Written By Rowan
Jan. 1, 2017, 1:57 p.m.(7/17/1005 AR)
Blood begets more blood.
There is nothing good in this world that bargains on blood. There is no answer that is not extortion that marks its price in blood.
The person who would trust the men with the daggers to their throat, assuring them that they are the only ones that can keep them safe, is a fool. Simple acceptance makes us complicit in our own demise, in the poisoning of our guardians.
Don't look behind you. Don't look at what you've left behind. Don't look at what we're killing, that could threaten us, that could give you another option if only it were sought and strengthened.
If they were not forgotten.
It is in our blood. It is our birthright. It is ours.
There is nothing good in this world that bargains on blood. There is no answer that is not extortion that marks its price in blood.
The person who would trust the men with the daggers to their throat, assuring them that they are the only ones that can keep them safe, is a fool. Simple acceptance makes us complicit in our own demise, in the poisoning of our guardians.
Don't look behind you. Don't look at what you've left behind. Don't look at what we're killing, that could threaten us, that could give you another option if only it were sought and strengthened.
If they were not forgotten.
It is in our blood. It is our birthright. It is ours.
Written By Valkieri
Jan. 1, 2017, 11:14 a.m.(7/17/1005 AR)
There is very little to say about the Nox'alfar, because there are few words I can even find in our language to adequately describe the madness and insanity that is the Twilight Court.
The spider was three hundred feet high, I swear to the gods. /Three hundred feet/. I am not a coward, and when I was slaying mindless shavs to protect our journey there I did not falter.
But the Twilight Court simply does not bend to the laws of nature. I cannot find it in myself to be ashamed when I say I experienced moments of true terror within its bounds.
However, I also experienced moments of truly wishing to punch some elves in the face.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
The spider was three hundred feet high, I swear to the gods. /Three hundred feet/. I am not a coward, and when I was slaying mindless shavs to protect our journey there I did not falter.
But the Twilight Court simply does not bend to the laws of nature. I cannot find it in myself to be ashamed when I say I experienced moments of true terror within its bounds.
However, I also experienced moments of truly wishing to punch some elves in the face.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Jaenelle
Jan. 1, 2017, 10:50 a.m.(7/16/1005 AR)
I need to find a better balance between socializing for enjoyment and duty. I have been within the season for quite some time already and I have yet to steal a ship!
Written By Gisele
Jan. 1, 2017, 10:35 a.m.(7/16/1005 AR)
Vellichor, in your enlightened name I pray:
Enlarge my understanding of this world;
Let me see it.
Steady me when I stand before the unknown;
Let me know it.
Edify my mind, my heart, my wits;
Let me remember it.
I bend my knee and receive your truth,
I open my ears and receive your counsel,
I open my eyes an receive your words.
I open my heart and receive your wisdom.
I have seen horrors these past months. I walked through darkness and saw it claim a life, and animate the dead. I stood in moonlight and fog, and watched evil tear the life from two novices. I faced the unknown and witnessed it trying to turn the minds of good people against themselves. I have seen all of this and watched those who stood with me forget, the knowledge of it all stripped from their minds while I was left to remember every terrifying detail.
But... I have seen the best of people these past months. They stood for those around them, they raised their weapons against darkness and fear and death, they held against the whispering placed in their minds. They have counselled and comforted. They have persevered. They have defied. They have gone on. Even when they didn't remember, they steeled themselves and have gone on.
I'm not a brave woman. The world assaults me every time I step out of my door, every detail, every secret, forced into my mind and senses.
I can't do any less than those who walk ahead of me. I can't be brave, not truly brave, but I can go on and I can offer to others what has helped me go on.
The gods exist. Their servants are in this world, fighting for us. They are real and they touch our lives every day without us seeing or realizing or knowing. They are true. We carry their blessings. We carry their hopes. We are theirs even when we doubt, or fear, or turn from them. They want us to succeed.
I think, maybe, some of them might even pray for us the way we pray for the people in our lives.
Enlarge my understanding of this world;
Let me see it.
Steady me when I stand before the unknown;
Let me know it.
Edify my mind, my heart, my wits;
Let me remember it.
I bend my knee and receive your truth,
I open my ears and receive your counsel,
I open my eyes an receive your words.
I open my heart and receive your wisdom.
I have seen horrors these past months. I walked through darkness and saw it claim a life, and animate the dead. I stood in moonlight and fog, and watched evil tear the life from two novices. I faced the unknown and witnessed it trying to turn the minds of good people against themselves. I have seen all of this and watched those who stood with me forget, the knowledge of it all stripped from their minds while I was left to remember every terrifying detail.
But... I have seen the best of people these past months. They stood for those around them, they raised their weapons against darkness and fear and death, they held against the whispering placed in their minds. They have counselled and comforted. They have persevered. They have defied. They have gone on. Even when they didn't remember, they steeled themselves and have gone on.
I'm not a brave woman. The world assaults me every time I step out of my door, every detail, every secret, forced into my mind and senses.
I can't do any less than those who walk ahead of me. I can't be brave, not truly brave, but I can go on and I can offer to others what has helped me go on.
