Written By Ignacio
May 31, 2018, 5:23 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
The heavy weight of Duty (Week 17)
While I have been making good progress on the defensive measures I have been working on, I find that my duties take me away from my wife more than I like. I believe I might be getting ahead of things and I should see to correct this. After all, she means everything to me, she should at least feel that way.
While I have been making good progress on the defensive measures I have been working on, I find that my duties take me away from my wife more than I like. I believe I might be getting ahead of things and I should see to correct this. After all, she means everything to me, she should at least feel that way.
Written By Barik
May 31, 2018, 5:15 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Even in the house where I was raised and born never did I feel like I belonged. There was a certain weight to my existence; a certain, unspoken understanding between father and mother that I was some sort of weight upon their shoulders. A burden, she called me once. And thus I always tried to make my existence as least bothersome as possible- I'd clean after myself; I'd wash after my used goods, and I'd eat as little as possible. Drink as little as possible. Made me stay skinny and puny for the better part of fourteen years, but it made me feel better when they argued, and came to unleash their blames upon myself. I don't feel that sensation here, in the House of Questions. There's a certain assertiveness to this sprawling tomb of a home, beneath the screams of the faithless and the sworn vows of shared Confessors. This is home now. We all have a duty; we all have an enemy, and while some haven't seen its face I have. The Inquisitor said our enemy doesn't know fear.
I believe him. We'll teach them fear, then.
I believe him. We'll teach them fear, then.
Written By Percephon
May 31, 2018, 4:06 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
It's not about the intent. It's not about the outcome. Those are inseparable. It's about the impact.
Written By Bliss
May 31, 2018, 3:57 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
I have spent this morning in contemplation of my reflection, looking in the mirror, watching her. This beautiful, scarred creature with such an easy smile, who feels everything so deeply.
I understand that to some, this is a difficult, terrifying task to perform. I know some even might think this is dangerous. But I have never been in doubt about who I really am - and I will fully admit, there are days that I am more her than I am the being I normally see myself as.
Is it so easy to look upon someone, I wonder, and see only the person that you wish to see, not who they really are? The answer is, of course, yes, unless you make sure to look with a critical eye. Watch how they behave with those they are trying to impress. With those they could care less about. Who they actively want to destroy. When they're angry. When they're afraid of loss. When they have something to prove. When they have nothing to prove. If you wish to really know a person, try to find a way to get them to show all these sides of themselves. You will see what emerges, you will see what they truly value - or even what they only value at those times. It is all important. Ignoring these sides of someone is dangerous. It is a lesson we have all learned far too often easily; it is a lesson far too easily forgotten.
There is much I could say about who I am seeing right now, but as I look between parchment and mirror, I realize these are things for the Blacks, or for private conversation - or perhaps better off left unsaid. She doesn't frighten me, though.
How could she, really?
I understand that to some, this is a difficult, terrifying task to perform. I know some even might think this is dangerous. But I have never been in doubt about who I really am - and I will fully admit, there are days that I am more her than I am the being I normally see myself as.
Is it so easy to look upon someone, I wonder, and see only the person that you wish to see, not who they really are? The answer is, of course, yes, unless you make sure to look with a critical eye. Watch how they behave with those they are trying to impress. With those they could care less about. Who they actively want to destroy. When they're angry. When they're afraid of loss. When they have something to prove. When they have nothing to prove. If you wish to really know a person, try to find a way to get them to show all these sides of themselves. You will see what emerges, you will see what they truly value - or even what they only value at those times. It is all important. Ignoring these sides of someone is dangerous. It is a lesson we have all learned far too often easily; it is a lesson far too easily forgotten.
There is much I could say about who I am seeing right now, but as I look between parchment and mirror, I realize these are things for the Blacks, or for private conversation - or perhaps better off left unsaid. She doesn't frighten me, though.
How could she, really?
Written By Joscelin
May 31, 2018, 2:39 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
I had another dream that I stood on the shore and stared into the fog, but this one wasn't as pleasant as the last.
I stared into the gray mist that clung to the sea, watched it creep towards the shore like wispy fingers full of time and history, my history. The voices I heard in the fog voices only I knew, people that had come and gone, leaving by Death or by will. I was waiting to see their faces, I was reaching out to touch them, any of them. But there was nothing.
Only a feeling of dust on my fingertips; the empty promise of a past left behind.
I should either quit drinking, or drink more.
I stared into the gray mist that clung to the sea, watched it creep towards the shore like wispy fingers full of time and history, my history. The voices I heard in the fog voices only I knew, people that had come and gone, leaving by Death or by will. I was waiting to see their faces, I was reaching out to touch them, any of them. But there was nothing.
Only a feeling of dust on my fingertips; the empty promise of a past left behind.
I should either quit drinking, or drink more.
