Written By Duarte
June 3, 2018, 2:26 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
I regret I missed the chariot race and the opportunity to see just what Arvum's tiniest donkey is made of.
Written By Pasquale
June 3, 2018, 2:24 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
I've attended many a chariot race in my life but none quite like what I witnessed in the recent exhibition in this city. I think Princess Sabella won it by encouraging her mount with pure charm, rather than the whip or inspired trickery. Not a tactic that I suspect would've been seen on the tracks on Lenosia or Setarco, but most entertaining to watch. The courage displayed by all who took the course was also inspiring. It was a fine, fiery piece of home, celebrated in Arx.
Written By Tabitha
June 3, 2018, 2:23 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
You're back! That's more of a relief than I can say.
Written By Thena
June 3, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
We have a /pet/ /duck/?
My gods, I can never leave again.
My gods, I can never leave again.
Written By Jaenelle
June 3, 2018, 1:37 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
I decided to participate in Talen and Niccolo' chariot race. I found it to be quite entertaining and the excitement of the race outweighed the dangers. Though to be fair, I didnt break any bones or burn to death in the fires so perhaps I didn't take full advantage of everything. Next time!
Written By Hadrian
June 3, 2018, 1:26 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rohran
The lessons that I seek to impart upon my progeny are beyond counting. Advice, directions, instructions, guidance. All of it meant to permit them successful lives for their House and then themselves. At times those lessons may contradict one another, at times they may infuriate them, but that is what is necessary for them to become what they must be.
Thus it is difficult for me to answer the question with a single shred of advice. Humanity - people - are far too complicated for only a lone piece of advice to guide them through their lives. One piece of advice among them would however be...
Always aspire for greatness. Leave mediocrity to those who can't find it in themselves to aspire for distinction or simply do not have the circumstances align to raise them up. When you've achieved all that you may dream, extend a hand to those who chose mediocrity and seek to uplift them. Inspire those around you to become better. Encourage and influence those who haven't realized their own potential to make the life they've been given account for something, for them. Not for yourself, not for them, but for humanity. Such noble aspirations needn't mean that you must weaken yourself. Seek to become both the lamb and the butcher, putting on the guise that the situation requires. Above all else, always support those who support you.
Thus it is difficult for me to answer the question with a single shred of advice. Humanity - people - are far too complicated for only a lone piece of advice to guide them through their lives. One piece of advice among them would however be...
Always aspire for greatness. Leave mediocrity to those who can't find it in themselves to aspire for distinction or simply do not have the circumstances align to raise them up. When you've achieved all that you may dream, extend a hand to those who chose mediocrity and seek to uplift them. Inspire those around you to become better. Encourage and influence those who haven't realized their own potential to make the life they've been given account for something, for them. Not for yourself, not for them, but for humanity. Such noble aspirations needn't mean that you must weaken yourself. Seek to become both the lamb and the butcher, putting on the guise that the situation requires. Above all else, always support those who support you.
Written By Cambria
June 3, 2018, 1:07 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rohran
I have been compiling a fair bit of advice I wish to pass down to my son. Life is too complex, too varied, and too great to only leave a child with one thing. Still, in the spirit of what you wish to do, I will publicly share one of my lessons from a Lycene mother:
A person who will not listen carefully to advice honestly given is a fool. Of course, an individual who blindly takes any advice they receive is a bigger fool.
A person who will not listen carefully to advice honestly given is a fool. Of course, an individual who blindly takes any advice they receive is a bigger fool.
Written By Orazio
June 3, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
(Excerpted from journals written during the voyage of the Carlotta, submitted to the Archives upon return to Arx.)
We should have brought a bard. Both because I confess my skills are inadequate to convey the things that we have seen, and continue to see, here - and because we could use someone to help keep people's spirits up. Just this morning, I was stopped by one of the workers seeking some spiritual support. When I asked what was concerning her, she burst into tears. We spoke for a while, about sorrow, and grief, and memories of the past - these stark plains seem to bring those to the forefront, and it becomes difficult to concentrate on goals. I, myself, have found my mind dwelling overmuch on my parents, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews. It is a distraction, and I try to push those thoughts to the back of my mind except when I am alone.
The camp is a relief. When we go on scouting trips, the quiet descends, and you can hear nothing but the wind and your own breathing, or the breathing of those around you. At first, it might seem soothing, but as the silence continues, it seems to thicken and harden, gathering weight and a presence all of its own. It can become stifling, haunting. Returning to people, seeing those brightly colored tents and waving banners providing a break to the monotonous horizon is a great relief.
I am still invested in our travels and our mission, but I confess that I dearly miss the sight of green, and the sounds of birds.
(Excerpted from journals written during the voyage of the Carlotta, submitted to the Archives upon return to Arx.)
We should have brought a bard. Both because I confess my skills are inadequate to convey the things that we have seen, and continue to see, here - and because we could use someone to help keep people's spirits up. Just this morning, I was stopped by one of the workers seeking some spiritual support. When I asked what was concerning her, she burst into tears. We spoke for a while, about sorrow, and grief, and memories of the past - these stark plains seem to bring those to the forefront, and it becomes difficult to concentrate on goals. I, myself, have found my mind dwelling overmuch on my parents, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews. It is a distraction, and I try to push those thoughts to the back of my mind except when I am alone.
