Written By Tristram
Jan. 7, 2017, 1:04 a.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Last night was the Assembly. It was chaotic, difficult, and troublesome. I don't agree with the rush to judgment on the Teind and blood sacrifice but by the same token I don't condemn it entirely out of hand. It clearly has some importance to the Nox'alfar, and they clearly have valuable things to trade to fight our fight with.
I just wonder at other options. Given what I experienced with Gloria, as I told the Assembly (albeit after the vote), it is clear our Gods can help--the holy water and fire were mentioned. Many smart people have clearly done research into this, and I wonder if it is the forgetfulness of our past that leads them to cling immediately to solutions offered by mystical elves--because that knowledge is at hand, and seems real--that moves them to be so accepting of the solutions of debauched Elven nobility. I will redouble my efforts to protect all of Arvum as best I can, seeking what tools I can via the Faith and more mundane methods, and forming a fighting force if I can. Because political squabbling won't help right now.
I just wonder at other options. Given what I experienced with Gloria, as I told the Assembly (albeit after the vote), it is clear our Gods can help--the holy water and fire were mentioned. Many smart people have clearly done research into this, and I wonder if it is the forgetfulness of our past that leads them to cling immediately to solutions offered by mystical elves--because that knowledge is at hand, and seems real--that moves them to be so accepting of the solutions of debauched Elven nobility. I will redouble my efforts to protect all of Arvum as best I can, seeking what tools I can via the Faith and more mundane methods, and forming a fighting force if I can. Because political squabbling won't help right now.
Written By Juliet
Jan. 7, 2017, 12:54 a.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Myrinda Grayhope had an acerbic wit. She wasn't afraid to use her tongue to lash anyone, and happy to turn her status as an old widow against anyone who'd dare speak up against her - or hint at punishment for her speaking out of turn.
As far as I know, she got away with it.
She was renowned as a seamstress - though as a true artist, she made what she wanted for you, not what you wanted.
As far as I know, she got away with it.
I didn't have that many meetings with her, but she was always kind to me. I'd say respectful, in that she offered what she was given, in that regards.
She'd just had her name added to the membership rolls of the Salon, and she promised that she would be as vicious as ever if she caught hint of stupidity in our ranks.
To be frank, I was looking forward to it.
Rest in peace, Myrinda Grayhope. Arx is lesser in your absence.
As far as I know, she got away with it.
She was renowned as a seamstress - though as a true artist, she made what she wanted for you, not what you wanted.
As far as I know, she got away with it.
I didn't have that many meetings with her, but she was always kind to me. I'd say respectful, in that she offered what she was given, in that regards.
She'd just had her name added to the membership rolls of the Salon, and she promised that she would be as vicious as ever if she caught hint of stupidity in our ranks.
To be frank, I was looking forward to it.
Rest in peace, Myrinda Grayhope. Arx is lesser in your absence.
Written By Quirin
Jan. 6, 2017, 11:03 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Thirteen lives to be expended in blood ritual, with no idea whether the result will be positive or negative, save the word of a party that has already struck against us on at least one occasion. It seems, well, worth the attempt, if not quite well worth the attempt. But the greater questions?
Those who are currently trying to kill you are your enemies. Those who are not currently trying to kill you are your allies. Those who would never, under any circumstances, try to kill you are your imagination.
Those who are currently trying to kill you are your enemies. Those who are not currently trying to kill you are your allies. Those who would never, under any circumstances, try to kill you are your imagination.
Written By Khanne
Jan. 6, 2017, 10:30 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Idleness makes me uncomfortable.
This is what I discover today. I have been so very busy as of late, finally becoming involved in things that are the very reason I am here; how to heal, to stop the taint, the evil that spreads. I have attended meetings, gone into meditations, become involved in politics, listened, observed, learned. And now, in this moment, I find quiet.... and ironically, it is strangely.... disquieting.
Worrisome how much my life has changed, I have changed since coming here. I try to cling to what made me the person I am... but in this place, it can be difficult. Where once I was surrounded by naught but wood and mountain, rarely to come across another, I am now surrounded by walls, and beyond those walls people, and more people. In the wide-open grandeur of nature, I felt as tall as a giant, enclosed in the cage of the city so often feel small. I am comfortable enough when around those I know, even in the face of strangers, proud and strong. I lived my life in solitude and was content, now, here, it brings me anxiety. Thank goodness he has gifted me with Serenity, perhaps she will help.
