Written By Acacia
March 26, 2017, 1:32 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
You forget how many hundreds consists of until they're all lined up on the wood of the docks, the stark of the raw cloth rippling in painful contrast against the tar-black stains of the flame-licked woods. It took most of the night to haul them up, though some might've still been left behind. But dozens came down to aid, from the lowest of the low to the Silks on horseback from the gates of the city. And in those terrible moments, there's no distinction between paltry conflict -- just our side and theirs.
Vance was fucked up beyond belief. They found him later that evening, toppled and almost forgotten behind some crates. Khloe, Refills and Birdie were quick in their assistance though, despite the numbers of wounded that still seek care after the incident. Tons of healers were left behind to help, but the constant groans of those in pain always makes it feel like it's never enough.
I'm proud of the family in ways I can't properly explain. Torian sparked to life and showed no hesitation when the invasion happened in the Boroughs. Mae's attitude makes it clear why Audric would favor her - quick and agile as ever, but never hesitating to drop everything to help. Without Orathy's knowledge and aid, everyone would've been in a rougher state. The preparations were bloody ingenious. And Calandra's command and charming sway of her people has never faltered in aiding the evacuation. So yeah. Damn bloody proud.
There's still a long road ahead, but knowing so many hold steady strengthens that necessary morale which spurs men and women both to continued action. For everything else? May the Gods strengthen us to save ourselves.
Vance was fucked up beyond belief. They found him later that evening, toppled and almost forgotten behind some crates. Khloe, Refills and Birdie were quick in their assistance though, despite the numbers of wounded that still seek care after the incident. Tons of healers were left behind to help, but the constant groans of those in pain always makes it feel like it's never enough.
I'm proud of the family in ways I can't properly explain. Torian sparked to life and showed no hesitation when the invasion happened in the Boroughs. Mae's attitude makes it clear why Audric would favor her - quick and agile as ever, but never hesitating to drop everything to help. Without Orathy's knowledge and aid, everyone would've been in a rougher state. The preparations were bloody ingenious. And Calandra's command and charming sway of her people has never faltered in aiding the evacuation. So yeah. Damn bloody proud.
There's still a long road ahead, but knowing so many hold steady strengthens that necessary morale which spurs men and women both to continued action. For everything else? May the Gods strengthen us to save ourselves.
Written By Margot
March 26, 2017, 1:19 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
Everytime you leave for battle, I feel as if I cannot breath until you return.
Keep coming home to me safely.
Keep coming home to me safely.
Written By Calypso
March 26, 2017, 1:09 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
Lord Harald Grimhall - My relationship with this Mourning Isles-born commander is a strange one on all counts. We were first introduced when he was assigned to me as the Liaison of the Thraxian fealty for the Ministry of Defense. Having never met the man before I was eager to see who exactly Prince Victus and Princess Donella thought was capable of the weighty task. As it turns out, they chose the exact right man for the job. He is hardened by a life of war and skilled with a tactical mind. All aspects of Lord Harald that I find highly valuable in this position.
The strange part comes in through the fact that Lord Harald is by all rights a very Thraxian Traditionalist, socially speaking. He holds firm to his belief in thralldom and seeks to challenge the changes that are upon us. I though, being a woman in command of him, that he and I would have more problems seeing eye to eye. When in fact, more often than not, we look at a situation and see it the same way. I value his firm belief in the might of mankind and the steel we wield. Though the rules of the game are constantly changing around us, I am glad to have this rock of a man by my side in defending the Compact.
The strange part comes in through the fact that Lord Harald is by all rights a very Thraxian Traditionalist, socially speaking. He holds firm to his belief in thralldom and seeks to challenge the changes that are upon us. I though, being a woman in command of him, that he and I would have more problems seeing eye to eye. When in fact, more often than not, we look at a situation and see it the same way. I value his firm belief in the might of mankind and the steel we wield. Though the rules of the game are constantly changing around us, I am glad to have this rock of a man by my side in defending the Compact.
Written By Anze
March 26, 2017, 1:06 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
Its been a long few weeks. Longer still because so many were gone for so long. It seems like they returned and brought chaos with them. Seems that the quiet city is over now, and its proper siege mode. Smoke in the lower boroughs, a new crop of wounded soldiers, a full compliment on the walls. All the reports say that the scouts took a hefty toll on the approaching forces, they also say they fought a giant. There were no reports of siege weapons with the abandoned coming to the city, guess you don't need a battering ram if you have a fucking giant.
Written By Rowan
March 26, 2017, 12:25 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
Finicky Heron searched for breakfast along the banks of a river. Heron was proud and Heron was picky, and very little but the absolute best would do for breakfast. There were fish aplenty in the morning waters close to the shore, but none suited Heron.
Minnows tickled at Heron's legs, but Heron only said, 'Those tiny things are hardly fit for such regal creatures as me.'
Perch and Trout drifted lazily buy, supping on the plentiful minnows, but Heron found fault in those as well. 'So plain,' Heron lamented. 'I can't be bothered to bend my graceful neck for that.'
