Written By Valkieri
Jan. 6, 2017, 4:01 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I would very much like to know what I have supposedly stolen.
Written By Anze
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:43 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Entertaining to watch an honorless theif call someone else honorless. What's that called? The pot calling the kettle black?
Written By Bethany
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:36 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
To the Lower, to the Upper, to the servant and the merchant. To the general populace of Arx that lack a title before their name:
Allow them to bicker. We must organize ourselves.
"... I don't believe current events is the business of those in power alone as it affects us all." Well-spoken words by a knight-scholar of Vellichor.
It will affect *all* of us. In every tier. A certain level of transparency is needed - among the social classes, among the ranks. We need to unify, stand as one city and one Compact if we are ever to understand the situation we are facing. We need to be aware of all factors, all consequences in order to cast decisions like stones upon the backs of anyone.
Highborn or lowborn alike.
Ask questions. Seek answers. Find the Corruption where it hides in the Dark and cast Light upon it. Share what you learn about it with others. No questions are useless when all that we considered myth or fiction is now made real. The only fear is in the unknown, the ignorance, the unwillingness to ask and search and learn.
We need to insist on the truth if we are to make any decisions on our future.
Allow them to bicker. We must organize ourselves.
"... I don't believe current events is the business of those in power alone as it affects us all." Well-spoken words by a knight-scholar of Vellichor.
It will affect *all* of us. In every tier. A certain level of transparency is needed - among the social classes, among the ranks. We need to unify, stand as one city and one Compact if we are ever to understand the situation we are facing. We need to be aware of all factors, all consequences in order to cast decisions like stones upon the backs of anyone.
Highborn or lowborn alike.
Ask questions. Seek answers. Find the Corruption where it hides in the Dark and cast Light upon it. Share what you learn about it with others. No questions are useless when all that we considered myth or fiction is now made real. The only fear is in the unknown, the ignorance, the unwillingness to ask and search and learn.
We need to insist on the truth if we are to make any decisions on our future.
Written By Denica
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:25 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
This entry is written in a familiar looping script, the page opposite detailing a drawing of a triangular pattern; one bird below two, four before the last two, eight, and so on. It lessens in perspective, as if the flock is flying from the first, growing infinitely small.
It seems that I am some ill omen, having come to Arx to see all of Arvum fall apart at its seams!
Last eve was the Assembly of Peers. The regent stepped down, but not before pushing a vote to commit a blood rite with the Nox'Alfar. It seemed as if she had already agreed to, saying that the elves recognized her as the Compact. They say that for the Tiend thirteen men must sacrifice their lives: thirteen. This number cannot be shrugged off, nor can the will of Arx's foremost leaders to commit to blood rites at the insistence of those whose last ritual stole the soul of their king.
They too said that there are traitors amongst us, agents of those that would have Arvum fall: how are we to trust? One must trust by action over words. And long ago, the act of committing blood magic was banned by our forefathers. It is abhorrent to those of faith! Have all lost their minds? Not all; Prince Darren of Redrain exercised a critical mind (which I admit my grandfather described as 'dithering'), and Prince Tristram of Valardin spoke against the rite (after his poor hand nearly fell off, and notably after the Regent had declared her decision).
Last eve I had a dream; the birds were two, then four, eight, sixteen--they continued in this fashion, filling the sky. No one is bound to fate, not I, not anyone. No one is stripped of decision. Our fates are infinite, our paths spread like branches on a great tree.
There is never any 'must'. There is only possibility and responsibility. Courage and cowardice.
May Jayus touch my heart to seal it against fear.
Princess Denica of Thrax
Written By Silas
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:24 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Hahahahahahaha
Yes I am writing my laughter.
Don't judge me.
Yes I am writing my laughter.
Don't judge me.
Written By Valkieri
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:18 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
Remarkable how people can call someone a power-hungry tyrant after they have abdicated their power and family. I am sure she is reveling in her power now as she rides to her death to protect you, you honorless flec.
Written By Tristan
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:14 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I am only a horseman with no education in politics...
But abdicating and agreeing willingly to die is certainly a novel way to prove one's self a tyrant.
But abdicating and agreeing willingly to die is certainly a novel way to prove one's self a tyrant.
Written By Leo
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:13 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
You are a meek fool, brave only as the last to throw a stone. You are a blight on the honor of Valardin. Rescind your words, draw steel or select your champion.
Written By Cara
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:12 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
It is excellent to know clearly and cleanly when someone is an unmitigated ass.