The camp is a relief. When we go on scouting trips, the quiet descends, and you can hear nothing but the wind and your own breathing, or the breathing of those around you. At first, it might seem soothing, but as the silence continues, it seems to thicken and harden, gathering weight and a presence all of its own. It can become stifling, haunting. Returning to people, seeing those brightly colored tents and waving banners providing a break to the monotonous horizon is a great relief.
I am still invested in our travels and our mission, but I confess that I dearly miss the sight of green, and the sounds of birds.
Written By Rohran
June 3, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
If you could only leave one piece of advice for your children, what would you tell them?
Written By Kaldur
June 3, 2018, 12:46 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Signe
Diving in the winter is definitely ill-advised. Which is not to say I haven't done it. But, yes, best to wait.
Written By Calaudrin
June 3, 2018, 12:45 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
I'm going to go out and buy some desks. It sounds like we're all just using the same desk. It's getting cramped.
Written By Orazio
June 3, 2018, 12:45 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
(Excerpted from journals written on the voyage of the Carlotta, submitted to the Archives upon the return to Arx.)
Landfall!
I remember the palpable excitement when the call went out, the way we all rushed to the railings to look out at the tiny, black sliver on the horizon. It grew as we approached, to towering cliffs, like fortress walls, high enough to block any view of the land of the Wastes themselves. We found, with the able advice of Dame Leola and the skillful work of the Velenosa soldiers, a cove where our landing vessels could reach, and a winding path up to the top of the cliffs. Dear gods, do I not envy the laborers who have been working to get all of the expedition supplies up that path - although it is sturdy enough, at one point I remember looking over the side and my heart racing at the sight of the churning water below. Stand on the wall of the Ward of the Crown and look down, and you should grow close to the sensation. When we finally reached the top, I think we all held our breath just a little.
Whatever I expected, I confess that it was not what we found. The wasteland stretched before us, and never has that word been more apt. There was no birdsong. No whine of insects, nor crunch of breaking twigs underfoot - for there were no plants at all. We arrived at sunset, and the air was suffused in crimson and gold, the stark dirt before us painted in those gaudy colors. But their vibrancy could not hide the truth of the matter: there was no food here, nor shelter, nor life at all. We will have to watch our stores very carefully, for there will be no resupply on native resources during our explorations.
Gods help us all, this is a place of sorrow and mourning. I hope that our crews can keep their hopes and courage up in the face of it.
(Excerpted from journals written on the voyage of the Carlotta, submitted to the Archives upon the return to Arx.)
Landfall!
I remember the palpable excitement when the call went out, the way we all rushed to the railings to look out at the tiny, black sliver on the horizon. It grew as we approached, to towering cliffs, like fortress walls, high enough to block any view of the land of the Wastes themselves. We found, with the able advice of Dame Leola and the skillful work of the Velenosa soldiers, a cove where our landing vessels could reach, and a winding path up to the top of the cliffs. Dear gods, do I not envy the laborers who have been working to get all of the expedition supplies up that path - although it is sturdy enough, at one point I remember looking over the side and my heart racing at the sight of the churning water below. Stand on the wall of the Ward of the Crown and look down, and you should grow close to the sensation. When we finally reached the top, I think we all held our breath just a little.
Whatever I expected, I confess that it was not what we found. The wasteland stretched before us, and never has that word been more apt. There was no birdsong. No whine of insects, nor crunch of breaking twigs underfoot - for there were no plants at all. We arrived at sunset, and the air was suffused in crimson and gold, the stark dirt before us painted in those gaudy colors. But their vibrancy could not hide the truth of the matter: there was no food here, nor shelter, nor life at all. We will have to watch our stores very carefully, for there will be no resupply on native resources during our explorations.
Gods help us all, this is a place of sorrow and mourning. I hope that our crews can keep their hopes and courage up in the face of it.
Written By Kaldur
June 3, 2018, 12:39 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Recently Seliki welcomed Master Aonghus into the Compact and Arx. He's a skilled armorsmith and when his shop is up and running, you should all visit it. He might even sing you a tune if you ask nicely.
Written By Orazio
June 3, 2018, 12:35 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
(Written during the voyage of the Carlotta, archived upon arrival at Arx.)
Despite a Lycene heritage, I have not been a man of the sea, but rather of the city. I adore cities, and all their bustling, living people. Nonetheless, I will be forced to admit upon my return that there is a remarkable beauty to the sea. I've never sailed far outside of shore, but the Carlotta has sailed for days with no land, nor even the hint of land, in sight. The air grows warmer as we head south, but the breeze is brisk and filled with salt. The ship is as steady as a rock in the water, although I doubt that will be the case should we run into rough weather. Thus far, we are blessed with strong winds but clear skies. I have never felt quite so small, before, in all this endless blue above and below.
