Written By Audric
May 8, 2018, 7:02 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Now I have: one spooky castle, mostly unused, except for about five people with the spine to go in. One giant estate, with two others in it. Less haunted. Just large, with the Liar and the Raven. This is weird. I like it.
Written By Thena
May 8, 2018, 6:18 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
Countess Keaton takes her duties very seriously. She has high standards. It is perhaps inevitable that many fall short of them.
I don’t know her well enough to know if she takes her duties /too/ seriously, but better that than not seriously enough.
I don’t know her well enough to know if she takes her duties /too/ seriously, but better that than not seriously enough.
Written By Austen
May 8, 2018, 5:05 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
I have been introduced to Thrax rum. Ow.
Written By Martin
May 8, 2018, 3:45 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
As a member of the Faith who's primary devotion is to Gild, I have a few thoughts about the recent popular topic dominating the White Journals these past few days. That is, the matter concerning recompense by nobles for their time in the teaching of this or that skill that they might possess. I am aware there is also another, perhaps equally popular debate in regards to marital oaths, but that is a subject for another journal.
My first question would be whether we as a nation consider knowledge to be free. Acting as both student and teacher in this bit of personal postulation, I say that we do not consider all knowledge to be free. Consider our Black Reflections. Now, the student may argue that they do not count, that privacy is not the same as monetary payment. The student would be right. But value need not always be paid in coin. This is where things grow thorny, but not so much that we cannot wade through the tangled bushes. Upon everything a value is placed. This scale is immense simply because it can change from person to person, and even amongst individuals, it may change over time. Therefore I say that our Black Reflections are not free knowledge because the value we place upon them is privacy. As a society, from highest to lowest, this privacy is respected without question or quarrel. Indeed, it is sancrosanct. I need not go into too much detail concerning the Silent Reflections to make my point any stronger.
The student is still not convinced. A simple argument using the Black Reflections does not sway the opposition. Very well, I am prepared to offer more. Look yon to the Inquisition. I hope that the Master of Questions will forgive me for making his institution a target, but I also trust he will understand that the same is also a very big, easy target to hit. Especially for an old man. To whit, the Inquisition gathers information about unsavory subjects that good and upstanding citizens rarely think about, and even less believe plausible. If the House of Questions has been renamed to the House of Answers, I was unaware of it. To my knowledge, the Inquisition is not in the habit of dispensing their information freely, if at all, to just anyone. They obviously place a high value on that which they learn, and in this case it is not simply privacy and discretion, it is safety. It is also the law, as the Inquisition is an arm of the Crown that investigates all crimes that catch its interest that are not subject to the the Iron Guard.
Now, we may argue whether such is right or wrong, but, again, this is not that journal.
So, we have established that knowledge is not considered free amongst an institution of the Crown itself, as well as on an individual basis amongst every member of the Compact. I give one more example! That of the Scholars themselves. Some knowledge may be considered too dangerous for the public, and is judged by the Censor Librorum whether it must be sealed away or may be released to the public, going through the process of 'nihil obstat' of release to the Scholars Superior for judgment if questionable, 'imprimi potest' by the Superiors to the Arch Scholar if possibly permissible, and the Arch Scholar finally declaring a dangerous work as 'imprimatur' if it can be shown to the public despite its risk. I realize this may seem as though I am merely rehashing what I have already made an example of with the Inquisition, but repetition can sometimes help to drive a point home.
I now come to my next question: are we free to choose?
This is the easiest answer by far, especially since the resurgence of Skald into our collective memory. We are indeed free to choose! We are free to choose what value we place upon our knowledge, our skills, and our time. We are, blessedly, free to associate with whom we will. What this means is that we are free from compulsion to...buy from this or that shop, to pay the price asked for by another for whatever service they advertise for whatever reasons we may have. And we are certainly free not to explain ourselves when it comes to those reasons. We are free to our opinions, though that means others are free to criticize them. More often than not, people are not so thick-skinned as they like to believe, so I always advise caution when putting ink to parchment, and, gods know, words from tongue.
