Written By Rook
April 19, 2018, 1:39 p.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
I have been asked questions of late, regarding my transitions in rank and title, and even been given other people's condolences on the changes. I would like to address that here, so I might point individuals to my journals, so they might understand it all somewhat better:
I was born common. One 'Master Rook' amongst a family known as the 'Grayward', and we were merchants. Though I was the heir to my father, Relton Grayward, and our family's enterprises, I chose a different path. I became a courtier and after completing my training, I came to the City of Arx. I never joined the Whispers, though I took inspiration from them for certain, and spent time in their establishment as an honoured guest and associate. I sought out Princess Regent Dawn Grayson and she took me on as her protege. I took on the mantle of the Crown Minister of Coin. I worked hard and I was rewarded, my family were recognised for their contributions to House Grayson, and we were ennobled through enfeoffment to become the Barony of House Grayward.
As Lord Rook Grayward, I had my duties of the Crown to keep me busy, and my pursuits as a courtier, scholar and patron of the arts enriched my life. In time, I married Princess Katarina Valardin and joined House Valardin. Prince Rook Valardin is how many of you know me, but that is an untruth, for that marriage was anulled just recently. Katarina and I made the decision to part ways and the Faith of the Pantheon recognised the undoing of the vows. I would have returned to House Grayward, to return as Lord Rook Grayward, but I have other obligations than just my family. The King, Crown and Compact rely on my focus on keeping the government well funded and well represented. The bias of my fealty had often been brought into question and I recognise why. So I chose to instead speak my oaths as Crownsworn directly to His Majesty, King Alaric IV, Sovereign of Arx.
I sought a new path, having tasted the life of the highest highs and the modesty of lower lows. I have been extraordinarily lucky in my lifetime-- spoilt, even. I honour Holy Gild herself for handing me these riches, not just the kind that takes form of coin, and so I venerate Her as and when I am able. I chose this, so do not be sorry for me, and do not think I will not prosper with Her good graces even now. I shall.
I was born common. One 'Master Rook' amongst a family known as the 'Grayward', and we were merchants. Though I was the heir to my father, Relton Grayward, and our family's enterprises, I chose a different path. I became a courtier and after completing my training, I came to the City of Arx. I never joined the Whispers, though I took inspiration from them for certain, and spent time in their establishment as an honoured guest and associate. I sought out Princess Regent Dawn Grayson and she took me on as her protege. I took on the mantle of the Crown Minister of Coin. I worked hard and I was rewarded, my family were recognised for their contributions to House Grayson, and we were ennobled through enfeoffment to become the Barony of House Grayward.
As Lord Rook Grayward, I had my duties of the Crown to keep me busy, and my pursuits as a courtier, scholar and patron of the arts enriched my life. In time, I married Princess Katarina Valardin and joined House Valardin. Prince Rook Valardin is how many of you know me, but that is an untruth, for that marriage was anulled just recently. Katarina and I made the decision to part ways and the Faith of the Pantheon recognised the undoing of the vows. I would have returned to House Grayward, to return as Lord Rook Grayward, but I have other obligations than just my family. The King, Crown and Compact rely on my focus on keeping the government well funded and well represented. The bias of my fealty had often been brought into question and I recognise why. So I chose to instead speak my oaths as Crownsworn directly to His Majesty, King Alaric IV, Sovereign of Arx.
I sought a new path, having tasted the life of the highest highs and the modesty of lower lows. I have been extraordinarily lucky in my lifetime-- spoilt, even. I honour Holy Gild herself for handing me these riches, not just the kind that takes form of coin, and so I venerate Her as and when I am able. I chose this, so do not be sorry for me, and do not think I will not prosper with Her good graces even now. I shall.
Written By Morrighan
April 19, 2018, 1:09 p.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Bless her she did try, but all the needling pricks were too much for her poor fingers to bear.
Written By Ida
April 19, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I say we sit in our rocking chairs drinking whiskey and yelling at the new apprentices that come by to get off our lawn. Not that that'd be /new/, necessarily, but we could get a lot drunker if we're not going to do work later!
Also, I love you like family and think you are amazing no matter what you may or may not be doing in this life.
Also, I love you like family and think you are amazing no matter what you may or may not be doing in this life.
Written By Joscelin
April 19, 2018, 12:51 p.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
I had a dream the other night.