As the sun rose higher and warmed the river, the fish retreated to the deeper waters to find cool and rest with their full bellies. By lunch, Heron found himself settling, and gladly, on a tiny snail picked out of the mud to quiet the pangs in his stomach.
Minnows tickled at Heron's legs, but Heron only said, 'Those tiny things are hardly fit for such regal creatures as me.'
Perch and Trout drifted lazily buy, supping on the plentiful minnows, but Heron found fault in those as well. 'So plain,' Heron lamented. 'I can't be bothered to bend my graceful neck for that.'
As the sun rose higher and warmed the river, the fish retreated to the deeper waters to find cool and rest with their full bellies. By lunch, Heron found himself settling, and gladly, on a tiny snail picked out of the mud to quiet the pangs in his stomach.
Written By Sparte
March 26, 2017, 11:51 a.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
So this is war. The bodies everywhere, the people mourning and terrified. I don't wish this upon anyone with a heart, yet the enemies that have brought this war to us are inhuman. Husks of men. I put my blade through one of the shavs myself, and there was not the cry of men around me who were felled by shavs in turn. Not the pain, not even joy in their release what whatever cruel magic holds them. Just collapse, as the body could no longer hold itself together. The bringers I fought were little better, darker if anything. We are not at war with men who suffer as we do, except as victims of those against us. I am terrified, any sane man should be. If not for themselves, for everyone else. Even if we win, this will be a scar across Arx.
Written By Eleyna
March 26, 2017, 10:57 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Not many. Then again, it seems they aren't man-babies in the Boroughs, either. Unlike some Velenosan princes of my acquaintance.
Written By Asger
March 26, 2017, 10:55 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
As a child and even in the past few years I often wondered what it would be like to be my brother, to be the heir to be the duke. Now I find myself thrust into this position suddenly and it is more then I can take in. There are so many matters to see to and I am beginning to realize I don't know half of what I need to and my tried and true skills aren't going to help me here. Spirits give me strength, I am going to need it.
Written By Eleyna
March 26, 2017, 10:54 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
It's not over, but he came back home alive this time. I'm not sure what will happen now. The Bringers and their armies are still coming. I'm trying to be brave, but, after seeing firsthand what they do, it's difficult to not feel fear.
I knew what these things were in theory. I read reports. I sat in for lectures. But it's not until you see how they fight, the damage that they leave behind that it starts to sink in. The fear. The hopelessness. The rage. The horror.
There is a lot of talk about overcoming these things. Lovely speeches that I've heard. I'm not trying to overcome my fear. I'm embracing it. I'm facing it.
I knew what these things were in theory. I read reports. I sat in for lectures. But it's not until you see how they fight, the damage that they leave behind that it starts to sink in. The fear. The hopelessness. The rage. The horror.
There is a lot of talk about overcoming these things. Lovely speeches that I've heard. I'm not trying to overcome my fear. I'm embracing it. I'm facing it.
Written By Talen
March 26, 2017, 10:52 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
How many men refused your healing out of fear for their lives?
Written By Tobias
March 26, 2017, 10:34 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
The attack on the docks wasn't surprising; those in the Outskirts have been collapsing and reinforcing the catacombs outside the walls, so it only makes sense they'd try to get around the walls and try to get into them. We stopped them, despite the damage done.
I'm more worried about the implications that these Bringers are capable of deception to fool the dockworkers into not raising the alarm initially... and the fact that they're capable of commanding ships.
This siege is going to be a lot harder than I thought it would be.
I'm more worried about the implications that these Bringers are capable of deception to fool the dockworkers into not raising the alarm initially... and the fact that they're capable of commanding ships.
This siege is going to be a lot harder than I thought it would be.
Written By Eleyna
March 26, 2017, 10:12 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
I helped put out fires and treat some burns in the Lower Boroughs last night. For once, I actually felt useful in this war, instead of sitting locked away, waiting for things to happen. I'm not sure why Uncle Niccolo is so annoyed with me.
Written By Armel
March 26, 2017, 8:56 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I will admit, there was a small, unworthy part of me that dearly wanted to just hop over the handrail and punch Aleksei in the face after he swore at Father Orazio. But for all of that? He fought well at the docks. Took a hit and kept right on going, watched my back and Mathias' without question or hesitation. Whatever other faults he may possess? He has my respect for that. Actions speak so much louder than words.
Written By Luca
March 26, 2017, 8:48 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
As odd as it is to think on, he'll make a fantastic godsworn. It was a miracle I didn't fall over laughing at that "fuck you" to Zio though.
Written By Armel
March 26, 2017, 8:46 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
Fought at the docks, along with many, many others. Lost a few knights there, and in the city.
First men I've lost that died near me and I didn't know their names even at the time. That isn't normal for me, but something I was told by Maude to get used to. 'One of the issues with higher command', she calls it. Well, I suppose that is true...