Written By Aurelian
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:04 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I do not often put ink to parchment for my own journals, though with the backlash from the latest Assembly of Peers I find it curious there seems to be so much shock in so many of the people. Lady Dawn was clearly a politician, but more than that after speaking with her directly only once and overhearing her words at parties and the like she struck me right away as the time that smiled too easily, flattered to often, and generally carried on like a fool. Yet she clearly had a mind, and that combination is too often a warning sign of someone who will do anything for power, and to give her such only proved that true.
Truly baffling it took so long for so many to see the tyrant hidden beneath the smile. This only further proves to me that she was controlling information to make herself seem more divine while also preventing others from solving the matter. The Nox'alfar included, as if a noble marriage was enough to mend the ancient Treaty then for someone to so often early on go on about how she srves the realm above all else, she should have stepped forward and been the first to attempt to offer herself in marriage to the elves. If accepted this would have fixed the Treaty, and as we were initially told the elves were the ones behind the king's condition, then mending the Treaty would have been reason to restore him to his former state. No surprise a tyrant would never act on this, to do so means she would give up all power and the rightful ruler would have been returned to power.
Fortunately she's been proven for what she is now, and may it be a cautionary tale to others. When a Regent is appointed you want one who has proven themselves loyal to the realm first, one proven to value people over personal goals, and one who lacks all ambition. Granted this is a combination rarely seen but they tend to prove to be the best leaders, along with wisdom and intelligence.
Still this entry is more for my own catharsis as one lacking any ability to take action or speak up on such matters personally. Still I suppose that is the price one pays for seeking to avoid politics where possible, you end up with no voice and no influence for the times it truly matters. May we learn from this and the Pantheon bless us with the wisdom, intellect, judgement, and resolve to find better candidates in the future, and choose the best one.
Prince Aurelian Valardin, a prince of Valardin
Truly baffling it took so long for so many to see the tyrant hidden beneath the smile. This only further proves to me that she was controlling information to make herself seem more divine while also preventing others from solving the matter. The Nox'alfar included, as if a noble marriage was enough to mend the ancient Treaty then for someone to so often early on go on about how she srves the realm above all else, she should have stepped forward and been the first to attempt to offer herself in marriage to the elves. If accepted this would have fixed the Treaty, and as we were initially told the elves were the ones behind the king's condition, then mending the Treaty would have been reason to restore him to his former state. No surprise a tyrant would never act on this, to do so means she would give up all power and the rightful ruler would have been returned to power.
Fortunately she's been proven for what she is now, and may it be a cautionary tale to others. When a Regent is appointed you want one who has proven themselves loyal to the realm first, one proven to value people over personal goals, and one who lacks all ambition. Granted this is a combination rarely seen but they tend to prove to be the best leaders, along with wisdom and intelligence.
Still this entry is more for my own catharsis as one lacking any ability to take action or speak up on such matters personally. Still I suppose that is the price one pays for seeking to avoid politics where possible, you end up with no voice and no influence for the times it truly matters. May we learn from this and the Pantheon bless us with the wisdom, intellect, judgement, and resolve to find better candidates in the future, and choose the best one.
Prince Aurelian Valardin, a prince of Valardin
Written By Abbas
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:02 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Mainlanders. They deserve special hats.
Written By Belladonna
Jan. 6, 2017, 2:56 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Written By Hadrian
Jan. 6, 2017, 2:50 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
What a theatrical showing that Assembly was! I almost regret having missed the ending; the headache I was sustaining could've only gotten worse through the bickering of the nobles and constant noise, and this lack of sleep is already maddening. Still, I do hope none were offended by my early departure. Calypso is more than capable of speaking for me amongst my peers and superiors.
Some key things: the Teind. Despite Esera's words at the Ducal Dinner, she called in support of the sacrifices, which was, as I love, surprising! I do not mind having to play the part of the cold duke, but we will see what the others are capable of. Duke Niccolo volunteered immediately thereafter, which nearly stole the show. I respect his call -I agree we must be willing to do what we ask of our people to do. It would've been just gaudy to volunteer after him though. It did not sway his daughter.
He was topped by a woman pretending to be Marquessa, who then was elevated to her station. Truly a thrill! And so bold of her to attempt such, I applaud it. But the real scene stealer was the Regent herself, Dawn. She abdicated her position, and declared she would be the first to the Teind with twelve others. Oh, that was magnificent. I cannot help but wonder if this means Niccolo is one of the other twelve, or if he is to remain among us?