There was a building, a huge building that was more like a palace, except narrow and stacked upward, with stairways only on the outside that wrapped around it. Within was housed every Crafter I knew and many I didn't, living as neighbors, all in one place, and while this made my hair turn white, it was ... it was peaceful. Wonderful. Almost everyone I cared about in one giant 'house'. I never had to go far to hear a voice I longed for, or to catch the scent of a perfume I adored, or to hear the ringing song of hammer to anvil. Not that it's much different where I live now, but all contained, safe inside the same stone-and-timber walls ...
It was contentment, wrapped around me. A lovely dream.
There was a building, a huge building that was more like a palace, except narrow and stacked upward, with stairways only on the outside that wrapped around it. Within was housed every Crafter I knew and many I didn't, living as neighbors, all in one place, and while this made my hair turn white, it was ... it was peaceful. Wonderful. Almost everyone I cared about in one giant 'house'. I never had to go far to hear a voice I longed for, or to catch the scent of a perfume I adored, or to hear the ringing song of hammer to anvil. Not that it's much different where I live now, but all contained, safe inside the same stone-and-timber walls ...
It was contentment, wrapped around me. A lovely dream.
Written By Joscelin
April 19, 2018, 11:23 a.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
It's finally happened. My body is not willing to obey my demands and create.
I saw it coming. Too many endeavors at once, too many promises made and kept, and then, this last. Trauma, maybe, the reaction to too much too soon, my hands shake when I reach for my tools but my mind, my heart, my soul all receive the inspirations Jayus has blessed me with like there's nothing different. A challenge, my instincts tell me, to overcome memory of injury to press on. My heart is ready, but my hands are not.
It's just as well, I suppose. I could use the break and my assistants and apprentices have fared well under my instruction. They use my old designs to keep the shop stocked and ready, with strict instruction to take no outlandish commissions or custom work until I'm ready to do it myself.
I can't remember the last time it's happened, is all, if ever.
Perhaps I should take up a new hobby in the meantime, when I'm [words are scratched out] attending to my very serious duties as Guildmaster.
Perhaps I should take up sailing. Or knitting. I'm no good at sewing, I tried once and Morrighan laughed at me for how often I stabbed myself. Not my kink, I insisted, and ow. Sore fingers are no fun.
I'm open to suggestions. I need a break.
I saw it coming. Too many endeavors at once, too many promises made and kept, and then, this last. Trauma, maybe, the reaction to too much too soon, my hands shake when I reach for my tools but my mind, my heart, my soul all receive the inspirations Jayus has blessed me with like there's nothing different. A challenge, my instincts tell me, to overcome memory of injury to press on. My heart is ready, but my hands are not.
It's just as well, I suppose. I could use the break and my assistants and apprentices have fared well under my instruction. They use my old designs to keep the shop stocked and ready, with strict instruction to take no outlandish commissions or custom work until I'm ready to do it myself.
I can't remember the last time it's happened, is all, if ever.
Perhaps I should take up a new hobby in the meantime, when I'm [words are scratched out] attending to my very serious duties as Guildmaster.
Perhaps I should take up sailing. Or knitting. I'm no good at sewing, I tried once and Morrighan laughed at me for how often I stabbed myself. Not my kink, I insisted, and ow. Sore fingers are no fun.
I'm open to suggestions. I need a break.
Written By Gwenna
April 19, 2018, 8:50 a.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
I wish you the greatest of successes on your new path and endeavors, as well as look forward to bending your ear sometime in my own vaguely selfish pursuits of knowledge.
Written By Signe
April 19, 2018, 8:07 a.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
What is this bamboozle? I seem to manage well enough in my consumption to know the names of who I share my cup with and where I have shared it. Stranger, shall we remedy this in the Spirits?
Written By Ann
April 19, 2018, 7:21 a.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
One very last special measure of thanks to House Redrain for their generous donation, as arranged by Princess Gwenna. <3
Written By Ann
April 19, 2018, 7:20 a.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
I've just read the news, and I thought this warranted its very own, very special thanks.
Firstly, to Prince Ainsley, as he headed up a major project on behalf of Stormwall (and Darkwater). As I understand it, he raised a sizable amount of money for relief and rebuilding efforts that have taken place on both fronts.
Thank you Prince Aiden, Marquessa Samantha Deepwood for personally visiting Stormwall and ensuring that the materials were put to good use as well as keeping morale in the city up - I hear our people's hearts have been lightened by your presence.
Marquessa Deepwood, especially - I realize House Crovane and House Deepwood haven't entirely gotten along in the past and to feel your presence there speaks volumes about you. <3
Thank you Duke Harlan, Lady Olivia, and Sir Jordan
Thank you Sir Jordan for protecting the caravans and making certain that they make it there safely.
