Written By Jaenelle
March 20, 2018, 10:21 p.m.(5/24/1008 AR)
I have sat here for hours reading journals. Each and every journal written by each person who wrote something they wished to preserve. I have tried my best to understand what is happening to those I love, what they face even while I know I could never fully comprehend such horrors that war provides to those brave enough to face them willingly.
As a liability anywhere but home, I will always try to understand. I will always mourn for those lost.
As a liability anywhere but home, I will always try to understand. I will always mourn for those lost.
Written By Ianna
March 20, 2018, 8:04 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
And another thing. As a healer, I am NOT pleased with how many pregnant women are on the battlefield without letting their healers know! Please let your healers know in advance so that we don't accidentally treat you with medicines that might harm your child! I do not think pregnancy is an illness or makes one frail, but I am deathly afraid of making a tragic mistake.
Keep this under advisement!
Keep this under advisement!
Written By Ianna
March 20, 2018, 8:01 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
I never realized that I have a talent for shouting. It seems that I am quite good at it! And I do admit, it is quite satisfying.
Knights, dukes, archlectors... no one is a match for a healer trying to get her job done. There is much power one can wield without ever touching a blade.
Knights, dukes, archlectors... no one is a match for a healer trying to get her job done. There is much power one can wield without ever touching a blade.
Written By Reigna
March 20, 2018, 8 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
In the last few days, since my return from Stormwall, I myself have had difficulty sleeping. My appetite is poor and I find myself more prone to anxiety (though this is clearly also impacted by my husband's continued fight in Setarco) and temper. I have had numerous others come to me as I make my rounds in the House of Solace and Saving Grace hospital express similar symptoms.
I am considering hosting a luncheon. A gathering where we can discuss things that we saw, things that we feel, fears that we now carry. I do not know if this is something that might interest others. If there is any interest, please do let me know and I will attempt to coordinate a series of gatherings. Informal situations in which we can discuss things. I will also be able to offer suggestions on sleeping aids.
Please let me know.
I am considering hosting a luncheon. A gathering where we can discuss things that we saw, things that we feel, fears that we now carry. I do not know if this is something that might interest others. If there is any interest, please do let me know and I will attempt to coordinate a series of gatherings. Informal situations in which we can discuss things. I will also be able to offer suggestions on sleeping aids.
Please let me know.
Written By Lucita
March 20, 2018, 7:22 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
The fleets battle ended and they were heading back to port, Princesses Tikva, Sorrel and
I had tried our best, hoping we had been able to keep the morale of our troops bolstered.
Silently we sipped water or wine to sooth our throats. As we stood there, darkness started
to grow over the water and we started to feel a sickening feeling that something was
coming toward the ground troops, those on the wall and in the towers.
Lord Corban Telmar stood in a position to guard Princess Sorrel Thrax. Lord Ian Kennex
kept our Thrax guards, Red with the table-smashing temper, Svenson (who was told by Ian
that we's sing about him some day) and the others in position to face whatever it was,
archers, attackers, some with shields to surround us. A lantern with the eternal flame
burned beside us and holy water nearby and Archlector Madeleine stood supportively with us,
prayers and reassurance offered. Spaced in positions to defend us stood Lord Theron
Mazetti, Shard, Adalyn Clement, Elyse, Princess Serafine Velenosa, Lady Regla Navegant,
Dame Leta Broadbent, and someone wearing a skull mask. Brave souls, one and all and ones
to whom we owe our lives.
Then it emerged from the sea, a huge monster, reaching from the ground to the top of the
tower in which we stood. It had dozens of globular whitish-grey eyes, blue-black tough
skin the color of a bruised corpse coated with algae. Scaly lips framed teeth that were
long and sharp as daggers, and tentacles, it had so many of them, this creature with a
nightmare-ish image. people had seen one like it before, just off the beach in Arx. It
gave a keening wail and attacked.