There are great beasts in the deep ocean. We saw one today, more than four times the size of even our own massive ship. Despite its side, it was graceful and majestic in the water, lifting itself up in an arc. A great, pebbled body and intelligent eyes. It seemed pleased to see us, welcoming us away from our shores. The sailors pronounced it and its kind as good omens, and so they proved to be. I gave thanks to Mangata and Petrichor and I believe that the creature gave us its blessing in return.
Night falls, and we have been advised to conserve lamp oil on the journey, so I shall end this entry here. May the gods keep us as we journey on.
(Written during the voyage of the Carlotta, archived upon arrival at Arx.)
Despite a Lycene heritage, I have not been a man of the sea, but rather of the city. I adore cities, and all their bustling, living people. Nonetheless, I will be forced to admit upon my return that there is a remarkable beauty to the sea. I've never sailed far outside of shore, but the Carlotta has sailed for days with no land, nor even the hint of land, in sight. The air grows warmer as we head south, but the breeze is brisk and filled with salt. The ship is as steady as a rock in the water, although I doubt that will be the case should we run into rough weather. Thus far, we are blessed with strong winds but clear skies. I have never felt quite so small, before, in all this endless blue above and below.
There are great beasts in the deep ocean. We saw one today, more than four times the size of even our own massive ship. Despite its side, it was graceful and majestic in the water, lifting itself up in an arc. A great, pebbled body and intelligent eyes. It seemed pleased to see us, welcoming us away from our shores. The sailors pronounced it and its kind as good omens, and so they proved to be. I gave thanks to Mangata and Petrichor and I believe that the creature gave us its blessing in return.
Night falls, and we have been advised to conserve lamp oil on the journey, so I shall end this entry here. May the gods keep us as we journey on.
Written By Ainsley
June 3, 2018, 12:27 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
Oh good, I left a pile of papers for you on your side of the desk. And a pile of papers for Silas on his side of the desk. Now I'm going to sleep for a full six hours.
Written By Lys
June 3, 2018, 12:11 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cullen
Lord Cullen most certainly does possess the most magnificent beard in the compact! I hear it's soft as feather down as well!
Written By Calaudrin
June 3, 2018, 11:25 a.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Well, I'm back.
Written By Signe
June 3, 2018, 10:39 a.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassius
This was not the way I wished for you to know peace.
Written By Signe
June 3, 2018, 10:32 a.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaldur
When warmth returns to the south I must try cliff diving.
Written By Fredrik
June 3, 2018, 10:30 a.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
From: The Desk of Lord Fredrik RedTyde
Subject: explanation of RedTyde and my status
There have been several people who have wondered on my name and status, and I decided that a White Journal writing might help to clear up a few things.
I was born Lord Fredrik RedTyde. I was not born a commoner, but the third son of the RedTyde house, a March under the Tyde banner. When the Tydes rebelled, it was the first casualty of the war. My entire family, along with my wife and three children, were killed. I am, as far as I know, the only true RedTyde left alive. I will not go into the intricate details of why that is, but suffice to say I was on a business family trip when the war began, and have since, for almost two decades, posed as a commoner merchant, because if I had not? I would have been killed.
It was only very recently that I felt reassured in the political environment enough to emerge again, bearing my true title. I am not a 'ward' of the House, I am their Minister of Coin, their advisor, a member of the Silver Consortium, Manager of the Empyrean, student of the Scholars, and many other things besides. I am more than capable, not a pity case, and add daily to my House.
And very soon? I am rebuilding and reclaiming my March, to become Marquis Fredrik RedTyde. This may take months, or longer, it depends on the shape of my lands and how burned they still are from the purge. But it /will/ happen. Pure and simple. I will not let RedTyde fade into memory.
I have the support of Duchess Margot and High Lord Edain in this venture already, and will hopefully receive more aid as I can.
We will not go quietly into the night. My family deserves more than that.
Subject: explanation of RedTyde and my status
There have been several people who have wondered on my name and status, and I decided that a White Journal writing might help to clear up a few things.
I was born Lord Fredrik RedTyde. I was not born a commoner, but the third son of the RedTyde house, a March under the Tyde banner. When the Tydes rebelled, it was the first casualty of the war. My entire family, along with my wife and three children, were killed. I am, as far as I know, the only true RedTyde left alive. I will not go into the intricate details of why that is, but suffice to say I was on a business family trip when the war began, and have since, for almost two decades, posed as a commoner merchant, because if I had not? I would have been killed.
It was only very recently that I felt reassured in the political environment enough to emerge again, bearing my true title. I am not a 'ward' of the House, I am their Minister of Coin, their advisor, a member of the Silver Consortium, Manager of the Empyrean, student of the Scholars, and many other things besides. I am more than capable, not a pity case, and add daily to my House.
And very soon? I am rebuilding and reclaiming my March, to become Marquis Fredrik RedTyde. This may take months, or longer, it depends on the shape of my lands and how burned they still are from the purge. But it /will/ happen. Pure and simple. I will not let RedTyde fade into memory.
I have the support of Duchess Margot and High Lord Edain in this venture already, and will hopefully receive more aid as I can.
We will not go quietly into the night. My family deserves more than that.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.