Not that I am any weaker or less confident than I have always been, but it is in these quiet times alone that the weight of the events taking place begins to push at me. Thoughts race through my head. What do we do? How do we do it? Will it be enough? What do we know? What can we discover? Questions and more questions and not enough answers.
But then if I let my mind wander....
I truly need to paint more. There is so much that needs to be expressed.
This is what I discover today. I have been so very busy as of late, finally becoming involved in things that are the very reason I am here; how to heal, to stop the taint, the evil that spreads. I have attended meetings, gone into meditations, become involved in politics, listened, observed, learned. And now, in this moment, I find quiet.... and ironically, it is strangely.... disquieting.
Worrisome how much my life has changed, I have changed since coming here. I try to cling to what made me the person I am... but in this place, it can be difficult. Where once I was surrounded by naught but wood and mountain, rarely to come across another, I am now surrounded by walls, and beyond those walls people, and more people. In the wide-open grandeur of nature, I felt as tall as a giant, enclosed in the cage of the city so often feel small. I am comfortable enough when around those I know, even in the face of strangers, proud and strong. I lived my life in solitude and was content, now, here, it brings me anxiety. Thank goodness he has gifted me with Serenity, perhaps she will help.
Not that I am any weaker or less confident than I have always been, but it is in these quiet times alone that the weight of the events taking place begins to push at me. Thoughts race through my head. What do we do? How do we do it? Will it be enough? What do we know? What can we discover? Questions and more questions and not enough answers.
But then if I let my mind wander....
I truly need to paint more. There is so much that needs to be expressed.
Written By Pietro
Jan. 6, 2017, 9:52 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
I did not know Dawn well.
I mean, did anyone? Maybe her closest kindred, her nearest friends, her family. I mean, I met her a few times. She was always kind to me, always warm. I made her laugh now and again. She gave me my dog, who is, of course, one of the most precious gifts I have ever received.
But Dawn?
I mean, when I saw her, I saw a woman of grace, of strength, of leadership, but how can I say I really knew her? I think there are some who glimpsed more of who she was, but I mean, I was not party to her. I was not invited.
That's all right. There's little enough of a person like that to go around, to give away of themselves.
But as Regent...? At the end...?
There is much to disagree with, in doing what she did. I stood appalled that she chose to leave her confirmed duty behind and let the high lords resort to squabbling amongst themselves and failing to make a real decision -- although how much of that I can blame on her I leave aside.
But I do not know how I could do anything but honor her for her sacrifice. How I could do anything but love her in that moment for making that choice, as a leader to her people, to die for them. For us.
I wept to see her walk away from us.
How could I not?
I mean, did anyone? Maybe her closest kindred, her nearest friends, her family. I mean, I met her a few times. She was always kind to me, always warm. I made her laugh now and again. She gave me my dog, who is, of course, one of the most precious gifts I have ever received.
But Dawn?
I mean, when I saw her, I saw a woman of grace, of strength, of leadership, but how can I say I really knew her? I think there are some who glimpsed more of who she was, but I mean, I was not party to her. I was not invited.
That's all right. There's little enough of a person like that to go around, to give away of themselves.
But as Regent...? At the end...?
There is much to disagree with, in doing what she did. I stood appalled that she chose to leave her confirmed duty behind and let the high lords resort to squabbling amongst themselves and failing to make a real decision -- although how much of that I can blame on her I leave aside.
But I do not know how I could do anything but honor her for her sacrifice. How I could do anything but love her in that moment for making that choice, as a leader to her people, to die for them. For us.
I wept to see her walk away from us.
How could I not?
Written By Pietro
Jan. 6, 2017, 9:46 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
I have so many things that I could say, and I find I sit here at a loss. There are so many journal entries that I could begin. There are so many things to ... react to.
My brother nearly lost his life defending the Regent from a traitor who was an agent of the White Stewards. An agent of the Bringers. The Bringers who mass in the Gray Forest, restless dead who destroy all they come across and wreak a blight upon the land.
And I hear him castigated in Council for this, at the Assembly, by men who knew better, of course, because second guessing the commander in the field is always easy when the battle is already fought. I am also fascinated, by the by, that it is apparently the fault of the second or third in command, when the commander does something you don't like. I had no idea. I always thought that the general owned the victory or the defeat, but apparently it was the captain all along.
