Written By Ainsley
May 26, 2018, 1:10 a.m.(11/7/1008 AR)
I have taken into my care and in my sole, unshared, responsibility forty some children. I must speak softly around them, for loud voices frighten them. I sat with them today and in the middle one of them started crying. Before I had a chance to comfort the little girl, more started crying. Not all of them, blessed is the mercy of the gods, but enough. I sat helplessly trying to comfort and console them. Filled with guilt, anger, and helplessness.
What a caustic mix inside of my chest burns.
What a caustic mix inside of my chest burns.
Written By Sina
May 26, 2018, 1:07 a.m.(11/7/1008 AR)
Now that I have made my decision, I find peace within my heart, and a sense of purpose and focus. I look forward to the future, and to seeing what I may do in service to the Gods. I am ready to spread my wings, and fly into the face of the unknown. It is time now to set aside my cares, and begin this new chapter of my life. I am so very much looking forward to Father Orazio's return, and our promised cup of tea. We have much to talk about. I pray that he returns safely, from wherever he has gone.
Written By Thena
May 26, 2018, 12:05 a.m.(11/5/1008 AR)
Dispatched from Oathlands Waystation:
Mercy Davin was displeased with the bloodshed, but I heard Sir Jeffeth trying to talk to brigands down and they were having none of it.
I don't take pleasure in killing. But from the streets of the Lowers to the office of Grandmaster of the Silver Order, by the gods, if you come at my people I will come at you.
Mercy Davin was displeased with the bloodshed, but I heard Sir Jeffeth trying to talk to brigands down and they were having none of it.
I don't take pleasure in killing. But from the streets of the Lowers to the office of Grandmaster of the Silver Order, by the gods, if you come at my people I will come at you.
Written By Alarissa
May 26, 2018, 12:04 a.m.(11/5/1008 AR)
The tour draws nearer and more and more details are being finalized. Co-ordination of outfits or jewelry to the various houses, ensuring the funds have been sent ahead in time to assist with the feasts in each port. The new flagship will come soon and Victus can have it blessed and anointed. I like the idea that the first journey upon it's decks will be one in which we tour the isles. An inaugural trip in many ways. One that I wish we had been able to take far sooner than now.
It will be cool upon the decks but the Lady Juliana Pravus is working with a seamstress and leatherworker to ensure that we look appropriate. I already marveled at the collar that she brought over to attach to the coat she made for Victus. One is being made from the leftover leather for Astrid and a silver fox fur. The same fox fur for hers shall be used on mine, though not the leather. Something of mine and Victus' shall make up hers. Hopefully something that will age with her. The eye on that woman is astounding. What she sees in her mind and then puts into play with the aid of skilled hands of another.
I am excited and yet nervous as well. No matter how hard one plans for numerous contingencies, one never knows what will happen.
It will be cool upon the decks but the Lady Juliana Pravus is working with a seamstress and leatherworker to ensure that we look appropriate. I already marveled at the collar that she brought over to attach to the coat she made for Victus. One is being made from the leftover leather for Astrid and a silver fox fur. The same fox fur for hers shall be used on mine, though not the leather. Something of mine and Victus' shall make up hers. Hopefully something that will age with her. The eye on that woman is astounding. What she sees in her mind and then puts into play with the aid of skilled hands of another.
I am excited and yet nervous as well. No matter how hard one plans for numerous contingencies, one never knows what will happen.
Written By Cambria
May 26, 2018, 12:01 a.m.(11/5/1008 AR)
I feel sorry for those who insist on continuing to do what they have always done but want the results to be different from what they have always been.
Written By Merek
May 25, 2018, 8:38 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
I think that I'll look around and find more flowers for my garden. I just need to find some interesting kinds.
Written By Amari
May 25, 2018, 7:54 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
So exciting! Another Keaton baby I can spoil. You and Kael must be overjoyed, even if Aeryn isn't.
I imagine Aric reacted the same way when I was born, except I suppose it would have been less cute since he would have been about thirteen years old at the time. I think he's grown to tolerate me, so there's hope.
Welcome to the world, Lord Talis Storm Keaton!