On that note, the damned treaty. Thirteen sacrifices, but why thirteen? I was told because it is the number of gods, but why does it have to be the same? The thirteenth is said to he the father of demons, or I think Juliet told me that. The old Legate- Orazio's predecessor- and twelve others were used as thirteen blood sacrifices to a demon. This number does not seem to bode happy tidings. Perhaps I shall pray to the Thirteenth, because if all these demons and monsters are real, so too must be gods. But I do not suspect He'd answer.
War is coming. I know it. And Malvici, as always, will be ready to answer its call.
Some key things: the Teind. Despite Esera's words at the Ducal Dinner, she called in support of the sacrifices, which was, as I love, surprising! I do not mind having to play the part of the cold duke, but we will see what the others are capable of. Duke Niccolo volunteered immediately thereafter, which nearly stole the show. I respect his call -I agree we must be willing to do what we ask of our people to do. It would've been just gaudy to volunteer after him though. It did not sway his daughter.
He was topped by a woman pretending to be Marquessa, who then was elevated to her station. Truly a thrill! And so bold of her to attempt such, I applaud it. But the real scene stealer was the Regent herself, Dawn. She abdicated her position, and declared she would be the first to the Teind with twelve others. Oh, that was magnificent. I cannot help but wonder if this means Niccolo is one of the other twelve, or if he is to remain among us?
On that note, the damned treaty. Thirteen sacrifices, but why thirteen? I was told because it is the number of gods, but why does it have to be the same? The thirteenth is said to he the father of demons, or I think Juliet told me that. The old Legate- Orazio's predecessor- and twelve others were used as thirteen blood sacrifices to a demon. This number does not seem to bode happy tidings. Perhaps I shall pray to the Thirteenth, because if all these demons and monsters are real, so too must be gods. But I do not suspect He'd answer.
War is coming. I know it. And Malvici, as always, will be ready to answer its call.
Written By Alis
Jan. 6, 2017, 2:09 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I know myself well enough to realize I can sometimes make brash, or hot headed decisions. And there are definitely limits to the extent of my knowledge.
What I do know, is that leadership is a double-edged sword. And there are times when there is no good, or right choice. Either way, people will suffer or die and that is ultimately on your hands and your conscience (Unless you are Prince Donrai). You have power, but you also have responsibility.
So, in those times when a split second decision is not required - most of us ask questions. I know of none that are mind readers yet, so it puzzles me how the Highlords are supposed to assume that the answers to all of their questions have already been answered and, without those answers being shared with them, should simply make a decision on the spot when there is, at least, a marginal amount of time in which to deliberate.
Perhaps our takeaway should not be: Oh no, people disagree with me and the world will end because of it and they suck...! Perhaps it should be a resolve for more open communication in the future between those who are apparently gathering all of these answers, and those who need the information to make informed decisions. With no finger pointing in either direction as to the fault of the past lack thereof.
What I do know, is that leadership is a double-edged sword. And there are times when there is no good, or right choice. Either way, people will suffer or die and that is ultimately on your hands and your conscience (Unless you are Prince Donrai). You have power, but you also have responsibility.
So, in those times when a split second decision is not required - most of us ask questions. I know of none that are mind readers yet, so it puzzles me how the Highlords are supposed to assume that the answers to all of their questions have already been answered and, without those answers being shared with them, should simply make a decision on the spot when there is, at least, a marginal amount of time in which to deliberate.
Perhaps our takeaway should not be: Oh no, people disagree with me and the world will end because of it and they suck...! Perhaps it should be a resolve for more open communication in the future between those who are apparently gathering all of these answers, and those who need the information to make informed decisions. With no finger pointing in either direction as to the fault of the past lack thereof.
Written By Ferrando
Jan. 6, 2017, 1:51 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I have been rather pleased to see Her Highness Sylvie taking up the distinguished mantle of Duchess-Whisper as some of the greatest Lyceans of old have done before. I am confident that she has every capability necessary to make her mark among the most accomplished of the people of the Hundred Cities.
Admittedly, this is somewhat tempered by the apparently falling chances the upcoming social calendar will not be preempted by the onset of general destruction and upheaval, but I prefer to take an optimistic view of things where I can.
Admittedly, this is somewhat tempered by the apparently falling chances the upcoming social calendar will not be preempted by the onset of general destruction and upheaval, but I prefer to take an optimistic view of things where I can.
Written By Lark
Jan. 6, 2017, 12:58 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I have seen my predecessor show the caution and wisdom to carry on in relative secrecy and I have seen that used to turn hearts and minds against her. So, I will choose to be remembered as reckless if that is the cost I must pay to set before you the truth of your own reality. I would not have this great house carry on in ignorance. I defy ignorance now and forevermore.