Our world is rife with peril, it is also an imperfect one in which we all, it is hoped, aspire to better even as we better ourselves. Arvum is blessed in that illiteracy is practically unheard of. The Scholars of Vellichor are tireless, dedicated workers in practically any field of knowledge you may dare to think of. If there are those, and I know that there are, who feel as though they are lacking in some way, and simply cannot afford to spend hard-earned coin on tutelage from whomever might be charging for it, I urge anyone and everyone to first seek out the Scholars. It will likely only cost you your time, and a bit of effort put forth to make the instruction stick.
In conclusion, I wish to impart a few final thoughts: we all worship Vellichor when we engage in instruction as well as learning. If you read a White Journal or overhear something you strongly disagree with, before lashing out with heated words, consider what you might instead say to better educate the other of their folly...if folly it may be and not simple disagreement. It is not only pleasing to Vellichor that another should learn, it is also charitable of spirit, which pleases Gild, as well as honorable, which pleases Gloria. Our every action, which stems from Choice, in some way touches upon a godly tenant from which we should all desire to do our best by.
My first question would be whether we as a nation consider knowledge to be free. Acting as both student and teacher in this bit of personal postulation, I say that we do not consider all knowledge to be free. Consider our Black Reflections. Now, the student may argue that they do not count, that privacy is not the same as monetary payment. The student would be right. But value need not always be paid in coin. This is where things grow thorny, but not so much that we cannot wade through the tangled bushes. Upon everything a value is placed. This scale is immense simply because it can change from person to person, and even amongst individuals, it may change over time. Therefore I say that our Black Reflections are not free knowledge because the value we place upon them is privacy. As a society, from highest to lowest, this privacy is respected without question or quarrel. Indeed, it is sancrosanct. I need not go into too much detail concerning the Silent Reflections to make my point any stronger.
The student is still not convinced. A simple argument using the Black Reflections does not sway the opposition. Very well, I am prepared to offer more. Look yon to the Inquisition. I hope that the Master of Questions will forgive me for making his institution a target, but I also trust he will understand that the same is also a very big, easy target to hit. Especially for an old man. To whit, the Inquisition gathers information about unsavory subjects that good and upstanding citizens rarely think about, and even less believe plausible. If the House of Questions has been renamed to the House of Answers, I was unaware of it. To my knowledge, the Inquisition is not in the habit of dispensing their information freely, if at all, to just anyone. They obviously place a high value on that which they learn, and in this case it is not simply privacy and discretion, it is safety. It is also the law, as the Inquisition is an arm of the Crown that investigates all crimes that catch its interest that are not subject to the the Iron Guard.
Now, we may argue whether such is right or wrong, but, again, this is not that journal.
So, we have established that knowledge is not considered free amongst an institution of the Crown itself, as well as on an individual basis amongst every member of the Compact. I give one more example! That of the Scholars themselves. Some knowledge may be considered too dangerous for the public, and is judged by the Censor Librorum whether it must be sealed away or may be released to the public, going through the process of 'nihil obstat' of release to the Scholars Superior for judgment if questionable, 'imprimi potest' by the Superiors to the Arch Scholar if possibly permissible, and the Arch Scholar finally declaring a dangerous work as 'imprimatur' if it can be shown to the public despite its risk. I realize this may seem as though I am merely rehashing what I have already made an example of with the Inquisition, but repetition can sometimes help to drive a point home.
I now come to my next question: are we free to choose?
This is the easiest answer by far, especially since the resurgence of Skald into our collective memory. We are indeed free to choose! We are free to choose what value we place upon our knowledge, our skills, and our time. We are, blessedly, free to associate with whom we will. What this means is that we are free from compulsion to...buy from this or that shop, to pay the price asked for by another for whatever service they advertise for whatever reasons we may have. And we are certainly free not to explain ourselves when it comes to those reasons. We are free to our opinions, though that means others are free to criticize them. More often than not, people are not so thick-skinned as they like to believe, so I always advise caution when putting ink to parchment, and, gods know, words from tongue.
