Written By Jonathan
May 15, 2018, 11:49 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Bliss herself did bring her opinion, as the offended party, to the Whites, thus (in my understanding) making it a matter of public record!
While I object to pointless snark and browbeating and the like, if people have an honest opinion about a public matter, then they can feel free to make it known!
Or at least that is what this scholar right here is telling me.
While I object to pointless snark and browbeating and the like, if people have an honest opinion about a public matter, then they can feel free to make it known!
Or at least that is what this scholar right here is telling me.
Written By Arik
May 15, 2018, 11:45 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
I rarely respond to a mention of my name in the Whites but for this an exception. I imagine that when the scholar or yourself perused the White archives my journal entries would provide my name and my house. At the very least you would know I am Lord Arik Halfshav and then upon further inspection of my journal which you responded to you would find I am the Sword of Whitehold. By the end of the journal which you read you would conclude that I had an opinion something that the lowest of commoners to the greatest of peers is entitled to last, I stepped outdoors.
Your questions would seem to all have self-evident explanations. Your selective reproach does not.
Your questions would seem to all have self-evident explanations. Your selective reproach does not.
Written By Beaumont
May 15, 2018, 11:42 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
I loathe putting pen to paper. Who has time for it? In any case though, I'm going to weigh in on the matter, as Peerless of the Champions Guild. We are called on to settle any number of things as Champions, all the way up to the point where Swords are involved. A duel involving Swords is a matter of House Honor, or sometimes Fealty Honor, and these are Serious Business indeed.
Some duels are like that too, where feelings are well and truly bruised, and a duel is called to prevent hard feelings from becoming something more implacable. Those too we take very seriously, and even if there's a show - and there's always a show with the Champions Guild - it's more serious than not.
And then there are times when duels are fought over the smallest of incidents. Who gets to host the next tea party. Whose armor looks better in the sunlight. Which color is preferable. There is a certain light-heartedness to this. Bickering between friends or frenemies turns to a duel and it's meant as a spectacle. In those cases, taking everything so seriously as though it is a Rite to Gloria is not just ridiculous, but an insult to the Goddess.
What, scholar?
No, I meant what I said. Calling a full Rite to Gloria or a Sword duel on something as minor as "should you have to post an announcement prior to bringing a group to a bar" is an insult to the Goddess. It turns what it truly a matter of taste into an honor duel and it cheapens the feeling of honor. Do you think Gloria truly cares whether people announce large group attendance at a bar or not? Likely not.
We serve a purpose, here in the Champions Guild. We are by turns serious and lighthearted as the situation warrants. If you didn't like the show, you didn't like the show. But don't act like we've affronted the Goddess or honor with the showmanship of it. We are duelists. We are showmen. We are entertainers.
Are you not entertained?
Some duels are like that too, where feelings are well and truly bruised, and a duel is called to prevent hard feelings from becoming something more implacable. Those too we take very seriously, and even if there's a show - and there's always a show with the Champions Guild - it's more serious than not.
And then there are times when duels are fought over the smallest of incidents. Who gets to host the next tea party. Whose armor looks better in the sunlight. Which color is preferable. There is a certain light-heartedness to this. Bickering between friends or frenemies turns to a duel and it's meant as a spectacle. In those cases, taking everything so seriously as though it is a Rite to Gloria is not just ridiculous, but an insult to the Goddess.
What, scholar?
No, I meant what I said. Calling a full Rite to Gloria or a Sword duel on something as minor as "should you have to post an announcement prior to bringing a group to a bar" is an insult to the Goddess. It turns what it truly a matter of taste into an honor duel and it cheapens the feeling of honor. Do you think Gloria truly cares whether people announce large group attendance at a bar or not? Likely not.
We serve a purpose, here in the Champions Guild. We are by turns serious and lighthearted as the situation warrants. If you didn't like the show, you didn't like the show. But don't act like we've affronted the Goddess or honor with the showmanship of it. We are duelists. We are showmen. We are entertainers.
Are you not entertained?
Written By Saoirse
May 15, 2018, 11:40 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
This is absurd.