The time has come for you to understand that this city has been rooted in a powerful influence. Not that of the Nox'Alfar. A different sort that most our people remain incapable of acknowledging even to this day. It has so seeped into every crack and every crevice so much so that no curse meant to make us forget it can ever hope to truly dissolve it.
The Bringers of Silence were created to corrupt this influence and others. They carry with them a death sentence infection that will not only wipe out the Nox'Alfar but also our soil, our air, our roads and the very bricks we've used to build up our walls.
There are THOUSANDS of Bringers amassing in the Crownlands. /Our lands./ Even if we succeed in pushing them off, which I am determined to do -- our inheritance is withering into a wasteland, into ash and death while others watch and deliberate our descent.
In exchange for thirteen volunteer sacrifices and a pact to fulfill human-elven marriages in adherence with treaties dating back to my ancestor Queen Alarice the Great, the Nox'Alfar have agreed to help us push off our common enemy. Their ways are abhorrent, yes. ...and to her discredit, without consulting anyone Mistress Dawn who-would-be-Regent has attempted to pay that terrible cost with her own life rather than see her people do it. My beloved cousin King Alaric sleeps. Our "advocates" pretend to concern themselves over this slumber's Nox'Alfar-cause while I am made to keep vigil for their assassination attempts. His Queen lies slain -- by some dark servant worshipped NOT by Elves but by men and women within these city walls.
We stand on the thin jagged lip of a cliff-face but griffins do not fall.
We rise in flight, talons and teeth bared.
"None greater than Grayson"
Princess Lark Grayson
Princess of Bastion
Highlord of the Crownland
Regent Council to the Throne
The time has come for you to understand that this city has been rooted in a powerful influence. Not that of the Nox'Alfar. A different sort that most our people remain incapable of acknowledging even to this day. It has so seeped into every crack and every crevice so much so that no curse meant to make us forget it can ever hope to truly dissolve it.
The Bringers of Silence were created to corrupt this influence and others. They carry with them a death sentence infection that will not only wipe out the Nox'Alfar but also our soil, our air, our roads and the very bricks we've used to build up our walls.
There are THOUSANDS of Bringers amassing in the Crownlands. /Our lands./ Even if we succeed in pushing them off, which I am determined to do -- our inheritance is withering into a wasteland, into ash and death while others watch and deliberate our descent.
In exchange for thirteen volunteer sacrifices and a pact to fulfill human-elven marriages in adherence with treaties dating back to my ancestor Queen Alarice the Great, the Nox'Alfar have agreed to help us push off our common enemy. Their ways are abhorrent, yes. ...and to her discredit, without consulting anyone Mistress Dawn who-would-be-Regent has attempted to pay that terrible cost with her own life rather than see her people do it. My beloved cousin King Alaric sleeps. Our "advocates" pretend to concern themselves over this slumber's Nox'Alfar-cause while I am made to keep vigil for their assassination attempts. His Queen lies slain -- by some dark servant worshipped NOT by Elves but by men and women within these city walls.
We stand on the thin jagged lip of a cliff-face but griffins do not fall.
We rise in flight, talons and teeth bared.
"None greater than Grayson"
Princess Lark Grayson
Princess of Bastion
Highlord of the Crownland
Regent Council to the Throne
Written By Felix
Jan. 6, 2017, 12:54 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
History can remember me poorly or not at all for my change of heart. Perhaps there will be those that ask me what I've gained by swearing to a new lord.
I've gained tools, knowledge, and the opportunity to see my enemy. Affording these things wins loyalty.
I've gained tools, knowledge, and the opportunity to see my enemy. Affording these things wins loyalty.
Written By Tristan
Jan. 6, 2017, 12:50 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
This is why I prefer horses to people. Because, with people, given half a chance, will hound the best and brightest to death.
I wasn't there. A bunch of nobles bickering sounds like my worst nightmare. But I heard.
For all of those moaning about not trying to wake the king: if you think the Lady Dawn hasn't done her best to bring Alaric back to us, you don't know a single damned thing about her.
I know, because I've been part of this. I'm only a horseman, the son of a groom, largely unskilled in combat and pretty hopeless when it comes to diplomacy, but the Lady Regent involved me because she knew Alaric was my friend. And, make no mistake, Lady Dawn loves her brother, as i love my friend. I somehow think all of you who never cared about the king's plight until last night ever thought of that. It's just politics to you lot, isn't it? Something else to complain about when you feel everything's vaguely unfair. But King Alaric Grayson is a /person/. He is a brother to a sister. He is a friend to a muddy stableboy from Bastion. And we /care/. We've practically torn our hair out in frustration at what we can't fix. No one else seemed to give a toss until last night.