Our world is rife with peril, it is also an imperfect one in which we all, it is hoped, aspire to better even as we better ourselves. Arvum is blessed in that illiteracy is practically unheard of. The Scholars of Vellichor are tireless, dedicated workers in practically any field of knowledge you may dare to think of. If there are those, and I know that there are, who feel as though they are lacking in some way, and simply cannot afford to spend hard-earned coin on tutelage from whomever might be charging for it, I urge anyone and everyone to first seek out the Scholars. It will likely only cost you your time, and a bit of effort put forth to make the instruction stick.
In conclusion, I wish to impart a few final thoughts: we all worship Vellichor when we engage in instruction as well as learning. If you read a White Journal or overhear something you strongly disagree with, before lashing out with heated words, consider what you might instead say to better educate the other of their folly...if folly it may be and not simple disagreement. It is not only pleasing to Vellichor that another should learn, it is also charitable of spirit, which pleases Gild, as well as honorable, which pleases Gloria. Our every action, which stems from Choice, in some way touches upon a godly tenant from which we should all desire to do our best by.
Written By Lys
May 8, 2018, 2:56 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I'll get you something big and pretty to put in your room! Do you like paintings of coquettish cats? Or paintings of prancing ponies? I found a charming artist who makes the most adorable portraits of animals. There's one of a white horse with ribbons in its mane and tale!
Written By Theron
May 8, 2018, 2:14 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Sobriety is an interesting thing when it comes as a result of a serene choice to preserve oneself. Not that I've been in the mood to be out and about lately, and truly, I haven't.
I've even been taking it easy with training, though never so much as to become lax and complacent with my exercises. Just a little less obsessed in reaching that peak that never comes, living a bit more in the here and now rather than worrying about the 'ifs' of the future.
That said, I've been spending more time reading books as of late. I am very thankful for our Scholars past and present and all the knowledge they are sworn to maintain throughout the ages.
I've even been taking it easy with training, though never so much as to become lax and complacent with my exercises. Just a little less obsessed in reaching that peak that never comes, living a bit more in the here and now rather than worrying about the 'ifs' of the future.
That said, I've been spending more time reading books as of late. I am very thankful for our Scholars past and present and all the knowledge they are sworn to maintain throughout the ages.
Written By Shard
May 8, 2018, 1:58 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Is this what living in a house is like? All this damn space? All this quiet? (At least...usually. Comparatively.) No wonder people end up collecting so much useless junk and stuffing it everywhere. I'm not sure how I'll get to sleep.
Written By Lys
May 8, 2018, 1:28 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
I am now a Champion-in-Training. To celebrate I'm going to go buy a ridiculous canopy bed for my bedroom now that it's finished. Maybe a plush rug.
Written By Jeffeth
May 8, 2018, 1:20 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
A man stealing bread is a thief. Until you find out that he was doing it because he had no alternatives to feed a hungry child. He's still a thief to the law, but a hero to the child.
I'm not calling anyone a thief or a hero. All I know is, everyone has a story to share. Sometimes I fear we're so mean to each other we don't get to hear all of the stories.
I'm not calling anyone a thief or a hero. All I know is, everyone has a story to share. Sometimes I fear we're so mean to each other we don't get to hear all of the stories.
Written By Rinel
May 8, 2018, 12:38 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Many voices, each far more eloquent than mine, have spoken of oaths and duties. The Legate Orazio has mentioned the duties of nobles in relation to the common people--a relationship which we of common birth are gladdened to have such esteemed members of the Faith take notice of.