Bliss Whisper and Sir Jeffeth provided a service to two peers of the realm, myself and Lady Eirene. Bliss Whisper should not be made to defend that service. Neither should Sir Jeffeth, though for some reason he seems to have flown completely under everyone's radar.
The ONLY two people who are within their rights to take umbrage with Bliss or Jeffeth's performances are myself and Lady Eirene. Lady Eirene has publicly apologized for berating a woman in her service. I found the performance perfectly Lycene. Given that both Lady Eirene and myself hail from the Lyceum, frankly, you all should have figured what you were getting into.
Stop telling people how to do their jobs when they are working on behalf of the peerage, and doing so with great pains and efforts.
Bliss Whisper and Sir Jeffeth provided a service to two peers of the realm, myself and Lady Eirene. Bliss Whisper should not be made to defend that service. Neither should Sir Jeffeth, though for some reason he seems to have flown completely under everyone's radar.
The ONLY two people who are within their rights to take umbrage with Bliss or Jeffeth's performances are myself and Lady Eirene. Lady Eirene has publicly apologized for berating a woman in her service. I found the performance perfectly Lycene. Given that both Lady Eirene and myself hail from the Lyceum, frankly, you all should have figured what you were getting into.
Stop telling people how to do their jobs when they are working on behalf of the peerage, and doing so with great pains and efforts.
Written By Jonathan
May 15, 2018, 11:38 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
irony is not a thing that they teach in Arx, I am finding.
Written By Saoirse
May 15, 2018, 11:36 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jonathan
When someone behaves like an entitled brat, yes, it becomes public sport to call him or her out.
That said, Lady Eirene apologized to Bliss for her behavior and I would assume the matter is closed.
That said, Lady Eirene apologized to Bliss for her behavior and I would assume the matter is closed.
Written By Saoirse
May 15, 2018, 11:35 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
Why are you commenting on this? Who are you? Did you pay for the duel? No? Alright then.
Written By Lisebet
May 15, 2018, 11:25 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
There do seem to be a lot of people writing comments about other people in their white journals, as though they believe they are blacks. I do not think anyone should discover that I am upset with them or take issue with something they said in my white journals.
My personal opinion of course, and I am well aware that others do not agree with this. One need only review the white journals out there today to see that many disagree with this position. I suppose that diversity is part of what makes Arx such a fascinating city.
My personal opinion of course, and I am well aware that others do not agree with this. One need only review the white journals out there today to see that many disagree with this position. I suppose that diversity is part of what makes Arx such a fascinating city.
Written By Bliss
May 15, 2018, 11:05 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
I suspect that the gash in my side should perhaps be proof enough that we were giving it our all. The show ended up being cut short as it is. There was no mocking of battle being done, this was a real fight for our sponsors, and blood was shed.
In the theatre, no one complains when the actors leave the stage for a scene break. In a war, no one suggests that when two swordsmen step apart due to an order or a horse charging them both that neither is giving their all. When two people are playing a game, if they agree to leave the board to get a drink only to return to it later, no one suggests that neither is playing the game to the best of their ability.
It was a stylistic choice. It is one I will certainly use again, because let's face it, we all can see people just hitting each other with swords until they reach a certain point of exhaustion every single day, at any time, in the training grounds.
Dear gods, people in this city can be so boring. Enjoy when things take an unexpected twist, life is dull when it's predictable.
In the theatre, no one complains when the actors leave the stage for a scene break. In a war, no one suggests that when two swordsmen step apart due to an order or a horse charging them both that neither is giving their all. When two people are playing a game, if they agree to leave the board to get a drink only to return to it later, no one suggests that neither is playing the game to the best of their ability.
It was a stylistic choice. It is one I will certainly use again, because let's face it, we all can see people just hitting each other with swords until they reach a certain point of exhaustion every single day, at any time, in the training grounds.
Dear gods, people in this city can be so boring. Enjoy when things take an unexpected twist, life is dull when it's predictable.
Written By Jonathan
May 15, 2018, 11:04 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
is mocking Eirene and her being dissatisfied a public sport? Is descending upon people when they make a mistake (not saying she has, I wasn't there myself), or forming journal crowds to browbeat a person the fashion? Is that the Arxian way?
Eirene was dissatisfied, it sounds like. Whether this was deserved or not, she has apologized, and the matter is, I assume, officially settled there.