I imagine Aric reacted the same way when I was born, except I suppose it would have been less cute since he would have been about thirteen years old at the time. I think he's grown to tolerate me, so there's hope.
Welcome to the world, Lord Talis Storm Keaton!
Written By Barric
May 25, 2018, 7:49 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
Got to spar with Princess Marian finally, she'd been pregnant when we first talked about it.
Was a hell of a fight, never had a spar last that long but we were wearing leathers and using tournament practice swords since Dame Edelma has my steel still.
She's a tremendous fighter, can't wait to do it again when she is fully recovered from the twins.
Have to give her an opportunity for a rematch win.
I am sure we'll be sparring a lot more to help her get back into fighting shape. Looking forwards to it.
Was a hell of a fight, never had a spar last that long but we were wearing leathers and using tournament practice swords since Dame Edelma has my steel still.
She's a tremendous fighter, can't wait to do it again when she is fully recovered from the twins.
Have to give her an opportunity for a rematch win.
I am sure we'll be sparring a lot more to help her get back into fighting shape. Looking forwards to it.
Written By Ignacio
May 25, 2018, 5:52 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
Is the Quill Mightier? (Week 16)
I find that as time goes on, I find my time becomes more and more behind a desk. I have started writing a book, but on that same note, many of my duties these days fall in line of making sure the Torean military remains in fighting shape. I guess I am not used to this yet.
I find that as time goes on, I find my time becomes more and more behind a desk. I have started writing a book, but on that same note, many of my duties these days fall in line of making sure the Torean military remains in fighting shape. I guess I am not used to this yet.
Written By Fredrik
May 25, 2018, 5:02 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
Your smile. That is what is burned into my memory. Your smile.
Written By Victus
May 25, 2018, 3:47 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
I don't often enjoy the reflection on my youth. But if reflection were an easy thing, so many wouldn't seek refuge in the teachings of the Thirteenth. I've come to realize over the course of my life that mistakes are the hardest and most effective way to learn the wisdom needed to prosper. One's past is filled with them and I ain't no different.
There were a time when I considered Donrai like my own father. Strange thing that, considering one of my earliest memories of the man was him grabbing me by the scruff of my neck and dragging me out of my mother's arms. He took me back to the Isles where I learned quickly that any measure of softness was stamped out. Those who fought that would be floating belly-up with a gallon of saltwater in their lungs. My family there wasn't cruel per-say, but they weren't folks cut from the kindest tree neither.
I was a bastard. An outsider. The one who looked after me was the most feared man in all of the cold seas that surrounded us, and his heart was blacker than even some of the most accomplished Thraxians. I had to cling to something, someone to survive. The one who I did gave me food, drink, shelter. All I had to do to repay what I was given was to fight. It turned out I was pretty fucking good at fighting.
When I tried to show a shred of my own self as a person that went beyond what Donrai taught was 'necessary', to go beyond that cruelty for something better, I'd soon find myself face-down in the dirt. I remember a particular time, when I was walking through the streets of the Maelstrom. There was a young woman, sat beside her babe. They were in chains. Thralls. I'd been given my ration of the day and in my 'misguided youth', I chose to share it with them. I'll never forget the words Donrai spoke to me when he witnessed what I'd done, when he saw a blossom of something 'gentle' underneath.
"You will be the weapon of Thrax. Because of my son watching over Dagon and Donella, they will have the whispers of weakness placed in their mind, but I will tolerate no such with you, Victus Baseborn. The bastard of Maelstrom, the son of Argus, will be a weapon soaked in the gore of our enemies. Never show weakness before me again, or I will see you cast into the sea."
When I think of the day I went over the walls of Tyde, I think about that cold stare of his. The mask looking back at me. I don't endeavor to use any excuse to explain myself, the facts are all there. I was a soldier, 16 years old, knowing that if I failed it'd be my head to come next. War was all I knew back then. War was survival and survival meant everything. I was ignorant. I regret my ignorance.
Now there is a time to look back on the past. Use the lessons taught for the present, so we might build the future. The better future that the people of Thrax deserve.