Written By Preston
May 31, 2018, 2:20 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
I am neither a philosopher nor a disciple, but a Godsworn priest, so I hope Lord Arik will forgive me if I answer. As Blessed Aleksei says, one cannot fully separate the two - everything is connected and will in various ways affect everything up and down the chain, it is why the question of choice is not one which can solely relate to the individual in isolation, because no person lives in such a way (and if they do, who cares about them?). Gloria would argue however that paramount be given to your behaviour and your intent over the outcome. That a good man failing through honourable means is better than a man succeeding through unsavory practice. However, doing good just because it is good and ignoring long term consequences is in and of itself a false kind of honour. This is why Gloria accepts at times it is better to withdraw, your duty to oppose done, and fight another day when you m ight win than lose your entire force in a hopeless battle that need not be the end of your struggle.
Written By Aureth
May 31, 2018, 1:42 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
There is always a choice. The question becomes, what is the cost? Are you willing to pay it? But there's a not insignificant moral difference between the success of your plan for a price that you pay or at a cost to you, and when it comes at a cost, you must ensure that it's worth it.
Or else what it costs is everything, and what you gain is moot.
As it happens, sometimes the bargain is worth it, and would be cheap at twice the price. But there's no moral certainty about this. It's a balance. Always, it depends what is on each side of that scale.
Or else what it costs is everything, and what you gain is moot.
As it happens, sometimes the bargain is worth it, and would be cheap at twice the price. But there's no moral certainty about this. It's a balance. Always, it depends what is on each side of that scale.
Written By Arik
May 31, 2018, 1:24 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
I likewise see a theme to the whites and so I will participate...
Intentions and outcomes are for Disciples and Philosophers. In truth what matters is what you can live with... What you are willing to tell your family and your people. If you cannot bring yourself to speak of your intentions or what outcome they brought you have erred. If you cannot live with what you have wrought or the reason behind such, than you have erred.
[in a slightly different slant, the writing clearly at a different angle from the original script]
Fools will be fools and the prideful will be arrogant. The blindness to error does not preclude the truth of wrong deed or misguided intent.
Intentions and outcomes are for Disciples and Philosophers. In truth what matters is what you can live with... What you are willing to tell your family and your people. If you cannot bring yourself to speak of your intentions or what outcome they brought you have erred. If you cannot live with what you have wrought or the reason behind such, than you have erred.
[in a slightly different slant, the writing clearly at a different angle from the original script]
Fools will be fools and the prideful will be arrogant. The blindness to error does not preclude the truth of wrong deed or misguided intent.
Written By Pasquale
May 31, 2018, 1:11 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
A question of philosophical interest in the whites? It’s a rare day. I’ll play.
Outcomes, of course, are paramount. By itself, minus action and resolve to see it through, intent means nothing.
Yet that’s an over-simplification, and often an excuse for personal indulgence or dishonorable conduct. A castle built on a poorly-laid foundation will inevitably crumble, and intention is part of that foundation. How one does a thing, and why, shapes what the thing becomes, and what one is at the end of it.
Outcomes, of course, are paramount. By itself, minus action and resolve to see it through, intent means nothing.
Yet that’s an over-simplification, and often an excuse for personal indulgence or dishonorable conduct. A castle built on a poorly-laid foundation will inevitably crumble, and intention is part of that foundation. How one does a thing, and why, shapes what the thing becomes, and what one is at the end of it.
Written By Norwood
May 31, 2018, 1:09 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Lady Greenmarch,
Without the proper intentions, no outcome will ever be worth price paid.
Without the proper intentions, no outcome will ever be worth price paid.
Written By Aleksei
May 31, 2018, 1:08 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
You can't separate them. You put all your weight on intent, the person's suddenly not responsible for the consequences of dumb but well-intentioned actions. Put it all on outcomes, you end up with "the ends justify the means," and nothing good ever came out of that.
Written By Ariella
May 31, 2018, 12:12 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Outcomes.
Any other ancient quandaries I can resolve before lunch today?
Any other ancient quandaries I can resolve before lunch today?
Written By Monique
May 31, 2018, 12:04 p.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Are intentions or outcomes more important when judging whether actions are moral?
A question I've been pondering of late. Deep thoughts, and I'm not sure whether I've got an answer.
A question I've been pondering of late. Deep thoughts, and I'm not sure whether I've got an answer.
Written By Tikva
May 31, 2018, 11:55 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
The Inquisition is not appointed for trial by combat as that would make neither legal nor practical sense. The Inquisition is mildly entertained by the Chief Justice's quest to expand her jurisdiction over us but if she does it again the Inquisition may have to challenge her to the most boring and pedantic honor duel of all time.
Written By Arik
May 31, 2018, 11:28 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Veronica
I believe that trial by combat can be denied if the representative of the Faith determines the evidence is undeniable. Denied in some cases, noble right to trial by combat is rarely if ever denied that I know of but we are very far north in Whitehold.