Thank you Duke Harlan for helping supply funding for supplies.
Thank you Lady Olivia to seeing to the health of our people - especially during such a sticky, sticky situation.
Thank you Princess Roxana for lending your diplomacy and charisma and your fund raising efforts.
And lastly, a special thank you for those of the major project that helped in Darkwater. I sincerely hope to see it rebuilt to its former glory and wish you all the best, on behalf of House Crovane. If there's any projects like this in the future you should need assistance with please don't hesitate to reach out to House Crovane.
Firstly, to Prince Ainsley, as he headed up a major project on behalf of Stormwall (and Darkwater). As I understand it, he raised a sizable amount of money for relief and rebuilding efforts that have taken place on both fronts.
Thank you Prince Aiden, Marquessa Samantha Deepwood for personally visiting Stormwall and ensuring that the materials were put to good use as well as keeping morale in the city up - I hear our people's hearts have been lightened by your presence.
Marquessa Deepwood, especially - I realize House Crovane and House Deepwood haven't entirely gotten along in the past and to feel your presence there speaks volumes about you. <3
Thank you Duke Harlan, Lady Olivia, and Sir Jordan
Thank you Sir Jordan for protecting the caravans and making certain that they make it there safely.
Thank you Duke Harlan for helping supply funding for supplies.
Thank you Lady Olivia to seeing to the health of our people - especially during such a sticky, sticky situation.
Thank you Princess Roxana for lending your diplomacy and charisma and your fund raising efforts.
And lastly, a special thank you for those of the major project that helped in Darkwater. I sincerely hope to see it rebuilt to its former glory and wish you all the best, on behalf of House Crovane. If there's any projects like this in the future you should need assistance with please don't hesitate to reach out to House Crovane.
Written By Duarte
April 19, 2018, 4:52 a.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Signe
She drinks with me on the regular. You have been bamboozled.
Written By Signe
April 19, 2018, 4:46 a.m.(8/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
I may have witnessed her first sip of alcohol. A part of me is offended she spit it out. The other part was highly amused.
Written By Duarte
April 19, 2018, 3:33 a.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Dante
If anyone has gotten you confused with me I deeply apologize.
Though we could probably break this city if we were ever in the same place at the same time.
Though we could probably break this city if we were ever in the same place at the same time.
Written By Martin
April 19, 2018, 1:41 a.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
Last week I stayed in a part of Arx on the border between the Upper and Lower Boroughs: on one side houses costing thousands of silver an more, on the other side ramshackle housing for the city's less fortunate. There was a certain exhilaration in the contrast, at least for an observer. Whether the inhabitants of either side of the divide feel quite the same is up for debate.
The hostel in which I stayed faced the poor quarter. A rather large notice board displayed an equally large poster depicting a scene of violence, which, presumably, was meant to entice one to the latest play at the Black Rose theatre, but which only ensured that no one had to rely on the resources of his or her own mind for stimulation. A Prodigal shaman stood not far away, calling for passersby to cease murdering the spirits competed with a lute-strumming beggar, possibly high on haze, for the attention of the hurried and worn out pedestrians.
At night, the sound of people enjoying themselves, which in Arx can be nigh indistinguishable from the sound of someone being beaten to death, filtered into my room. From time to time, including at fourth bell in the morning, Iron Guardsmen with their own menagerie of unique sounds to alert the public of alarm, from screech to bellow, jogged by, giving notice from afar to the ne'erdowells of their approach, thereby also giving them time to escape. Thus trouble was averted, though sleep interrupted.
Needless to say, the architecture in the Lowers was as appalling as that in the well-to-do area was graceful. Appalling as only a lack of inspiration and a disinclination to care can be.
I suppose I should hate it all, but I don't, or at least not with the pure hatred that burns with a gem-like flame. Hatred is easier to keep alive than love, but all the same I have never quite managed it.
The hostel in which I stayed faced the poor quarter. A rather large notice board displayed an equally large poster depicting a scene of violence, which, presumably, was meant to entice one to the latest play at the Black Rose theatre, but which only ensured that no one had to rely on the resources of his or her own mind for stimulation. A Prodigal shaman stood not far away, calling for passersby to cease murdering the spirits competed with a lute-strumming beggar, possibly high on haze, for the attention of the hurried and worn out pedestrians.