Donrai was a wretched tyrant. But he should never be forgotten, nor a single detail of what he did scrubbed from history. For his is a learning experience, a tale of what happens when power goes too far. A path to stay untraveled.
There were a time when I considered Donrai like my own father. Strange thing that, considering one of my earliest memories of the man was him grabbing me by the scruff of my neck and dragging me out of my mother's arms. He took me back to the Isles where I learned quickly that any measure of softness was stamped out. Those who fought that would be floating belly-up with a gallon of saltwater in their lungs. My family there wasn't cruel per-say, but they weren't folks cut from the kindest tree neither.
I was a bastard. An outsider. The one who looked after me was the most feared man in all of the cold seas that surrounded us, and his heart was blacker than even some of the most accomplished Thraxians. I had to cling to something, someone to survive. The one who I did gave me food, drink, shelter. All I had to do to repay what I was given was to fight. It turned out I was pretty fucking good at fighting.
When I tried to show a shred of my own self as a person that went beyond what Donrai taught was 'necessary', to go beyond that cruelty for something better, I'd soon find myself face-down in the dirt. I remember a particular time, when I was walking through the streets of the Maelstrom. There was a young woman, sat beside her babe. They were in chains. Thralls. I'd been given my ration of the day and in my 'misguided youth', I chose to share it with them. I'll never forget the words Donrai spoke to me when he witnessed what I'd done, when he saw a blossom of something 'gentle' underneath.
"You will be the weapon of Thrax. Because of my son watching over Dagon and Donella, they will have the whispers of weakness placed in their mind, but I will tolerate no such with you, Victus Baseborn. The bastard of Maelstrom, the son of Argus, will be a weapon soaked in the gore of our enemies. Never show weakness before me again, or I will see you cast into the sea."
When I think of the day I went over the walls of Tyde, I think about that cold stare of his. The mask looking back at me. I don't endeavor to use any excuse to explain myself, the facts are all there. I was a soldier, 16 years old, knowing that if I failed it'd be my head to come next. War was all I knew back then. War was survival and survival meant everything. I was ignorant. I regret my ignorance.
Now there is a time to look back on the past. Use the lessons taught for the present, so we might build the future. The better future that the people of Thrax deserve.
Donrai was a wretched tyrant. But he should never be forgotten, nor a single detail of what he did scrubbed from history. For his is a learning experience, a tale of what happens when power goes too far. A path to stay untraveled.
Written By Reigna
May 25, 2018, 3:39 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
My little boy is here. Lord Talis Storm Keaton, such a strong name, picked by Kael. I adore the name and the boy himself is perfect. He's a big boy, about ten or eleven pounds, long, he's going to be tall, like his father and brother. Speaking of Aeryn, he had not yet come to accept the presence of his little brother. Everyone he sees him, he scrunches up his little face and says, "No!". It's enough to make me giggle, but I try not to. I want to respect his feelings while he gets used to the change.
Written By Sorrel
May 25, 2018, 1:53 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
The best part of being Minister of Productivity for Thrax is that I get to network with all of the other ministries to help improve things for the Islands. It means I get a peek at a lot of different activities, including economic and military and social initiatives. We're rebuilding, so there's always something to do. Rebuilding and growing!
Speaking of growing, I'm at 36 weeks and ready to meet this baby. I'm giddy about motherhood. It's going to be so happy. I can't wait to see Galen as a father. I'm thrilled.
Speaking of growing, I'm at 36 weeks and ready to meet this baby. I'm giddy about motherhood. It's going to be so happy. I can't wait to see Galen as a father. I'm thrilled.
Written By Sina
May 25, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Archeron
I was only a child, but I remember those days of fear. I had heard stories, of course, but I think I was largely sheltered from most of it. I am heartened to hear how greatly things have changed, and of course, I have seen with my own eyes the diligence and dedication with which House Thrax now seeks to polish the tarnish from its legacy. High Lord Victus is not a man that I have feared, but one that I have greatly respected. Prince Donrai... he was to be feared. No doubt about that. Thank you for your kind insights, Lord Archeron. I am not certain how it fits into the puzzle in my mind, but your words are a beacon of hope, I feel, for the future of the Isles.