Archers tried for the eyes with some effect. Our shield wall of guards surrounded us so
only glimpses of a fierce battle were seen but that was enough to earn those brave
warriors respect and thanks for their skill, their protection as it advanced on us. We
sang to our defenders, encouraging bravery, inspiring songs and prayers for their safety.
When one of the tentacles was lopped off, it did not slow the beast that much, instead
the tentacle writhed and grew, turned into a second beast, giving not one but two to be
fought. Shard and Theron were injured but fought on. Teamwork showed in each movement we were
able to glimpse. Adalyn being the most wounded wisely withdrew to let fresher, unhurt
fighters take her place. As the first creature was killed by Lord Corban, the tentacle
beast consumed it and grew, soon as large as the first had been and as vicious. Lord Ian
remained calm, keeping the Thrax soldiers focused and together.
And another different attack began, our foe has something that wailed counterpoint to
the prayers and songs we sang for the soldiers and fear began to grow, our efforts losing
their effect until we changed the order of them and varied the wording of our prayers and
songs more, to slip past the wails. Regla took a hard blow from a tentacle. Shard wound up
with the beast trying to bite her face and jammed her cobalt blade between its teeth,
trying to fend it off, and it vomited forth a third monster amid splattered nauseating
icky stuff and smashed her in the head with a stone tablet. Lord Theron took more damage,
shouting his ribs were broken. I am not sure who killed the tentacle monster, perhaps Leta
Broadbend from what could hear, but the men holding the wall of shields around us blocked
view.
Archlector Madeleine seemed to work tirelessly to pray and encourage everyone to give
just a little more, trying to instill calm and confidence. The singers were nearing the
limit of what we could do, voices straining and weakening, growing hoarse as pain grew in
our throats. Our efforts came at a cost. Princess Tikva collapsed, unconscious and blood
seeping from her nose as exhaustion overwhelmed her just as Shard struck the fatal blow to
the third and last monster and the wailing faded away.
And there the story ends. Princess Tikva recovered and is well. There was much out of my
view, so could not mention each defender's contribution the way it deserves, but know we
would not be here today without them. Thank you.'.
I had tried our best, hoping we had been able to keep the morale of our troops bolstered.
Silently we sipped water or wine to sooth our throats. As we stood there, darkness started
to grow over the water and we started to feel a sickening feeling that something was
coming toward the ground troops, those on the wall and in the towers.
Lord Corban Telmar stood in a position to guard Princess Sorrel Thrax. Lord Ian Kennex
kept our Thrax guards, Red with the table-smashing temper, Svenson (who was told by Ian
that we's sing about him some day) and the others in position to face whatever it was,
archers, attackers, some with shields to surround us. A lantern with the eternal flame
burned beside us and holy water nearby and Archlector Madeleine stood supportively with us,
prayers and reassurance offered. Spaced in positions to defend us stood Lord Theron
Mazetti, Shard, Adalyn Clement, Elyse, Princess Serafine Velenosa, Lady Regla Navegant,
Dame Leta Broadbent, and someone wearing a skull mask. Brave souls, one and all and ones
to whom we owe our lives.
Then it emerged from the sea, a huge monster, reaching from the ground to the top of the
tower in which we stood. It had dozens of globular whitish-grey eyes, blue-black tough
skin the color of a bruised corpse coated with algae. Scaly lips framed teeth that were
long and sharp as daggers, and tentacles, it had so many of them, this creature with a
nightmare-ish image. people had seen one like it before, just off the beach in Arx. It
gave a keening wail and attacked.
Archers tried for the eyes with some effect. Our shield wall of guards surrounded us so
only glimpses of a fierce battle were seen but that was enough to earn those brave
warriors respect and thanks for their skill, their protection as it advanced on us. We
sang to our defenders, encouraging bravery, inspiring songs and prayers for their safety.