The gods exist. Their servants are in this world, fighting for us. They are real and they touch our lives every day without us seeing or realizing or knowing. They are true. We carry their blessings. We carry their hopes. We are theirs even when we doubt, or fear, or turn from them. They want us to succeed.
I think, maybe, some of them might even pray for us the way we pray for the people in our lives.
Written By Julea
Jan. 1, 2017, 10:34 a.m.(7/16/1005 AR)
So, I finally got a chance to catch up with Anaconda a couple of days ago. And although I didn't realise I missed them till I saw them once more, and found myself taking a long hard look at them, drinking in the sight.
We had a lot to catch up on, and discussed the ins-and-outs of society in Arx over the last couple of weeks, and the general principals at the root of some of Arx's deeper social class problems, as you do. It was a hard topic to stay on top of, and while there's no hard and fast rules, when it comes to etiquette, I find myself fumbling with words all the same. However, it was quickly obvious he was better linguist and was able to penetrate the topic to a much greater depth than I could ever hope to achieve. But still, between the both of us, we were able to eventually get to the root of the problem and work out a way forward to help breach that divide while enjoying a couple of cinnamon buns.
The reunion was all the sweeter, even with the intensity of our discussions, and I found myself savouring the taste for quite some time after.
We had a lot to catch up on, and discussed the ins-and-outs of society in Arx over the last couple of weeks, and the general principals at the root of some of Arx's deeper social class problems, as you do. It was a hard topic to stay on top of, and while there's no hard and fast rules, when it comes to etiquette, I find myself fumbling with words all the same. However, it was quickly obvious he was better linguist and was able to penetrate the topic to a much greater depth than I could ever hope to achieve. But still, between the both of us, we were able to eventually get to the root of the problem and work out a way forward to help breach that divide while enjoying a couple of cinnamon buns.
The reunion was all the sweeter, even with the intensity of our discussions, and I found myself savouring the taste for quite some time after.
Written By Eirlys
Jan. 1, 2017, 9:02 a.m.(7/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
I met Percephon, Ansel's cousin, seems to be sweet, excited for learning and full of life. I gave him the nickname Percy. He said that he liked it so it's been decided! He had mentioned being called less than favorable names, something to which I doubt I will ever truly understand. I find his excitement for knowledge to be a wonderful thing. I am glad there are scholars with his enthusiasm around, his sheer joy of information. While it is useful for people like myself and my brother, the world needs people like Percy just as much. He wields his knowledge the way I wield my sword, or Fiachra uses his bow and arrows.
I believe he is becoming a good friend, maybe even one of my dearest friends. I have found that I am able to talk to him about things that I haven't spoken about outside a select few from our family. However now is the time to share information and Percy, being the sweet, logical, incredibly intelligent and resourceful man that he is willing to help us. I know he will be able to help with the issues Fiachra and I brought to him.
I have also been able to talk to him easily about problems that have been personal in nature. I find his logical approach to be helpful and that he is able to help me work things out in my head. I will always love my brother and he will always be my closest confidant but there are times that being his little sister can affect the tone in which the conversation takes.
Fiachra and I are hoping to taking the two to The Greenwood. There is nothing like sharing our home with people who would appreciate the wonder of it.
I believe he is becoming a good friend, maybe even one of my dearest friends. I have found that I am able to talk to him about things that I haven't spoken about outside a select few from our family. However now is the time to share information and Percy, being the sweet, logical, incredibly intelligent and resourceful man that he is willing to help us. I know he will be able to help with the issues Fiachra and I brought to him.
I have also been able to talk to him easily about problems that have been personal in nature. I find his logical approach to be helpful and that he is able to help me work things out in my head. I will always love my brother and he will always be my closest confidant but there are times that being his little sister can affect the tone in which the conversation takes.
Fiachra and I are hoping to taking the two to The Greenwood. There is nothing like sharing our home with people who would appreciate the wonder of it.
Written By Jeremiah
Jan. 1, 2017, 3:01 a.m.(7/16/1005 AR)
Debts I owe:
To Alarie, for generosity in good works.
To Aleksei, for drinks and advice.
To Bethany, for endless letters, and everything else.
To Fortunato, for friendship and introductions.
To Joscelin and Lazarus, for both accepting me and giving me my first place, position, and tasks in Arx.
To Molly, for timely deliveries.
To Orazio, for consideration, advice, and correction.
To all else, better left unsaid, unkindly forgotten, or otherwise unmentioned.
To Samantha, for employment, patronage, and inspiration.
To Alarie, for generosity in good works.
To Aleksei, for drinks and advice.
To Bethany, for endless letters, and everything else.
To Fortunato, for friendship and introductions.
To Joscelin and Lazarus, for both accepting me and giving me my first place, position, and tasks in Arx.
To Molly, for timely deliveries.
To Orazio, for consideration, advice, and correction.
To all else, better left unsaid, unkindly forgotten, or otherwise unmentioned.
To Samantha, for employment, patronage, and inspiration.
Written By Tobias
Jan. 1, 2017, 3 a.m.(7/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
I'd almost call this one absent-minded. Wandering into a mercenary outpost by accident?