The champions did as they thought best, a winner was decided.
I am far from perfect, and trying to do better about public displays of anger or petulance against a specific person rather than displaying opinions about issues as a whole, but I say, is mocking her and anyone with a dissenting opinion /really/ a grown person's attitude? Are snide comments really the best way to resolve disputes, or simply taking potshots from the sidelines. Recently, I expressed dissatisfaction with the recent whites for exactly this reason.
I am a commoner, I know my words hold little weight, but these are my thoughts.
Eirene was dissatisfied, it sounds like. Whether this was deserved or not, she has apologized, and the matter is, I assume, officially settled there.
The champions did as they thought best, a winner was decided.
I am far from perfect, and trying to do better about public displays of anger or petulance against a specific person rather than displaying opinions about issues as a whole, but I say, is mocking her and anyone with a dissenting opinion /really/ a grown person's attitude? Are snide comments really the best way to resolve disputes, or simply taking potshots from the sidelines. Recently, I expressed dissatisfaction with the recent whites for exactly this reason.
I am a commoner, I know my words hold little weight, but these are my thoughts.
Written By Thena
May 15, 2018, 10:57 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
These people had better steer well clear of the grounds where our finest warriors (some,of whom happen to also be Champions) practice, else they might never recover!
Written By Aureth
May 15, 2018, 10:47 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Are people offended about shirtless dueling now? Last time I went to a duel it was advertised.
Written By Arik
May 15, 2018, 10:46 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
I write this now in hopes I can share thought before a possible deluge of discussion about duels and champions is sparked once more. I was one of the crowd that left the duel between Champion Bliss Whisper and Sir Jeffeth. I count one of those warriors as a friend for the record of the whites. I left because I found the show poorly done and obvious, but let me explain any reader of my white...
As a Sword of Whitehold believe me when I say I have years of swordplay beneath my belt, as they say. In the yard you train day in and day out mastering the forms, mastering routine exchanges with partners, and in truth many a warrior could go through basic forms with any other trained warrior almost by rote memory. I say this because I am not opposed to champions putting on a show for the peerage and the commoners alike. I protest the manner of show given and that the duel was paused for it.
If you wish to mock battle then mock battle. If you wish to shock and awe the audience with a blurry exchange of blades or even a throw, then do so. Play out any drama you wish on the sands, run Champion Bliss through with your sword only to reveal she was holding the blade against her side with her arm! Shock! Awe! Have Jeffeth on the ground swatting away the predatory flicks of a rapier with his mighty blade, trying to gain purchase to rise. Daring do's! But when blades meet for the duel proper do not stop it. Sincere competition can be done after the showmanship and I think it best they not be mixed lest a sponsor feel their challenge was not given the effort they wished.
As a Sword of Whitehold believe me when I say I have years of swordplay beneath my belt, as they say. In the yard you train day in and day out mastering the forms, mastering routine exchanges with partners, and in truth many a warrior could go through basic forms with any other trained warrior almost by rote memory. I say this because I am not opposed to champions putting on a show for the peerage and the commoners alike. I protest the manner of show given and that the duel was paused for it.
If you wish to mock battle then mock battle. If you wish to shock and awe the audience with a blurry exchange of blades or even a throw, then do so. Play out any drama you wish on the sands, run Champion Bliss through with your sword only to reveal she was holding the blade against her side with her arm! Shock! Awe! Have Jeffeth on the ground swatting away the predatory flicks of a rapier with his mighty blade, trying to gain purchase to rise. Daring do's! But when blades meet for the duel proper do not stop it. Sincere competition can be done after the showmanship and I think it best they not be mixed lest a sponsor feel their challenge was not given the effort they wished.
Written By Saoirse
May 15, 2018, 10:31 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
I didn't lose anything, Luca.
Written By Luca
May 15, 2018, 10:10 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
A wonderful duel, yesterday. I'm always happy to see members of the Champions Guild finding work, and experimenting with new, interesting forms of showmanship.
Jeffeth lost his shirt, Bliss lost some blood, Eirene lost her temper and Saoirse lost probably everything within ten feet of her, save for the duel itself! So, at least the whole affair was rooted in undertones of familiarity!