When one of the tentacles was lopped off, it did not slow the beast that much, instead
the tentacle writhed and grew, turned into a second beast, giving not one but two to be
fought. Shard and Theron were injured but fought on. Teamwork showed in each movement we were
able to glimpse. Adalyn being the most wounded wisely withdrew to let fresher, unhurt
fighters take her place. As the first creature was killed by Lord Corban, the tentacle
beast consumed it and grew, soon as large as the first had been and as vicious. Lord Ian
remained calm, keeping the Thrax soldiers focused and together.
And another different attack began, our foe has something that wailed counterpoint to
the prayers and songs we sang for the soldiers and fear began to grow, our efforts losing
their effect until we changed the order of them and varied the wording of our prayers and
songs more, to slip past the wails. Regla took a hard blow from a tentacle. Shard wound up
with the beast trying to bite her face and jammed her cobalt blade between its teeth,
trying to fend it off, and it vomited forth a third monster amid splattered nauseating
icky stuff and smashed her in the head with a stone tablet. Lord Theron took more damage,
shouting his ribs were broken. I am not sure who killed the tentacle monster, perhaps Leta
Broadbend from what could hear, but the men holding the wall of shields around us blocked
view.
Archlector Madeleine seemed to work tirelessly to pray and encourage everyone to give
just a little more, trying to instill calm and confidence. The singers were nearing the
limit of what we could do, voices straining and weakening, growing hoarse as pain grew in
our throats. Our efforts came at a cost. Princess Tikva collapsed, unconscious and blood
seeping from her nose as exhaustion overwhelmed her just as Shard struck the fatal blow to
the third and last monster and the wailing faded away.
And there the story ends. Princess Tikva recovered and is well. There was much out of my
view, so could not mention each defender's contribution the way it deserves, but know we
would not be here today without them. Thank you.'.
Written By Tikva
March 20, 2018, 7:19 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Forwarded from Setarco:
I owe my deepest thanks to my sisters-at-arms, Lucita and Sorrel, for we sang together against the foe. I'm still not entirely sure what happened when I was struck down, but I have it on good report that I owe my speedy recovery to Lady Ianna Greenmarch, whose tender care brought me round and helped cool my aching, aching head -- and to Lord Corban Telmar, who carried my swooning self from the tower. Thank you for the rescue, Lord Telmar. I am sure that if I had been awake, the heroism would have made me swoon all over again. Or so I'm told.
I'm out of bed again and the threat looms on the horizon like a great, hideous blackness. Lord Ian Kennex's men are reforming their shield wall to keep us safe as we remount the tower. I don't know what is to come, but as I risk all for the Compact, I am given a moment's warmth and reflection by how far and wide the unity of this moment reaches: from the Crownlands, where my home lies, to the Lyceum, where Lucita's husband, home and hearth await her, to the Mourning Isles, where Lord Ian's men and my sweet friend Sorrel hale from, to the Oathlands, where my bold rescuers and healers stand tall, to the bold North, where my husband and our troops rallied in defense of Stormwall--
We are strong because we are together, and our voices will rise today with all the force that harmony can bring to bear.
Once more, ladies, from the top . . .
I owe my deepest thanks to my sisters-at-arms, Lucita and Sorrel, for we sang together against the foe. I'm still not entirely sure what happened when I was struck down, but I have it on good report that I owe my speedy recovery to Lady Ianna Greenmarch, whose tender care brought me round and helped cool my aching, aching head -- and to Lord Corban Telmar, who carried my swooning self from the tower. Thank you for the rescue, Lord Telmar. I am sure that if I had been awake, the heroism would have made me swoon all over again. Or so I'm told.
I'm out of bed again and the threat looms on the horizon like a great, hideous blackness. Lord Ian Kennex's men are reforming their shield wall to keep us safe as we remount the tower. I don't know what is to come, but as I risk all for the Compact, I am given a moment's warmth and reflection by how far and wide the unity of this moment reaches: from the Crownlands, where my home lies, to the Lyceum, where Lucita's husband, home and hearth await her, to the Mourning Isles, where Lord Ian's men and my sweet friend Sorrel hale from, to the Oathlands, where my bold rescuers and healers stand tall, to the bold North, where my husband and our troops rallied in defense of Stormwall--
We are strong because we are together, and our voices will rise today with all the force that harmony can bring to bear.