He almost gave his life to the realm and to the Crown, defending the Regent from the blade of a traitor.
I love my brother. When Duke Leo saved his life, he saved mine as well. Without him, I do not know who I would be. Well, Count of the March, I guess. But not who I should be. Not Pietro. Someone would walk on, with my face and with my history, but ... it would be someone else. Someone hollow.
It makes me sick that the reward he reaps for his long hours, his duty and blood and sweat, are the ashes of blame.
He deserves better.
My brother nearly lost his life defending the Regent from a traitor who was an agent of the White Stewards. An agent of the Bringers. The Bringers who mass in the Gray Forest, restless dead who destroy all they come across and wreak a blight upon the land.
And I hear him castigated in Council for this, at the Assembly, by men who knew better, of course, because second guessing the commander in the field is always easy when the battle is already fought. I am also fascinated, by the by, that it is apparently the fault of the second or third in command, when the commander does something you don't like. I had no idea. I always thought that the general owned the victory or the defeat, but apparently it was the captain all along.
He almost gave his life to the realm and to the Crown, defending the Regent from the blade of a traitor.
I love my brother. When Duke Leo saved his life, he saved mine as well. Without him, I do not know who I would be. Well, Count of the March, I guess. But not who I should be. Not Pietro. Someone would walk on, with my face and with my history, but ... it would be someone else. Someone hollow.
It makes me sick that the reward he reaps for his long hours, his duty and blood and sweat, are the ashes of blame.
He deserves better.
Written By Cara
Jan. 6, 2017, 9:21 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Receipt for: one pair of excrement brown oilskin waterproof pantaloons
These pants are basic, ordinary pants, save for the fact that they are made from thick brown oilskin. The oil rubbing makes them effectively waterproof, and their color -- a muddy hue most commonly observed in animal droppings -- is excellent for camouflaging accidental eruptions of the bowels.
A tag upon the waist reads, 'For the weak of conviction in their hour of need.'
Signature, delivered to: Prince Aurelian Valardin
These pants are basic, ordinary pants, save for the fact that they are made from thick brown oilskin. The oil rubbing makes them effectively waterproof, and their color -- a muddy hue most commonly observed in animal droppings -- is excellent for camouflaging accidental eruptions of the bowels.
A tag upon the waist reads, 'For the weak of conviction in their hour of need.'
Signature, delivered to: Prince Aurelian Valardin
Written By Darren
Jan. 6, 2017, 9 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
We didn't agree. You knew my stance, and I knew yours. We didn't often butt heads, but you listened to me as I listened to you. You were - are - my very good friend. One of the truest I've had since we came to this City.
I respect your decision. Know this. I even understand why you didn't tell me - you knew I would've tried to talk you out of it. That I would've sought another way. That I would've told you that you don't have to carry the weight of the world upon your shoulders. I still think that, by the way.
You are a bright, good woman. You were a good Regent, one who worked tirelessly and endlessly, who faced criticism and complaint with grace. I hope that we can continue the work you began.
I will hold to the promises I made you back last summer, when we had only a sliver of knowledge of what we were up against. I wish you well, Lady Dawn.
Thank you.
I respect your decision. Know this. I even understand why you didn't tell me - you knew I would've tried to talk you out of it. That I would've sought another way. That I would've told you that you don't have to carry the weight of the world upon your shoulders. I still think that, by the way.
You are a bright, good woman. You were a good Regent, one who worked tirelessly and endlessly, who faced criticism and complaint with grace. I hope that we can continue the work you began.
I will hold to the promises I made you back last summer, when we had only a sliver of knowledge of what we were up against. I wish you well, Lady Dawn.
Thank you.
Written By Joscelin
Jan. 6, 2017, 8:35 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
I would warn all my crafters not to drink and make, at least not the ones who use fire and force to bend metal to their will.
Ida. Don't make me come over there.
Ida. Don't make me come over there.
Written By Eleyna
Jan. 6, 2017, 8:15 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
There are no easy choices.
Maybe these blood sacrifices have to happen. There are certainly people more knowledgeable than I am that seem to think so. Whatever my private thoughts on the matter, I stand with my Archduchess and support her choice to agree to the Teind. The decision is made.