Stranger things have happened. At least she's interesting.
Stranger things have happened. At least she's interesting.
Written By Jeremiah
Jan. 1, 2017, 2:27 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Ah; she's my employer, and my patron. I can say kind words beyond...but they might ring hollow--after all, she employs me. Suffice to say that I am a young man of few means but my skills, given connections, contacts, silver, and a chance to better myself. She gives me these chances.
She is good because she helps those who need it and fights for those who cannot. To be given a chance to fight those same fights is a privilege beyond all else she gives me--though do not think I would not fight those battles on my own, if she did not.
She is good because she helps those who need it and fights for those who cannot. To be given a chance to fight those same fights is a privilege beyond all else she gives me--though do not think I would not fight those battles on my own, if she did not.
Written By Agnarr
Jan. 1, 2017, 2:06 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarie
Work looks good, but not a way I'd want to be paid myself.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 1, 2017, 1:37 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
"... unbound, she flows like water."
Written By Bethany
Jan. 1, 2017, 1:24 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
"Do you know how to tell if someone is a person of admirable character? Watch them. Watch how they fight for the underdogs, how they treat others, and how they help."
Written By Bethany
Jan. 1, 2017, 1:17 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Branan
"Look elsewhere for a moment. The mask will slip, and fall."
Written By Bethany
Jan. 1, 2017, 1:11 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeremiah
( I really should address certain aspects of my closest relationships here, right?
But, I won't. )
Instead - a quote. It might have been from father, or, some other merchant who heard it from a farmer: "If I want a happy crop, I must ally myself with the soil. Study it and help it to the utmost; untiringly."
But, I won't. )
Instead - a quote. It might have been from father, or, some other merchant who heard it from a farmer: "If I want a happy crop, I must ally myself with the soil. Study it and help it to the utmost; untiringly."
Written By Waldemai
Jan. 1, 2017, 1:04 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
7/15/05 Got away from the forge long enough to go looking for some fun. Went into a place for the hoity-toity by mistake, all of them sitting around playing the Queen's Game. Can't find a good game of bones anywhere. Met a nice girl named Bethany there, young enough to be my daughter, though. She had a nice dog, too. I promised to have a glass of wine with her someday.
Written By Mason
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:56 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
I find myself becoming good friends with General, even if it seems like she takes personal lengths to keep most people at arm's reach. Which is fine, everyone has their personal space, but while we may not have a great deal in common, what is the idea of learning as much as we can, when can.
I owe her a talk at some point regarding some particular stories. I feel she has earned that much from me.
That will be a long talk. I hope will be prepared to hear what I have to say.
I owe her a talk at some point regarding some particular stories. I feel she has earned that much from me.
That will be a long talk. I hope will be prepared to hear what I have to say.
Written By Mason
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:54 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
If there's any one person I wish to strive towards besting in a spar one day, it's Lady Eirene. We've sparred a couple of times, and every time I think I'm getting better, relearning the lessons I had forgotten as a boy in Ahj'on, she's there to remind me that I have such a ways to go. The day that I'm finally able to get the upper hand I know I'll have reached a milestone.
Perhaps I will never be as skilled as her or anyone else, I may of passed the proper time to learn when it was best suited to me. But for all her gruffness, I enjoy her company.
Perhaps I will never be as skilled as her or anyone else, I may of passed the proper time to learn when it was best suited to me. But for all her gruffness, I enjoy her company.
Written By Gian
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:51 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hana
Her shop came with the highest of recommendations, thus I sought out an apprentice of the shop to ask after a commission to replace the pikes of the Household Guard with more suitable polearms, as I judged a master would find such a common commission beneath them.
There were no apprentices.
She'd never seen the Lycene variety of guisarme before. And out of common steel, on the spot she made one that put a Gemecittan master's to shame. I still can't fully believe it. Despite her grand reputation, how could a young girl who can't even keep apprentices so simply create the best weapon I've ever fought with?
...and I first mistook her for the desk clerk.
There were no apprentices.
She'd never seen the Lycene variety of guisarme before. And out of common steel, on the spot she made one that put a Gemecittan master's to shame. I still can't fully believe it. Despite her grand reputation, how could a young girl who can't even keep apprentices so simply create the best weapon I've ever fought with?
...and I first mistook her for the desk clerk.
Written By Gian
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:51 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hana
(Duplicate post through a website hiccup. Please delete)
Written By Mason
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:51 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
She's an absolute joy to have around. And I have not seen someone take to handing a child as well as she did. I should thank her, I feel like if it was not for her timely arrival and swooped in to help a child that might've started crying, I would've had my hands full.
It was good to simply, talk. Not about world shaking events or dark terrors on the horizon. Just talking. It was a massive relief to me.
Should do that more often, I think. Her stories are colorful, to say the least. I think she'll make a wonderful unofficial aunt to Safi.
It was good to simply, talk. Not about world shaking events or dark terrors on the horizon. Just talking. It was a massive relief to me.
Should do that more often, I think. Her stories are colorful, to say the least. I think she'll make a wonderful unofficial aunt to Safi.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.