Once more, ladies, from the top . . .
Written By Archeron
March 20, 2018, 7:13 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Setarco. It is the isles, but it is not The Isles. Funny, I am sure many Thrax over the years have tried to be here, and now we find ourselves invited, to help it be held no less. And I have taken another boat ride. But which will this be? One of the boat rides that is simply sat, or the one which will in someway change my life? The last took Aislin, so this one should be kind. I hope.
And still.
My cousin commands the enemy. My supposedly dead cousin. I cannot imagine the rage in her, all that time away, sitting. It was easy to hate Thrax, if that had festered, then I cannot imagine what that does to a person, to their very being. Yet. She bears the name Tyde. And House Tyde survives once more. I cannot help but feel she deserves a chance to know that perhaps there is some chance at peace for her. And that Tyde commands her obedience. A last chance for her to turn from whatever drives her.
If she will not, then I just hope she stays well clear of these walls. There are few enough Tydes, to have to kill one myself would feel like a betrayal, but a necessary one if we must.
And still.
My cousin commands the enemy. My supposedly dead cousin. I cannot imagine the rage in her, all that time away, sitting. It was easy to hate Thrax, if that had festered, then I cannot imagine what that does to a person, to their very being. Yet. She bears the name Tyde. And House Tyde survives once more. I cannot help but feel she deserves a chance to know that perhaps there is some chance at peace for her. And that Tyde commands her obedience. A last chance for her to turn from whatever drives her.
If she will not, then I just hope she stays well clear of these walls. There are few enough Tydes, to have to kill one myself would feel like a betrayal, but a necessary one if we must.
Written By Saoirse
March 20, 2018, 6:44 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cadenza
But it will stop a man dead in his tracks, so.
Written By Ann
March 20, 2018, 6:44 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Asger
It's official.
Asger and I stood on the beach at Stormwall the morning after the battle and said our vows to each other knee deep in the ashes of our fallen kindred, zombies, and city.
We will rebuild. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Sharks are jerks. Our lucky number is 42.
Strangely relevant now that I look back at it.
Asger and I stood on the beach at Stormwall the morning after the battle and said our vows to each other knee deep in the ashes of our fallen kindred, zombies, and city.
We will rebuild. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Sharks are jerks. Our lucky number is 42.
Strangely relevant now that I look back at it.
Written By Alistair
March 20, 2018, 6:34 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Ordered to be transcribed at the request of High Inquisitor Alistair Velenosa. 5/23/1008. After discovery and uncovering various tomes thought lost to the wear and tear of time with in the City of Setarco:
What do you do with the mad that you feel
When you feel so mad you could bite?
When the whole wide world seems oh, so wrong...
And nothing you do seems very right?
What do you do? Do you punch a bag?
Do you pound some clay or some dough?
Do you round up friends for a game of tag?
Or see how fast you go?
It's great to be able to stop
When you've planned a thing that's wrong,
And be able to do something else instead
And think this song:
I can stop when I want to
Can stop when I wish
I can stop, stop, stop any time.
And what a good feeling to feel like this
And know that the feeling is really mine.
Know that there's something deep inside
That helps us become what we can.
For a girl can be someday a woman
And a boy can be someday a man.
- Bard-Knight of Good Frederick - A Guide to Raising Little Boys and Girls, Knights, Lords and Ladies
What do you do with the mad that you feel
When you feel so mad you could bite?
When the whole wide world seems oh, so wrong...
And nothing you do seems very right?
What do you do? Do you punch a bag?
Do you pound some clay or some dough?
Do you round up friends for a game of tag?
Or see how fast you go?
It's great to be able to stop
When you've planned a thing that's wrong,
And be able to do something else instead
And think this song:
I can stop when I want to
Can stop when I wish
I can stop, stop, stop any time.
And what a good feeling to feel like this
And know that the feeling is really mine.