That said, we can grieve that this choice had to be made. We can grieve for those that make this sacrifice to keep the rest of us safe. I grieve for Lady Dawn and all who love her. I grieve for the twelve that will follow her. I even grieve for the generations of Abandoned that gave themselves to keep us safe. We paid them back with slaughter.
These are people that are loved. That will be grieved. That is what we cannot allow to be forgotten. These are not 'sacrifices'. They are people.
Maybe these blood sacrifices have to happen. There are certainly people more knowledgeable than I am that seem to think so. Whatever my private thoughts on the matter, I stand with my Archduchess and support her choice to agree to the Teind. The decision is made.
That said, we can grieve that this choice had to be made. We can grieve for those that make this sacrifice to keep the rest of us safe. I grieve for Lady Dawn and all who love her. I grieve for the twelve that will follow her. I even grieve for the generations of Abandoned that gave themselves to keep us safe. We paid them back with slaughter.
These are people that are loved. That will be grieved. That is what we cannot allow to be forgotten. These are not 'sacrifices'. They are people.
Written By Cassius
Jan. 6, 2017, 7:20 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Does no one in this city have enough work to keep them busy?
Come by the House of Solace. We've sheets that need changed and bandages that need washed.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Come by the House of Solace. We've sheets that need changed and bandages that need washed.
Lord Cassius Nightgold, KoS
Written By Ida
Jan. 6, 2017, 7:19 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
I have a weariness that I believe only the solace of the forge might remedy. Or whiskey. One of the two. Maybe both.
Written By Belladonna
Jan. 6, 2017, 6:50 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
It disturbs me, how few of my peers seem to understand what a treaty is.
Written By Valencia
Jan. 6, 2017, 6:44 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I am concerned by the barrage of heated insults and divisiveness that seems to be being thrown about during a time when we should be most united.
I ask why we are sending our best and brightest to certain slaughter when we need their expertise and skills for the fight to come. What good can come killing those we need most? There must be a better way.
I worry that our real enemies -- our REAL enemies -- must think we are such agreeable prey.
Defeating ourselves through bickering and in-fighting and serving up our finest up for others to dine on. All this just makes our enemy's job easier.
Regardless of what we may or may not do, let's not defeat ourselves before we even properly meet the enemy on the field.
Yes, there will be disagreements, but let's focus on what is important. Or our people will all face dire consequences for our folly and lack of vision if we do not.
Gods and grove protect us all from ourselves.
~~~<~<@
I ask why we are sending our best and brightest to certain slaughter when we need their expertise and skills for the fight to come. What good can come killing those we need most? There must be a better way.
I worry that our real enemies -- our REAL enemies -- must think we are such agreeable prey.
Defeating ourselves through bickering and in-fighting and serving up our finest up for others to dine on. All this just makes our enemy's job easier.
Regardless of what we may or may not do, let's not defeat ourselves before we even properly meet the enemy on the field.
Yes, there will be disagreements, but let's focus on what is important. Or our people will all face dire consequences for our folly and lack of vision if we do not.
Gods and grove protect us all from ourselves.
~~~<~<@
Written By Eirene
Jan. 6, 2017, 5:57 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassius
I swear he looks like he always has a lemon shoved up inside his mouth. Yet somehow I can occasionally make him smile. Guess I'm a fucking miracle worker.
Written By Myrinda
Jan. 6, 2017, 5:52 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
A city full of fools, liars, and mummers. You only care at the blood spilled of nobles, not commoners. You only care at someone leaving, not whether they left. You only care about yourselves.
And now, by gods, you will carry on a facade of speaking for us? Which us do you speak for?
Give us our own voices and you wouldn't have to.
And now, by gods, you will carry on a facade of speaking for us? Which us do you speak for?
Give us our own voices and you wouldn't have to.
Written By Juliet
Jan. 6, 2017, 5:37 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
There's so much to say. And yet so little.
I considered Marquessa Samantha Deepwood a friend - I was inspired by her passion and sense of justice.
I consider Marquessa Ivy Deepwood a friend. I am inspired by her passion and sense of justice, and proud of how it has led her true.
I considered Marquessa Samantha Deepwood a friend - I was inspired by her passion and sense of justice.
I consider Marquessa Ivy Deepwood a friend. I am inspired by her passion and sense of justice, and proud of how it has led her true.
Written By Cara
Jan. 6, 2017, 5:15 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Why, brother, you have stolen the hearts of so many, of course.