Written By Samantha
May 25, 2018, 1:37 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
As the discussion on thralls resumes, I am once again reminded of the essay I wrote back in 1005, that I decided to enter again into the journals last year. Perhaps it is time once more:
I wrote an essay on thralldom back in 1005, which some like-minded people saw fit to publish. I've included a portion of it below:
1007: It is a truth nigh-universal that the state of thralldom is only a scant step above the institution of slavery. The premise of this system is that of indentured servitude, with few if ever any earning their wage with the intent to release them from their eventual debt. More frequently thralls die in servitude, and it is not unknown for their debt to be further passed down to their offspring, who must in turn engage themselves into the system in order to pay it off, while acruing more debt.
1005: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is also a truth night-universal that the institution of thralldom is regarded in disdain by almost all the regions of our great kingdom, save amongst the Thrax, from which it originates. In the past, thralls who have escaped have been welcomed into the service of other lords and masters in order to prevent their return to such a demeaning and inhumane circumstance. However, this was done as a quiet measure, with no one truly daring to openly challenge the convention. Until now, all objection has been subversive. But if the nobility of our great land is to truly act in the name of the people they have by the grace of the Gods been granted to lead, this social construct must be confronted, and a solution must be sought.
Dear friends, it may seem on the surface that an immediate abolishment of thralldom is the natural conclusion to such thoughts, however that is the furthest from the case. It is important to remember that the House of Thrax and its banner Houses are strong, providing members of our great land, and to simply insist that they revert an entrenched element of their culture and economy would be to do them a disservice. We must not throw the lives of so many into chaos, not only those who gain directly from thralldom, but also those who live simpler lives that are dependent on a secure economy and would suffer as a result of too swift a change, and for thralls themselves, who would eventually need to realize a new way of thinking about their personal value and worth. Change and growth are painful processes, but with guidance and support, great change for the betterment of all men and women may happen.
I do not believe that all Thrax or all of their bannermen believe in maintenance of this institution, but are perhaps cautious of speaking out against it. They are a proud, strong people. If any were able to face such a significant alteration of their lives and culture, it would be them.
But what solutions may we offer, to ease the pains that would surely come from such a deconstruction? How can we buffer our fellows who, if they choose to commit to this course, will surely suffer from the loss of an established institution? Can solutions be found at the Crown level? Through the support of the other Great Houses? Perhaps, if House Thrax is so willing, a kind of council can be formed to discuss the topic of gradual abolishment in a way that minimizes the impact.
All men and women deserve the right to shape their destiny in as much as they are able, in the loyal and willing service to those responsible for their mutual care. To trap any in less is to reduce them to a state of chattel. If your great kingdom is to be a beacon of true greatness and utopia, we can no longer quietly avoid the inequality present within the realm. It must be faced head on, but respectfully and with consideration for those who will need to prepare for the brunt of this change. Anyone familiar with the natural world knows this to be true: the strongest creatures of the forest and sea survive by adapting to their circumstances. It is not easy, but for doing so, they become stronger, swifter, and more powerful than before. If we can succeed in this my friends, it makes not just the House of Thrax more powerful, but it will bring greater power to us all, throughout the realm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1007: Today, things are very different. Progress has been slow - and I believe that this is a good and right pace for the progress necessary. As justice begins to be tempered by compassion, as reform evolves the way crime and punishment are dealt with. And reform has come from some of the most unexpected parties involved. One of the reasons that despite our philosophical differences, Deepwood has such strong trade ties with Thrax and most of its vassals - because by aiding in providing a stable economy, I can reduce the financial burden that would come from the abolition of thralldom as it progresses.
I wrote an essay on thralldom back in 1005, which some like-minded people saw fit to publish. I've included a portion of it below:
1007: It is a truth nigh-universal that the state of thralldom is only a scant step above the institution of slavery. The premise of this system is that of indentured servitude, with few if ever any earning their wage with the intent to release them from their eventual debt. More frequently thralls die in servitude, and it is not unknown for their debt to be further passed down to their offspring, who must in turn engage themselves into the system in order to pay it off, while acruing more debt.