Know that there's something deep inside
That helps us become what we can.
For a girl can be someday a woman
And a boy can be someday a man.
- Bard-Knight of Good Frederick - A Guide to Raising Little Boys and Girls, Knights, Lords and Ladies
Written By Sabella
March 20, 2018, 6:11 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
There seem to be a great many people here both reading and writing journals today! How wonderful! It is so important that we all make sure these interesting times are recorded and that we support each other in doing so!
Today was a wonderful day! I pitched a new project to my protege and he agreed it was a worthy undertaking! I do not want to spoil too much of it, but it will require he write a number of new, short plays to be produced for a very important audience. I have every faith that he will do an amazing job! I also received a tour of Kennex Kay and an offer of swimming lessons should I ever want to learn, which I would not. What if there were an great shaking of the earth and a crack opened up and pulled me down into the ocean?! Or worse, if sharks swam up from it?! I have heard tell of fish that can tear flesh from bones in mere seconds! What if there were some of them in there!? I'm sure there probably are not, as it is a pool for recreation, but one can never know these days what will happen, so it seems safer to keep my feet quite firmly on the ground.
I am so excited for this new project! It helps to keep my mind off of the sorry state of affairs we find ourselves in with this war. I worry daily about my sisters and all my loved ones who are still not home. Know that I am doing my best here at home to keep people upbeat and hopeful. I love you all!
Today was a wonderful day! I pitched a new project to my protege and he agreed it was a worthy undertaking! I do not want to spoil too much of it, but it will require he write a number of new, short plays to be produced for a very important audience. I have every faith that he will do an amazing job! I also received a tour of Kennex Kay and an offer of swimming lessons should I ever want to learn, which I would not. What if there were an great shaking of the earth and a crack opened up and pulled me down into the ocean?! Or worse, if sharks swam up from it?! I have heard tell of fish that can tear flesh from bones in mere seconds! What if there were some of them in there!? I'm sure there probably are not, as it is a pool for recreation, but one can never know these days what will happen, so it seems safer to keep my feet quite firmly on the ground.
I am so excited for this new project! It helps to keep my mind off of the sorry state of affairs we find ourselves in with this war. I worry daily about my sisters and all my loved ones who are still not home. Know that I am doing my best here at home to keep people upbeat and hopeful. I love you all!
Written By Valerius
March 20, 2018, 5:59 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
I've realized this last week that with everything happening I should have spent the last few months preparing instead of...anything else, really. While my family is off fighting a war for us I'm horrified to realize I'm somehow less capable than I was before, and I suppose that means these next few weeks will be dedicated to repairing whatever damage I've done so far. I'll make it, after one more drink.
Written By Romulius
March 20, 2018, 5:59 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
I have the worst luck when it comes to women.
Or maybe the best.
I think it's the worst because I find myself attached to those I simply cannot marry.
I could try of course, but first Agatha would try and kill me, and then Darren would laugh at me, and tell Agatha to kill me.
For some reason that doesn't end well, even if I won, I think you'd get angry I hurt your big sister.
Damn it all.
Or maybe the best.
I think it's the worst because I find myself attached to those I simply cannot marry.
I could try of course, but first Agatha would try and kill me, and then Darren would laugh at me, and tell Agatha to kill me.
For some reason that doesn't end well, even if I won, I think you'd get angry I hurt your big sister.
Damn it all.
Written By Romulius
March 20, 2018, 5:41 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mailys
I wish I could do right be you as you deserve.
You saved me in a way nobody else could.
And I cannot even repay you or acknowledge it.
One cage... to another... I wish I could break these chains... but these ones are unbreakable.
I wish it were different.
You saved me in a way nobody else could.
And I cannot even repay you or acknowledge it.
One cage... to another... I wish I could break these chains... but these ones are unbreakable.
I wish it were different.