I look forward to seeing what the guild brews up next. I always do.
Jeffeth lost his shirt, Bliss lost some blood, Eirene lost her temper and Saoirse lost probably everything within ten feet of her, save for the duel itself! So, at least the whole affair was rooted in undertones of familiarity!
I look forward to seeing what the guild brews up next. I always do.
Written By Cullen
May 15, 2018, 9:08 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Not getting around to much until around the time of the duel, I didn't expect a lot from the rest of the day - (note: duel was missed in favor of an interesting meeting) - but sometimes life can still surprise. I loathe to use a term that seems so cliche as 'kindred spirit', yet that is precisely what I ran into tonight, someone who surprised me a great deal with their wisdom and understanding, great love for one whom I also adored and admired, and deep appreciation for the forests and nature as a whole. The beginning of a most intriguing and rewarding friendship, I suspect.
Written By Kaine
May 15, 2018, 8:54 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
I've put my newest creations up for auction, and I'm hoping it all turns out for the best! If I make a great deal of silver out of it, I could have plenty to expand the business and make greater things, and have plenty left over to give to charity, too.
Written By Porter
May 15, 2018, 5 a.m.(10/1/1008 AR)
Dear journal,
Tonight there was a fight. A duel. I didn't go to that. I mention it only because it kept the bars clear and I was in need of company. Not "company", though that wouldn't have hurt either I suppose. I found myself at the Murder of Crows of all places, shoulder to shoulder with a seaman that used to sail for me. Hard times, there. Jorgi's signed on with a merchant freighter that plies the Gray River. So good on him for that. He always got seasick. Terrible thing for a sailor.
Ran into a raven-haired girl, and I do mean girl. Early twenties, maybe. Firm of limb and, how do I put this gently? No, journal, I won't lie to you. Somewhat abrasive in personality. She had all the right smiles and manners, which is strange enough for the Murder, but to see her go from enjoyment to instant suspicion when Petal offered her a gift was kind of a start. Then she sang and played Whiskey Johnny with me and we got the whole Murder going like a rookery at dusk.
Fine, no, you can take this now. I don't need you to proofread this. You're not going to give it back to me anyway.
Tonight there was a fight. A duel. I didn't go to that. I mention it only because it kept the bars clear and I was in need of company. Not "company", though that wouldn't have hurt either I suppose. I found myself at the Murder of Crows of all places, shoulder to shoulder with a seaman that used to sail for me. Hard times, there. Jorgi's signed on with a merchant freighter that plies the Gray River. So good on him for that. He always got seasick. Terrible thing for a sailor.
Ran into a raven-haired girl, and I do mean girl. Early twenties, maybe. Firm of limb and, how do I put this gently? No, journal, I won't lie to you. Somewhat abrasive in personality. She had all the right smiles and manners, which is strange enough for the Murder, but to see her go from enjoyment to instant suspicion when Petal offered her a gift was kind of a start. Then she sang and played Whiskey Johnny with me and we got the whole Murder going like a rookery at dusk.
Fine, no, you can take this now. I don't need you to proofread this. You're not going to give it back to me anyway.
Written By Shae
May 15, 2018, 3:08 a.m.(9/28/1008 AR)
I like my home. I like how I understand it, the halls, the grounds, the kennels and the servants, my kin. But tonight I stepped outside, to watch a duel and be a part of the pack. To my delight? It turned out well. More than. I even made a new friend. I vow to be brave more often. New trails to forge, new blood to sniff out.
Written By Jeffeth
May 15, 2018, 2:51 a.m.(9/28/1008 AR)
It was a wonderful duel. Bliss is a marvelous performer and knows how to put on a show. I am honored to be able to work with her. She had a wonderful plan we unfortunately didn't get to go all the way through, but I look forward to my next match with her. With all the duels I've seen since arriving Arx over less than grave grievances I was surprised how many people were offended by my tummy.
I often train shirtless on these hot days in Arx, so I would like to tell those who found my belly offensive to let me know if you're going to the training center so I can quickly cover up.
I often train shirtless on these hot days in Arx, so I would like to tell those who found my belly offensive to let me know if you're going to the training center so I can quickly cover up.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.