1005: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is also a truth night-universal that the institution of thralldom is regarded in disdain by almost all the regions of our great kingdom, save amongst the Thrax, from which it originates. In the past, thralls who have escaped have been welcomed into the service of other lords and masters in order to prevent their return to such a demeaning and inhumane circumstance. However, this was done as a quiet measure, with no one truly daring to openly challenge the convention. Until now, all objection has been subversive. But if the nobility of our great land is to truly act in the name of the people they have by the grace of the Gods been granted to lead, this social construct must be confronted, and a solution must be sought.
Dear friends, it may seem on the surface that an immediate abolishment of thralldom is the natural conclusion to such thoughts, however that is the furthest from the case. It is important to remember that the House of Thrax and its banner Houses are strong, providing members of our great land, and to simply insist that they revert an entrenched element of their culture and economy would be to do them a disservice. We must not throw the lives of so many into chaos, not only those who gain directly from thralldom, but also those who live simpler lives that are dependent on a secure economy and would suffer as a result of too swift a change, and for thralls themselves, who would eventually need to realize a new way of thinking about their personal value and worth. Change and growth are painful processes, but with guidance and support, great change for the betterment of all men and women may happen.
I do not believe that all Thrax or all of their bannermen believe in maintenance of this institution, but are perhaps cautious of speaking out against it. They are a proud, strong people. If any were able to face such a significant alteration of their lives and culture, it would be them.
But what solutions may we offer, to ease the pains that would surely come from such a deconstruction? How can we buffer our fellows who, if they choose to commit to this course, will surely suffer from the loss of an established institution? Can solutions be found at the Crown level? Through the support of the other Great Houses? Perhaps, if House Thrax is so willing, a kind of council can be formed to discuss the topic of gradual abolishment in a way that minimizes the impact.
All men and women deserve the right to shape their destiny in as much as they are able, in the loyal and willing service to those responsible for their mutual care. To trap any in less is to reduce them to a state of chattel. If your great kingdom is to be a beacon of true greatness and utopia, we can no longer quietly avoid the inequality present within the realm. It must be faced head on, but respectfully and with consideration for those who will need to prepare for the brunt of this change. Anyone familiar with the natural world knows this to be true: the strongest creatures of the forest and sea survive by adapting to their circumstances. It is not easy, but for doing so, they become stronger, swifter, and more powerful than before. If we can succeed in this my friends, it makes not just the House of Thrax more powerful, but it will bring greater power to us all, throughout the realm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1007: Today, things are very different. Progress has been slow - and I believe that this is a good and right pace for the progress necessary. As justice begins to be tempered by compassion, as reform evolves the way crime and punishment are dealt with. And reform has come from some of the most unexpected parties involved. One of the reasons that despite our philosophical differences, Deepwood has such strong trade ties with Thrax and most of its vassals - because by aiding in providing a stable economy, I can reduce the financial burden that would come from the abolition of thralldom as it progresses.
Written By Candace
May 25, 2018, 12:04 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
Know that one thousand and eight years have passed since the Reckoning. Today is the fourth day of the eleventh month. I am writing from the city of Arx, in the small room I can afford at the Badger Boarding House, in the Ward of House Grayson. I am Candace Corvo, former sellsword and current proprietor of The Bakery, and this is my white journal.
A pair of rascals came into the shop and demanded all of my sourdough breads. Well... at least they came to the right place. The lord, or what I thought was the lord, had adopted a homeless woman... who then lost his coin purse. But then it turned out that the good fellow was new and she a scholar who was showing him about. At any rate, I will have to bake more sourdough rye, so I should start on that soon.
As it is delving into the autumnal season with rapidity, I've begun veering away from the summer fruits into dates and apples, or raspberries and cranberries. I think I'll proceed with the berries first, as the dates and apples should last well into the winter.
A pair of rascals came into the shop and demanded all of my sourdough breads. Well... at least they came to the right place. The lord, or what I thought was the lord, had adopted a homeless woman... who then lost his coin purse. But then it turned out that the good fellow was new and she a scholar who was showing him about. At any rate, I will have to bake more sourdough rye, so I should start on that soon.