Written By Ignacio
March 20, 2018, 5:17 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Rising Tides (Week 7)
I write this as I stand on the walls of Setarco, looking out over the island and out into the sea. I might enjoy being here if things had been different. Reports of the battles so far sound good, even though the there was a high cost, the enemy has been pushed back. My men seem restless and the rations seem unsatifying. I have been talking to them in hopes of keeping morale up, but we all have an idea of what is coming.
There is no falling back no more, no parleys, no quarter in what is to come. If we do not stand, the foe will not stop, they are relentless, they need no rest, they need nothing else but to keep marching forward until likely there is nothing left. I remember what has been asked of me, what my duty is to the Compact and my home alike. That will not be forgotten or ignored.
In life things are often complicated and no matter how complex everything becomes, what I really want is simple. Fire and steel. I just need to keep my calm and not get consumed by the flames. If I can do this, it is likely I can have everything I want. Well... almost everything...
I write this as I stand on the walls of Setarco, looking out over the island and out into the sea. I might enjoy being here if things had been different. Reports of the battles so far sound good, even though the there was a high cost, the enemy has been pushed back. My men seem restless and the rations seem unsatifying. I have been talking to them in hopes of keeping morale up, but we all have an idea of what is coming.
There is no falling back no more, no parleys, no quarter in what is to come. If we do not stand, the foe will not stop, they are relentless, they need no rest, they need nothing else but to keep marching forward until likely there is nothing left. I remember what has been asked of me, what my duty is to the Compact and my home alike. That will not be forgotten or ignored.
In life things are often complicated and no matter how complex everything becomes, what I really want is simple. Fire and steel. I just need to keep my calm and not get consumed by the flames. If I can do this, it is likely I can have everything I want. Well... almost everything...
Written By Cadenza
March 20, 2018, 4:53 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
It's been a long time since I've been a scout....
It was thrilling and terrifying at the same time. The things I saw and had to report back with in the Vanguard....made me truly question my sanity.
But I'm ready to do my duty as a scout again. Let's do this....
It was thrilling and terrifying at the same time. The things I saw and had to report back with in the Vanguard....made me truly question my sanity.
But I'm ready to do my duty as a scout again. Let's do this....
Written By Jacque
March 20, 2018, 4:42 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Reading books on strategy can be frustrating. You don't know whether the author put them in practice, or if they're just theorizing what works and what doesn't. Advice is good and well but I want them to be practical, not to be experiments that could be wildly wrong.
On the other hand, I ran out of whiskey again. I am fine with this.
On the other hand, I ran out of whiskey again. I am fine with this.
Written By Valery
March 20, 2018, 4:04 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Armel
I heard Grandmaster Armel died in battle. I'm really sad about it.
He was a bit scary, sometimes, but I think he was really good and nice inside.
He always was nice to me, at least.
And he was always nice to the mice, he always had a treat for them...
I think he kept them for his small rabbits. I wonder if anyone is taking care of them...
He was a bit scary, sometimes, but I think he was really good and nice inside.
He always was nice to me, at least.
And he was always nice to the mice, he always had a treat for them...
I think he kept them for his small rabbits. I wonder if anyone is taking care of them...
Written By Vayne
March 20, 2018, 3:05 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Lady Eirene
Feeling the hate you feel is wholly natural. Sitting with it and understanding it can spur you on to do more than you ever thought you could against your enemy - to win where you might never have been able to.
It can also tempt you and corrupt your soul if you give yourself over to it.
Do not be mastered by your hate, my Lady, but master it for your own purposes. If the Shrine of Tehom can be of any help in this matter, we stand ready to serve.
Feeling the hate you feel is wholly natural. Sitting with it and understanding it can spur you on to do more than you ever thought you could against your enemy - to win where you might never have been able to.
It can also tempt you and corrupt your soul if you give yourself over to it.
Do not be mastered by your hate, my Lady, but master it for your own purposes. If the Shrine of Tehom can be of any help in this matter, we stand ready to serve.
Written By Kaldur
March 20, 2018, 3:02 p.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
The Fox Prince has sly feet, indeed.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.