.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.