As it is delving into the autumnal season with rapidity, I've begun veering away from the summer fruits into dates and apples, or raspberries and cranberries. I think I'll proceed with the berries first, as the dates and apples should last well into the winter.
Written By Fairen
May 25, 2018, 11:58 a.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
I was rather excited for the meeting of minds the other day. Princess Elgana Redrain, Scholar Sina Izetta, and Master Kaine Algair all in my library for a conversation on various subject, to include the wonderous charitable work Master Kaine is planning.
Written By Porter
May 25, 2018, 11:58 a.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
Dear journal, I took the new men out rowing this morning at daybreak. Good lord, but they are flabby, bad, and uncoordinated. They do have heart, and that's the most important thing. If I take them rowing every morning and we do shore sprints and balance beams after they get their wind back, I'll have them in fair shape before long.
I also need to look to my own training. Just because I can lift a brine barrel over my head doesn't mean that I can dodge Ian's stupid fast sword. So, there's that. Also, when I was young, we didn't care about armor. We were too fast and young and brave to worry about that. Now that we're getting--no not older--more established, we have a responsibility to not die on everyone. We're not dumb kids anymore.
So, armor it is.
Fine, yes, you can take this now. Hey, do you like the sea?
I also need to look to my own training. Just because I can lift a brine barrel over my head doesn't mean that I can dodge Ian's stupid fast sword. So, there's that. Also, when I was young, we didn't care about armor. We were too fast and young and brave to worry about that. Now that we're getting--no not older--more established, we have a responsibility to not die on everyone. We're not dumb kids anymore.
So, armor it is.
Fine, yes, you can take this now. Hey, do you like the sea?
Written By Darren
May 25, 2018, 11:41 a.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
I am inspired by the indomitable spirit of my people. It seems nothing can blunt their hopeful optimism for the future or their readiness to take responsibility for that future directly and act on it with courage and grace. I am endlessly proud as I see them all calmly preparing for tomorrow while they deal with the consequences of yesterday.
Yet within those preparations a problem presents itself, to my thinking. We have a collection of disparate plans not united and coordinated under a single strategy. I don't say the way we're doing it doesn't work, not really. I say we can do better.
Perhaps it's true that I've let myself grow too distracted in recent months. In any case, it ends now. I have begun preparations to entertain the great houses of my realm and their vassals with a great feast. We will align this fealty from top to bottom under a united strategy for regrowth.
We live in dangerous times, and we must challenge ourselves to better than ever before, then better still, if we are to be their equal. So I challenge each of you: band together now as one. We will not flag or falter. When danger threatens we will be ready to fly into its jaws once more in defense of all that we hold dear. We are unbreakable. We are Redrain.
To the last!
Yet within those preparations a problem presents itself, to my thinking. We have a collection of disparate plans not united and coordinated under a single strategy. I don't say the way we're doing it doesn't work, not really. I say we can do better.
Perhaps it's true that I've let myself grow too distracted in recent months. In any case, it ends now. I have begun preparations to entertain the great houses of my realm and their vassals with a great feast. We will align this fealty from top to bottom under a united strategy for regrowth.
We live in dangerous times, and we must challenge ourselves to better than ever before, then better still, if we are to be their equal. So I challenge each of you: band together now as one. We will not flag or falter. When danger threatens we will be ready to fly into its jaws once more in defense of all that we hold dear. We are unbreakable. We are Redrain.
To the last!
Written By Danvir
May 25, 2018, 10:50 a.m.(11/3/1008 AR)
Well after a few days here I decided to write on my journal. That was actually taking a while, thus I decided to pen it today. My time in the compact has been quite good. The people seem to be nice and helpful. And I'm quite enjoying my time here. Also seen a couple of my cousins around. I still haven't really figured -where- I can acquire a sea vessel and -how- much it's going to cost. And I also haven't met enough people with a desire to go on an adventure (as in people I can get as my crew) But! I am hoping to get there step by step.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.