And we did stop them. Stopped them from completely destroying the docks, although we lost enough. Kept them from getting into the Pit, although that took Gisele and a lot of luck and the blessings of Vellichor. Now I'm working with Maude and her men to cap the hole with something temporary, like a wooden plug with a door. Easier to block a door than a whole Pit, if they try sneaking in again.
But the enemy is close now. Time to prepare the defenses, make them tight, and make myself ready for that...and Brunch? This is a weird city.
First men I've lost that died near me and I didn't know their names even at the time. That isn't normal for me, but something I was told by Maude to get used to. 'One of the issues with higher command', she calls it. Well, I suppose that is true...
And we did stop them. Stopped them from completely destroying the docks, although we lost enough. Kept them from getting into the Pit, although that took Gisele and a lot of luck and the blessings of Vellichor. Now I'm working with Maude and her men to cap the hole with something temporary, like a wooden plug with a door. Easier to block a door than a whole Pit, if they try sneaking in again.
But the enemy is close now. Time to prepare the defenses, make them tight, and make myself ready for that...and Brunch? This is a weird city.
Written By Orathy
March 26, 2017, 5:49 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
*Quickly jotted down*
Traps be werkin... Slowin 'em down. Jist a bit...
Fight be thru the night... No be sleepin' fer us.
Lost me some Culler boy's...
We bes on the blighted Bringers trail!
Traps be werkin... Slowin 'em down. Jist a bit...
Fight be thru the night... No be sleepin' fer us.
Lost me some Culler boy's...
We bes on the blighted Bringers trail!
Written By Nix
March 26, 2017, 5:02 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
This was my first day out of the cripple bed. The physician is finally letting me leave the estate...and if he did not I would likely kill him. This could be the reason he has finally let me go. My leg is still killing me, and when it gets cold enough my back aches as well, but it is far less-so then it was only last week. It has been two months since the attack, and I do not know if I will ever properly reave again.
It kills me.
Still, at least I can apply my other skills to aid the House here. I sent a letter to inform Prince Victus of my health, and he was exactly as understanding as I expected. Ugh.
It kills me.
Still, at least I can apply my other skills to aid the House here. I sent a letter to inform Prince Victus of my health, and he was exactly as understanding as I expected. Ugh.
Written By Silas
March 26, 2017, 3:53 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Physically, he appears to be Ainsley's twin. Just more stringy.
Unlike his brother, he appears to like my dog. And doesn't like violence. And insists I relax more. And doesn't seem to be in possession of a copious amount of silver.
I see nothing wrong with being a pacifist with a big heart, but it is because you cherish life that you must protect it.
Unlike his brother, he appears to like my dog. And doesn't like violence. And insists I relax more. And doesn't seem to be in possession of a copious amount of silver.
I see nothing wrong with being a pacifist with a big heart, but it is because you cherish life that you must protect it.
Written By Juliet
March 26, 2017, 1:13 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
"Your time to be the hero," she said. Then she gave me the pendant. To bring back safe to her.
I've kept it close to my heart since.
I have a lot of complex thoughts about my role in what is to come. I suppose it is only natural; mine is the path that faces the mirror head on. To see and acknowledge all facets of an issue as best we can.
Am I to be the hero? A hero, perhaps. Maybe that's history will have to say about me, if all goes well. Or well enough that there still is -a- history.
I don't feel like a hero.
I guess, ultimately, that doesn't matter. Who knows what heroes are supposed to feel like?
But I better act like one.
And I will do my best.
I've kept it close to my heart since.
I have a lot of complex thoughts about my role in what is to come. I suppose it is only natural; mine is the path that faces the mirror head on. To see and acknowledge all facets of an issue as best we can.
Am I to be the hero? A hero, perhaps. Maybe that's history will have to say about me, if all goes well. Or well enough that there still is -a- history.
I don't feel like a hero.
I guess, ultimately, that doesn't matter. Who knows what heroes are supposed to feel like?
But I better act like one.
And I will do my best.
Written By Joslyn
March 26, 2017, 1 a.m.(2/27/1006 AR)
So I learned today that I am able to stand and fight in a battle. That I can watch a man have his head literally torn from his body and fight on without recoiling back in fear and horror. That I lived through this event and recall it all with near perfect memory is something else, and yet... thinking back it's like I was a different person altogether. When the threat of death to myself or my beloved was upon me... I charged in and never looked back, and yet the person that I became? I was fierce and murderous. I didn't let anything stand in my way. As blood of the enemy covered my armor, I moved on, stabbing and killing my way through the crowds. After a time, through my shouts of rage and anger I found that I was smiling. Through the horror and the carnage, I found that I enjoyed the chaos, that I truly liked it in that moment.
That person is not me... and she scares me. I still plan on bringing her out again in the future. I just hope that I don't start to like that feeling too much in the future.
That person is not me... and she scares me. I still plan on bringing her out again in the future. I just hope that I don't start to like that feeling too much in the future.
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