Written By Dycard
May 31, 2018, 11:28 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Day three in civilisation. So far I've found out that Skye survived and is now Baroness, that Romulius made it back to civilisation, that Uncle Oscar didn't survive, and that father is missing presumed dead. I doubt that last one, given the lengths he went to to escape the Reavers, and that I myself have managed to come back from missing presumed dead. Cousin Iseulet's alive and doing well for herself, and has a very nice bath.
My chequered past is going to cause issues, especially if Romulius has opened his mouth about me; if he hasn't, I'm going to have to plant the right rumours myself. They should already be flying by now, really - let's see where they come back from.
I still possess a talent for flattering people into blushes. So far that includes a Knight, a Princess, and a trained Courtesan, so I'm calling that a victory. Father would be puce with rage, which I've always considered a victory, petty as it may be. Without him around to offend it's still just as much fun as it ever was to see if I can dance along the line of being welcomed without going over it. Now I just need the clothing to go with the title, the accent and the training - there's a difference between a well-turned-out gentleman with a frisson of danger, and a common sailor with the reality of it, and at the moment I'm far too close to the latter for my own comfort. Here's hoping my sister gets back soon, welcomes me with open arms, gives me a load of money, and tells my brother where to shove his righteousness. I'm still a little nervous about seeing Romulius again - I'm not sure he'll forgive me what I've done, and if he winds me up too much I'll tell him where to shove that righteousness myself. Still, if it all goes horribly wrong, there appear to be other options. It's an interesting place, Arx, even if it doesn't have sails.
My chequered past is going to cause issues, especially if Romulius has opened his mouth about me; if he hasn't, I'm going to have to plant the right rumours myself. They should already be flying by now, really - let's see where they come back from.
I still possess a talent for flattering people into blushes. So far that includes a Knight, a Princess, and a trained Courtesan, so I'm calling that a victory. Father would be puce with rage, which I've always considered a victory, petty as it may be. Without him around to offend it's still just as much fun as it ever was to see if I can dance along the line of being welcomed without going over it. Now I just need the clothing to go with the title, the accent and the training - there's a difference between a well-turned-out gentleman with a frisson of danger, and a common sailor with the reality of it, and at the moment I'm far too close to the latter for my own comfort. Here's hoping my sister gets back soon, welcomes me with open arms, gives me a load of money, and tells my brother where to shove his righteousness. I'm still a little nervous about seeing Romulius again - I'm not sure he'll forgive me what I've done, and if he winds me up too much I'll tell him where to shove that righteousness myself. Still, if it all goes horribly wrong, there appear to be other options. It's an interesting place, Arx, even if it doesn't have sails.
Written By Veronica
May 31, 2018, 11:25 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Octavia
Thank you for the explanation of the Arxian legal process, Chief Magistrate. It is certainly more complex than the regional trials I am accustomed to. Granted, back home I regularly haul in thieves, robbers and shav bandits, whose guilt are almost universally undeniable.
Written By Cullen
May 31, 2018, 10:11 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ariella
On second thought, maybe I'll stay on land.
Written By Octavia
May 31, 2018, 9:53 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
To answer the Lady Veronica's question about Trial by Combat: Trial by Combat is a right granted by the Gods, and the Crown Court considers it an equivalent method of obtaining the Sentinel's justice to the Trial by Magistrate.
Typically when someone is brought before the Court for judgement, the charges are read, the accused is given the chance to plead guilty or innocent, and then the Court offers them the choice of Trial by Combat or Trial by Magistrate. This choice is binding and irreversable, so that the accused cannot attempt to change their mind if they are losing.
During a Trial by Combat under the jurisdiction of the Crown Court, a magistrate will appoint a champion, typically from the ranks of the Iron Guard or the Inquisition, while the accused is allowed to find someone to fight for them. The rest of it proceeds as a Trial by Combat typically does, with a magistrate and a priest standing at ringside to certify the outcome of the duel.
Typically when someone is brought before the Court for judgement, the charges are read, the accused is given the chance to plead guilty or innocent, and then the Court offers them the choice of Trial by Combat or Trial by Magistrate. This choice is binding and irreversable, so that the accused cannot attempt to change their mind if they are losing.
During a Trial by Combat under the jurisdiction of the Crown Court, a magistrate will appoint a champion, typically from the ranks of the Iron Guard or the Inquisition, while the accused is allowed to find someone to fight for them. The rest of it proceeds as a Trial by Combat typically does, with a magistrate and a priest standing at ringside to certify the outcome of the duel.
Written By Ariella
May 31, 2018, 9:45 a.m.(11/20/1008 AR)
Amend my previous headcount:
Cullen Greenmarch - Cabin Boy
Cullen Greenmarch - Cabin Boy
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