I've met an elf. I've seen their reply. I've sat at Alaric's bedside and talked to him when he could only stare blankly. And all of the 'why didn't we do MORE?' makes me sick to the core of my stomach.
We are in the hands of the Queen of Endings now. I've stood in the Shrine of Lost and pled to her, and I don't even know if enough of her exists to still listen.
And the realm has driven someone who cared--who honestly genuinely /cared/ about people--to believe the only she could continue to care was to die.
It's times like this that make me wish I could get drunk.
I wasn't there. A bunch of nobles bickering sounds like my worst nightmare. But I heard.
For all of those moaning about not trying to wake the king: if you think the Lady Dawn hasn't done her best to bring Alaric back to us, you don't know a single damned thing about her.
I know, because I've been part of this. I'm only a horseman, the son of a groom, largely unskilled in combat and pretty hopeless when it comes to diplomacy, but the Lady Regent involved me because she knew Alaric was my friend. And, make no mistake, Lady Dawn loves her brother, as i love my friend. I somehow think all of you who never cared about the king's plight until last night ever thought of that. It's just politics to you lot, isn't it? Something else to complain about when you feel everything's vaguely unfair. But King Alaric Grayson is a /person/. He is a brother to a sister. He is a friend to a muddy stableboy from Bastion. And we /care/. We've practically torn our hair out in frustration at what we can't fix. No one else seemed to give a toss until last night.
I've met an elf. I've seen their reply. I've sat at Alaric's bedside and talked to him when he could only stare blankly. And all of the 'why didn't we do MORE?' makes me sick to the core of my stomach.
We are in the hands of the Queen of Endings now. I've stood in the Shrine of Lost and pled to her, and I don't even know if enough of her exists to still listen.
And the realm has driven someone who cared--who honestly genuinely /cared/ about people--to believe the only she could continue to care was to die.
It's times like this that make me wish I could get drunk.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 6, 2017, 12:39 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
[ From the uncertain desk of B. Mercier: ]
* Praise for the Prince of Redrain who stands beside his ideals. We need ask more questions and learn if the consequences are truth. We are basing much of this upon a people that are contrary and cruel for humor and sport -- something may be missing.
* Shame the Prince of Thrax that continues to use Thralls like pawns upon a chessboard.
* Although my thoughts are concerning the Teind are complicated, which I am still picking apart and will detail in the Black Reflections, I will say that those that stood up - willingly - as volunteers deserve a measure of respect.
* For the one that renounced, I do not blame your ill-timing at all. Your reasons are your own. Live well. Thank you for the kindness you extended to my friend - no matter what name she chooses to call herself. She (and you) are still steadfast and loyal and should always act as heart and head dictate.
* Praise for the Prince of Redrain who stands beside his ideals. We need ask more questions and learn if the consequences are truth. We are basing much of this upon a people that are contrary and cruel for humor and sport -- something may be missing.
* Shame the Prince of Thrax that continues to use Thralls like pawns upon a chessboard.
* Although my thoughts are concerning the Teind are complicated, which I am still picking apart and will detail in the Black Reflections, I will say that those that stood up - willingly - as volunteers deserve a measure of respect.
* For the one that renounced, I do not blame your ill-timing at all. Your reasons are your own. Live well. Thank you for the kindness you extended to my friend - no matter what name she chooses to call herself. She (and you) are still steadfast and loyal and should always act as heart and head dictate.
Written By Valkieri
Jan. 6, 2017, 12:23 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
The Nox'alfar are mad, but they ask no more than what we are honor-bound to give them by the treaty our people signed with them. That our people then broke. That they have given us the chance to repair our own broken honor after those in our midst sought to cause their destruction is a /miracle/.
We had a treaty. We /broke it/. And yet everyone would rather speak as if the demands laid at our door are outrageous and surprising.
The Abandoned have been paying the Teind for centuries. And whether we know it or not, we the nobility have been paying the price of marriage just as long, generation from generation.
Let us not pretend they are making demands on us that our greatest queen did not pledge us too centuries ago.
We had a treaty. We /broke it/. And yet everyone would rather speak as if the demands laid at our door are outrageous and surprising.
The Abandoned have been paying the Teind for centuries. And whether we know it or not, we the nobility have been paying the price of marriage just as long, generation from generation.
Let us not pretend they are making demands on us that our greatest queen did not pledge us too centuries ago.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.