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Written By Aureth

April 20, 2017, 12:24 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calypso

Last night, I made battle plans with the Minister of Defense, General Calypso Malvici.

I never imagined that I would be called to do any such thing.

But since I am called, I serve. I never imagined that I would be doing that, either.

Death calls. The Crown calls. The Compact calls.

Well, shit. Here I am.

Written By Aureth

April 20, 2017, 12:21 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)

I find it funny--

Last year, maybe two years ago I forget, Lazarus Mercier publicly called my mother a criminal. She called him out for this, and demanded that he meet her with swords in a duel. He retracted the insult rather than stand behind his words, but publicly complained and acted without grace about the whole thing. At that time, I called him coward.

A few months ago, I attended a wedding at the Mercier home, on behalf of my friend, Jeremiah, and his wedding to the charming Bethany Mercier, about whom none should have anything bad to say. Lazarus Mercier summarily ejected me from the house. At that time, I called him both a coward and ungracious in this very journal. Of course, because he is a coward and a man without grace, he did not respond. I assume this is because he knew that if he had called for champions, Gloria would simply have borne me out.

Now by his actions he has made clear that he is both an ungracious coward and a man without honor, who would put his personal pride above oaths and fealty and expect his family to blindly follow him into it.

Lazarus Mercier: coward, ungracious, honorless, and very shortly? Very broke.

Pretty funny.

I think now is a time that loyal Crownlanders should benefit from a 20% discount at Grayhope-run properties. I hope my family members will, with consideration, follow me in this. But of course, I make no demand that they do so. That would be arrogant.

Written By Serafine

April 20, 2017, 12:10 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Silas

Boss, need an escort when you go about your business? You're prime meat on the marriage market without your title, but -now-?


[It's noted the subject doesn't say anything discernible, mostly just cackles, snickers, chortles, and the like, with some syllables that sound like very vulgar, descriptive words.]

Written By Harper

April 20, 2017, 12:01 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Silas

Boss is a silk now. Balls. The world really IS goin' to the Abyss in a handbasket now. Guess congratulatory measures an' further pranks are in order.

Written By Harper

April 20, 2017, 11:58 a.m.(4/22/1006 AR)

Oy. Dunno what some folks pray fer - most I know in the Lowers, are prayin' to the gods to be able to find their next meal. Honor's fuckin' great, but it doesn't fill a belly.

Written By Eirene

April 20, 2017, 11:54 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

If I can't stop people from doing damn fool stupid things, I may as well be told about them in advance so I can mitigate the damage.

And if you think this journal is about you, it probably is then.

Written By Calypso

April 20, 2017, 11:41 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Aureth

Never in a thousand years would I imagine my duty as Minister of Defense - Coordinator of the Compact's Militaries - to include coordinating an Army of the Dead.

I wish there were more time to instruct you on the importance of responsible leadership. On the theories of battle tactics and the great responsibility that you hold in your hand. But, there is not. The break of this siege is eminent. Much of the Hope of our future, our very existence now rests in your hands.

Don't falter. Stay vigilant.

Written By Niamh

April 20, 2017, 11:02 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

I find myself in a rather unique position, having been born Abandoned and now walking among the ranks of Arvani. I grew up in the Oathlands, tucked away in the Greenwood, and knowing the Knights of Valardin - the Dragons - as a terror to our people whispered in stories. They were an enemy to be respected, for their prowess was acknowledged even among the shav'arvani. We all knew that should we cross the line, the Dragons would come for us. A few years later and I am AM a Dragon. I knelt when Greenmarch did and I trembled in fear of a trap as Prince Radley annointed me a Knight of Valardin. Over the news few years I would come to learn, and appreciate, just what it means to wear the white dragon emblem.

As an Oathlander I now understand and appreciate this above all: high or low born, if you are in distress, you pray for a dragon. You take knee before the gods and you request that Gloria send you aid in the form of a chivalric champion in that blue and white surcoat. It gives hope to all the people of the Oathlands, strengthens them with courage, and lets them know that if injustice should arise, someone will be there the Champion their cause. When I came to Arx, I joined the Champions because I felt the embodied that spirit the closest of any in the city.

Now, as I have lived in Arx for a few years, I have come to another understanding. Many people throughout Arvum do not have a dragon to pray for. They do not have a comforting sense of roving chivalry there for justice and light. This is not to say that the Princes and Lieges of the other Principalities do not provide their people! No! It is just that there is not a common symbol that all reach out to in the same way. After sitting through the Siege of Arx, I can say, resolutely, it is time for that to change. It is time for everyone under the Compact to have a beacon of hope, a symbol of the fires of retribution, and a light to stand against the darkness encroaching.

I have begun speaking with the High Lords, the Knights of Solace, and the Inquisition to overcome this problem. The ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON, named in honor of Aurumadin and Lord Goldenpyre's sacrifice, shall be the dragons that all of Arvum can pray for. I seek to forge a new Chivalric Order, drawing from the heroes of all our peoples. Together we will range forth and slay the evil that persecutes our people. Together, we will stand up to those who call on the Abyss. Together we will bring hope to the hopeless.

I seek to form this group with as much freedom to act as is possible. It is one I wish to be largely self-funded and self-sufficient, though which will continue to act in cooperation with those organizations it would border (The Inquisition and the Knights of the Faith). It would be an order of those who can dedicate their lives and time to its completion entirely.