It is true that few of us wish noble status. We see all too well, in the rumours of the city and the journals both, the perils of nobility--oaths and duties alike that bind princesses and counts like chains. But this is the price one must pay for power. Power without the tempered edge of restraint breeds licentiousness and wickedness. The common folk of the Compact do not chafe under just rule, nor begrudge those who exercise proper power their leisures. But when oaths are taken and abandoned like partners in a dance, we notice, and we fear.
The moral health of the ruler is the moral health of the realm. There are many works of political philosophy and ethics available within the Great Archive of Lord Vellichor. I humbly encourage all those who occupy positions of power to avail themselves of the wisdom of their forebears.
It is true that few of us wish noble status. We see all too well, in the rumours of the city and the journals both, the perils of nobility--oaths and duties alike that bind princesses and counts like chains. But this is the price one must pay for power. Power without the tempered edge of restraint breeds licentiousness and wickedness. The common folk of the Compact do not chafe under just rule, nor begrudge those who exercise proper power their leisures. But when oaths are taken and abandoned like partners in a dance, we notice, and we fear.
The moral health of the ruler is the moral health of the realm. There are many works of political philosophy and ethics available within the Great Archive of Lord Vellichor. I humbly encourage all those who occupy positions of power to avail themselves of the wisdom of their forebears.
Written By Fortunato
May 8, 2018, 12:22 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
You'll have to go through the usual channels. You know the ones.
Written By Fortunato
May 8, 2018, 12:21 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
Well, suppose you're not wrong.
Think of it as losing a piece of yourself you're giving the world. The world.
Think of it as losing a piece of yourself you're giving the world. The world.
Written By Aureth
May 8, 2018, 12:17 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
I'll buy a mural.
Written By Mae
May 8, 2018, 12:13 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
Learning art from Fortunato is the most costly thing I've ever done. Do not believe his lies. You will pay in hours, in tears, in wounded ego and regret and grief. You will pay with a piece of yourself, which will be lost forever.
Unless you're a crummy artist, then you'll probably be fine.
Unless you're a crummy artist, then you'll probably be fine.
Written By Tikva
May 8, 2018, 12:11 a.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
I would be honored to wield your instrument, Lieutenant.
Written By Macda
May 7, 2018, 11:53 p.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
For the common good or not. What do we owe the common person?
Sat through a debate on that this evening. Boring over all. However, was entertained by the bending of facts as if it would bend wills by Alarissa and Saoirse. Not sure I should sit through another one of these again. No fighting. And not drunk enough to find it laughable.
Sat through a debate on that this evening. Boring over all. However, was entertained by the bending of facts as if it would bend wills by Alarissa and Saoirse. Not sure I should sit through another one of these again. No fighting. And not drunk enough to find it laughable.
Written By Norwood
May 7, 2018, 11:49 p.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Regla
Countess Reigna Keaton is the most upright of women. Her commitment to her family, her lands, and her oaths is unparalleled even with the Oathlands.
There are few I respect as much as her. The words she has written today in the whites only strengthen that belief.
There are few I respect as much as her. The words she has written today in the whites only strengthen that belief.
Written By Niklas
May 7, 2018, 11:48 p.m.(9/14/1008 AR)
A banjo is a stringed instrument (usually five strings) defined by its hollow head covered in an animal skin, so the head itself is something of a drum. Banjo music is characterized by using the fifth string to pluck out rapid notes called 'drone notes' which fill in around the melody, offering accompaniment within a single piece of music.
Written By Perrach
May 7, 2018, 11:12 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aric
Ha!
Good shit.
Good shit.
Written By Fortunato
May 7, 2018, 11:10 p.m.(9/13/1008 AR)
Learning art from me is free, especially if:
a. you have dark tastes (please contact me immediately)
b. I remember you asked for it (always uncertain)
MURALS, though, always cost 50,000 silver. Always. They're worth it. Absolutely. (Please buy a mural.)
a. you have dark tastes (please contact me immediately)
b. I remember you asked for it (always uncertain)
MURALS, though, always cost 50,000 silver. Always. They're worth it. Absolutely. (Please buy a mural.)
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.