It is said that in the course of troubled events, much is revealed about the character of others. I have heard some urge caution, which is a reasonable position in many instances; others urge action.
But I say that when the house is on fire, the man too cautious to leave for fear of error is the one who burns; when the enemy is at the gate, it is not the time to argue. A decision must be made.
If there are alternative courses of action with /concrete/ solutions that can be implemented immediately, then for the love of the gods, bring them forth. Please.
They are in our forest. They are in our homeland.
Our house is afire, and something must be done. It /will/ be done. The only question is whether or not 'twill be done with the aid of others or without.
It is said that in the course of troubled events, much is revealed about the character of others. I have heard some urge caution, which is a reasonable position in many instances; others urge action.
But I say that when the house is on fire, the man too cautious to leave for fear of error is the one who burns; when the enemy is at the gate, it is not the time to argue. A decision must be made.
If there are alternative courses of action with /concrete/ solutions that can be implemented immediately, then for the love of the gods, bring them forth. Please.
They are in our forest. They are in our homeland.
Our house is afire, and something must be done. It /will/ be done. The only question is whether or not 'twill be done with the aid of others or without.
Written By Lianne
Jan. 6, 2017, 4:42 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Words I No Longer Care to Use:
Light, to refer to knowledge, truth and good.
Darkness, to refer to ignorance, secrets and evil.
Demons, to refer to any horror beyond our ken without proper study and classification.
Too easily, we let the connotations of these terms dictate our responses, unconsidered, unnoticed. I shall endeavor to speak more precisely, to say what I mean, unmuddled by these convoluted metaphors. We do not need light to banish the darkness; we need to question, to seek answers, to fend off ignorance and outwit those who would deceive us. We are beset by strange enemies which bear many faces and many names; we should call them what they are, distinct and different, and deny them the potency of myth.
Poetry has its place, after all this is done, when we can color our recollection any way we'd like. Now, as we face the unknown, we require clarity and concision to make it plain.
Light, to refer to knowledge, truth and good.
Darkness, to refer to ignorance, secrets and evil.
Demons, to refer to any horror beyond our ken without proper study and classification.
Too easily, we let the connotations of these terms dictate our responses, unconsidered, unnoticed. I shall endeavor to speak more precisely, to say what I mean, unmuddled by these convoluted metaphors. We do not need light to banish the darkness; we need to question, to seek answers, to fend off ignorance and outwit those who would deceive us. We are beset by strange enemies which bear many faces and many names; we should call them what they are, distinct and different, and deny them the potency of myth.
Poetry has its place, after all this is done, when we can color our recollection any way we'd like. Now, as we face the unknown, we require clarity and concision to make it plain.
Written By Juliet
Jan. 6, 2017, 4:38 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
To pen these thoughts is a religious excercise, not one of vanity - but I am vain enough to put it in my public journals.
I do not envy her Excellency for the choices she has had to make. In whatever dealings I have had with her, she has been straightforward and to the point. Like her brother, she had an intent of ruling for the common people. I firmly believe she always had the best of the Compact in mind when making her decisions.
And she has decided to give up her life for it.
I can hope and wish it isn't necessary. For some last-minute miracle - perhaps from this elven goddess, who is supposedly one of our Lost of the Pantheon. I can hope, and I can wish, and I can pray.
I don't know if you ever believed my words when we first met, your Excellency. But they were spoken earnestly and without any hidden intent.
I cannot imagine the burden of carrying the Compact's woes. I don't think I'd be strong enough for it.
I hope the rest of your days are filled with joy and pleasure. That you take good memories with you to the next life.
Be that years from now, or in a matter of weeks.
I do not envy her Excellency for the choices she has had to make. In whatever dealings I have had with her, she has been straightforward and to the point. Like her brother, she had an intent of ruling for the common people. I firmly believe she always had the best of the Compact in mind when making her decisions.
And she has decided to give up her life for it.
I can hope and wish it isn't necessary. For some last-minute miracle - perhaps from this elven goddess, who is supposedly one of our Lost of the Pantheon. I can hope, and I can wish, and I can pray.
I don't know if you ever believed my words when we first met, your Excellency. But they were spoken earnestly and without any hidden intent.
I cannot imagine the burden of carrying the Compact's woes. I don't think I'd be strong enough for it.
I hope the rest of your days are filled with joy and pleasure. That you take good memories with you to the next life.
Be that years from now, or in a matter of weeks.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.