This is my dream for you, Arvum. I hope you share it with me.

Niamh Greemarch
Knight of Valardin
Grandmistress Champion

Written By Luna

April 20, 2017, 10:43 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

Death's at our door and we will not falter

We hold together and pray at alters

The spirits are restless

I had a vision of a bright echoing light at the gate. Blinding.. and the demons turned to dust and ash. I think it's just a hopeful dream. I do not know how commoners will survive this.

Written By Thena

April 20, 2017, 9:42 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

There is so much darkness in this city and yet I have not encountered any of it first-hand. I must be going to the wrong parties.

I know that sounds flippant, but if I were to let myself be otherwise I would probably cease to function.

Written By Edward

April 20, 2017, 7:48 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

The rituals of the North are fascinating, and have sense of age to them that does not come from more 'modern' forms of worship to the Gods.

Written By Ann

April 20, 2017, 2:37 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

Document the eleventh:

1 treatise coming along damnably well

The practical applications have yet to be determined, but I am enjoying the research.

Written By Rymarr

April 20, 2017, 2:06 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

Has the Compact forgotten the purpose of The Champions in settling their disputes and affronts to personal honor? Increasingly as of late I do believe that it has.

Written By Silas

April 20, 2017, 1:11 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

Though I have served House Grayson loyally for many years, and will continue to do so as my oaths as a knight require, I do consider the contents of Princess Cara's letter insulting and fully support my brother in his decision -- and the rest of my family. We were collectively maligned, accused of being war profiteers when there was little evidence to claim such, and then treated little better than unwanted pests which were getting in the way of more important things. The alcohol ban was dead in the water, it didn't need to be meddled with or commented upon, it was a choice she felt she needed to make for some reason.

My family is common and unlike myself, they did not officially go before the King and swear fealty: I don't think the realm has time to do that for every citizen born within their borders. They served Grayson because that is what their fathers and grandfathers did before them, and they saw no reason to change that... until now. If they are not respected, if they are clearly not wanted, they are free to leave and find a place where they are appreciated. I will not stop them. And I will defend them.

But I hope they realize why I cannot follow, one day. I never intended to have the bonds of loyalty and duty and family directly conflict with one another... but it appears it may have been inevitable.

Written By Sameera

April 20, 2017, 12:09 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

Touching. People do this. I am not a fan of it. More so when it involves more than a fleeting one. People are difficult.

Written By Esoka

April 19, 2017, 11:35 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calaudrin

Good man to drink and smoke with. Decent shot. Unafraid to take charge when need be. Would follow into battle again. He should remember that he's flammable, though.

Written By Tikva

April 19, 2017, 10:57 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)

Love is the measure of two hearts together
Duty is the binding together of their tether
Once it was a wall and now it bends
Between a loving pair of truest friends
This song could have been spun a tragedy
Instead it’s the true beginning of a family.

Wound up with history, time twining through
It could have been sadness, division for two;
Yet finally it came, the truest reward,
That wife and husband share a grip on this sword
Limerance calls you, together hereby—
Old vows now behind you, a new one will bind.

Standing by stalwart in armor, he’s never forsook
While her gaze never changed, ahead she’ll always look
Back to back, side by side, partnership and support
These lovers have a rare gift as he joins with her court
Never forget, though, these lovers entwined
This is a triumph we can all get behind:

Some creatures may exist for no purpose at all
The lion, his strength roars out in his bright call
While the sloth, she is home to so many of the small
It fits more than one way, you know, small and tall,
Ride along by your heart, to show love conquers all;
Patience and faith reward loyalty, above all.

This could have been tragic, but instead it’s come sweet
By these hands come in joining, two hearts shall beat;
Rare upon rare when the heart makes accord
with duty divine, liege-sworn, all above-board;
Together you’ll walk each new stride of this ward
and as for me I give welcome to my lady’s new lord.

Written By Luna

April 19, 2017, 9:50 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)

And a piece of me breaks watching you hold another.
I think I made a mistake calling you a lover.


I am the deepest secret,
perhaps even your regret.

How could we raise children,
when we cannot acknowledge we've never met


Oh my love, how my heart yearns for you
My body burns for you..


Until I am nothing but Ash

Written By Mira

April 19, 2017, 8:41 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)

When the Rivers run Red, Demons shall never be Fed. ...Look for the Blade in the Rock. I wonder what that means.

Written By Lazarus

April 19, 2017, 8:14 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)


Let me read you a message I received from the voice of Grayson, Princess Cara Grayson;

"Master Mercier," The princess begins, as you expect from a polite company - but it quickly takes a turn for the worse. "We would kindly request that you desist from your war profiteering, lest you find your family bearing unusual amounts of censure on the matter --" War profiteering, censorship. We? "Particularly as rationing is a very real concern and may well affect your business soon enough." The voice continues, affect my business soon enough? House Mercier has no business. We have been committed to the cause since long before the threat was at our gates. Even the Grayson can tell you this. So I do not understand the basis for this 'threat'. Let us continue, "And to forestall the inevitable protestation, please be advised that in the middle of a siege, with dead and the forces of darkness all around us, the very last thing in the world I wish to have to deal with is the Mercier family yet again setting tongues wagging while they line their pockets." I do not anything needs to be said, "Cara - Voice of Grayson."

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