At night, the sound of people enjoying themselves, which in Arx can be nigh indistinguishable from the sound of someone being beaten to death, filtered into my room. From time to time, including at fourth bell in the morning, Iron Guardsmen with their own menagerie of unique sounds to alert the public of alarm, from screech to bellow, jogged by, giving notice from afar to the ne'erdowells of their approach, thereby also giving them time to escape. Thus trouble was averted, though sleep interrupted.
Needless to say, the architecture in the Lowers was as appalling as that in the well-to-do area was graceful. Appalling as only a lack of inspiration and a disinclination to care can be.
I suppose I should hate it all, but I don't, or at least not with the pure hatred that burns with a gem-like flame. Hatred is easier to keep alive than love, but all the same I have never quite managed it.
Written By Rook
April 18, 2018, 10:46 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
Another man I met in the Shrine of Gild today. Truly huge. Are all knights this tall? Does being tall lend you a weighted chance of becoming a knight, I wonder.
Perhaps I'll do some stats in my spare time. They're always fun.
Perhaps I'll do some stats in my spare time. They're always fun.
Written By Rook
April 18, 2018, 10:43 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Brannen
I met Sir Brannen Harthall today and upon asking him to do something for me for nothing, he agreed. It was not just for me, of course, but that's something we should learn from. What I've learned from.
Good can come from bad, selflessness from greed, and though it doesn't excuse it-- it can lessen its blot on the world. Strive to be good, and when you can't be, be as good as you can be.
Thank you, good sir, for your promise.
Good can come from bad, selflessness from greed, and though it doesn't excuse it-- it can lessen its blot on the world. Strive to be good, and when you can't be, be as good as you can be.
Thank you, good sir, for your promise.
Written By Rook
April 18, 2018, 10:41 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
It is all done now, and I look forward to the future, and what I can make of it. By Holy Gild's good graces I have had much in my life, earned and given, and I give much of it away so I can start on a new path. I do not fear, however. Anything is possible now, and I have chosen this road, and it brings me Solace.
Written By Porter
April 18, 2018, 9:25 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aethan
Maybe there's hope for Aethan, yet. We needed him, you see. The scourge of a pirate lord requires someone who is fast, sharp, and cunning. That's Aethan, all right. Most people would think those are the important virtues, but I know the one that really matters. He was there when we needed him.
It doesn't make up for what he's done, but it shows that maybe he wants to be a better man.
Then I saw him sitting alone and drinking at the pool party. Great.
I slowed him up with some lemonade, so that's something right?
It doesn't make up for what he's done, but it shows that maybe he wants to be a better man.
Then I saw him sitting alone and drinking at the pool party. Great.
I slowed him up with some lemonade, so that's something right?
Written By Porter
April 18, 2018, 9:20 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
It's been strange to return to Arx. Everything changed after the Gyre, and I'm not talking about whatever is happening with Arx itself. Nor am I talking about the creepy army or rumors of blood sacrifice.
It's strange because everything is going on as normal.
Near as I can tell, the Darkwatch has been wiped out.
Most of our fleet was damaged or destroyed and we're rebuilding.
And then we had a pool party. You couldn't argue that we didn't deserve a moment to relax and unwind, and I'll never turn down a party. Especially not when my brothers are there. But like I said, it's strange.
It's strange because everything is going on as normal.
Near as I can tell, the Darkwatch has been wiped out.
Most of our fleet was damaged or destroyed and we're rebuilding.
And then we had a pool party. You couldn't argue that we didn't deserve a moment to relax and unwind, and I'll never turn down a party. Especially not when my brothers are there. But like I said, it's strange.
Written By Prisila
April 18, 2018, 9:05 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Elara
Thankfully this young woman saw fit to lend a hand with these trade contracts you see. Normally, I'd have been suspicious of someone lending aid to a near stranger but it seems like the majority of the people I've met in Arx are just more genuine and up front than elsewhere. Trade is essential to the foundations of this society and when it can be accomplished without spilling blood, then good. I'm grateful to Lady Elara Kennex and whomever groomed her to be such a savvy business minded individual.
So the moral of the story is, I guess I don't /have/ to take everything.
Although my jest is a bit morbid, I do hope that future generations of Seraceni will get it.
So the moral of the story is, I guess I don't /have/ to take everything.
Although my jest is a bit morbid, I do hope that future generations of Seraceni will get it.
Written By Itzal
April 18, 2018, 6:01 p.m.(7/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I'm mystified by most of the last few journals, myself.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.