Written By Calista
Dec. 22, 2016, 2:29 a.m.(6/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
He has been able to help me unlock those mysteries that kept me weak and fragile all these years. He is an exemplary mind with knowledge that stretches far beyond his years. I am often humbled in his presence and find myself blossoming ever more in his care.
Written By Felix
Dec. 22, 2016, 1:38 a.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
He's a fair and honest member of the royal family of Thrax. A good man with a good reputation.
Written By Valencia
Dec. 22, 2016, 12:59 a.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
A lovely night in the company of delightful Prince Cicero, truly lovely Bethany, the charming Lord Killian, the dashing Lord Damon and the esteemed poet Branan.
Bethany and Branan were most clever with their poetry about the nature of beauty. Such pretty words. All I could come up with was an ill formed verse. I fear that Anze may be far more sweet with his tongue than I. If he knows this, he will be incorrigible. Proof if you will:
Some say that beauty goes beyond skin deep
That in the soul is where beauty will sleep
Til woken by passion or a heart most fair
That sees far deeper than a casual stare.
It is good that I do not have to my poor talent for income.
~~~<~<@
Bethany and Branan were most clever with their poetry about the nature of beauty. Such pretty words. All I could come up with was an ill formed verse. I fear that Anze may be far more sweet with his tongue than I. If he knows this, he will be incorrigible. Proof if you will:
Some say that beauty goes beyond skin deep
That in the soul is where beauty will sleep
Til woken by passion or a heart most fair
That sees far deeper than a casual stare.
It is good that I do not have to my poor talent for income.
~~~<~<@
Written By Lucio
Dec. 22, 2016, 12:39 a.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Duchess of House Pravus, I have known Belladonna since we were both children. Though we were of such different stations that we did not know each other well, I have great respect for her. Still, she is a member of the House that turned me out where I should have had a home, and it is important to remember that while she is to be treated with respect, she is to be handled like an asp, alluring and deadly.
Written By Dagon
Dec. 21, 2016, 10:06 p.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Felix
Felix's craftsmanship is second to none. He fashioned me a blade that I look forward to using in battle. The simple touches he put into his work are highly appreciated and he is a credit to his profession.
Written By Sigurd
Dec. 21, 2016, 9:23 p.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
My brother is entirely correct. While I do have something of a reputation (and I admit, not entirely unearned from my past history), I have never sired a bastard. Or treated a woman unfairly, I might add.
So yes please, if you feel I have slighted you, men from Stonedeep, come visit Arx. We can discuss it, as men should. And, failing that..Could always use more practice, I suppose.
So yes please, if you feel I have slighted you, men from Stonedeep, come visit Arx. We can discuss it, as men should. And, failing that..Could always use more practice, I suppose.
Written By Mydas
Dec. 21, 2016, 9:10 p.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
Let it be known, while I am fully aware of my brother's reputation, attempts to pass off ten year olds as his bastard children are ridiculous. And beyond the obvious mathematical impossibility, I know full well my brother, despite his tendencies, has sired no bastard.
Brother, I expect you not to make a liar out of me.
Oh and if you're all so eager to have duels to restore your mother's, sister's, daugher's or cousin's honour, you're more than welcome to travel to Arx and challenge him.
Brother, I expect you not to make a liar out of me.
Oh and if you're all so eager to have duels to restore your mother's, sister's, daugher's or cousin's honour, you're more than welcome to travel to Arx and challenge him.
Written By Sigurd
Dec. 21, 2016, 8:53 p.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
I was raised on duty. It was spoon-fed to me, from the time I could recognize the words of the people around me. I have bathed in duty. Used it to explain, both to myself and to others, why sometimes, horrible things are necessary, to keep the world in order. Used it to shield myself from the terrors of temptation and abandon. I have been drowned in duty.
But for all the burden that can be, pressing down on my at times when I visit the wounded, or survey the reports of the dead, it is a blessing. Duty will see us through. Duty to our Houses, yes. That must always come to us. But more than that, duty to our /world/. But what does this mean? Long have I thought on this.
Our duty is to do whatever is needed to ensure the survival of our people. Our values and integrity. There are some values, like Thralldom, that debase humanity, making it lesser than it could be. These must be cast aside, in a fair and just world. But is now the time? The sad truth is that it might not be, at least not for a violent, sudden shift. House Thrax is a valued, Great House, and must stand with us, in the Dark Times that are approaching. They will need their strength for this. We all will. We must stand together. Train together. Fight together.
A Storm Is Coming. It aims to consume us all. I will not go quietly into that darkness, not while I'm still breathing. Mourn the Dead. Fight for the Living.
But for all the burden that can be, pressing down on my at times when I visit the wounded, or survey the reports of the dead, it is a blessing. Duty will see us through. Duty to our Houses, yes. That must always come to us. But more than that, duty to our /world/. But what does this mean? Long have I thought on this.
Our duty is to do whatever is needed to ensure the survival of our people. Our values and integrity. There are some values, like Thralldom, that debase humanity, making it lesser than it could be. These must be cast aside, in a fair and just world. But is now the time? The sad truth is that it might not be, at least not for a violent, sudden shift. House Thrax is a valued, Great House, and must stand with us, in the Dark Times that are approaching. They will need their strength for this. We all will. We must stand together. Train together. Fight together.
A Storm Is Coming. It aims to consume us all. I will not go quietly into that darkness, not while I'm still breathing. Mourn the Dead. Fight for the Living.
Written By Eleyna
Dec. 21, 2016, 8:27 p.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
I'm now the owner of a tarantula. It's hideous, bad-tempered, and has been chasing Griza around my chambers in torment.
I adore it.
I adore it.
Written By Jeremiah
Dec. 21, 2016, 7:53 p.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
[This entry is written in a precise, flowing, delicate hand. It is titled: 'The Thraxian Problem: Solutions Through Reform.' It references an earlier entry regularly, one that laid out why Thraxian Thralldom was a problem, morally, economically, and legally. This time, the author focuses not on a problem, but a solution: morality is left behind, only the legal and economic focused on. It is at times highbrow and dry, and at others charming and with brief quips, and has been worked on by a sharp, quick mind with experience in both the law and economics.
Historical references are rare, but they are there, mainly quotes of older philosophers of Sentinel or Vellichor.
Suggestions as to reform are rarely revolutionary, unique, or wholly original, but their presentation is structured well, and the economic advice--for example, that Thralldom should be reformed to be based off of and closer to the work and wages that freemen perform and earn--is sound enough, at least in theory.
Snatches of the work itself:
'Recividism is inherent of Thralldom as if by design; furthermore, the poverty it causes among otherwise-ordinary serfs sworn in fealty to House Thrax causes an increase of crime unique to the lands of House Thrax and those likewise sworn in fealty.'
'Poor, unable to find work or compete with those forced to work for free, farmers, miners, and those that would work in the mills are pushed out of employment and a proper place in society; the East cannot support the population and position it holds in the Compact and maintain Thralldom both.'
'It is the claim of the defenders of Thralldom that it turns raiders and criminals into good members of the Compact; it is the truth of reality that Thralldom turns good members of the Compact into raiders and criminals, and then Thralls. As an economic plan, it is good business...in the short-term. Until the wages and conditions are raised to more generous levels, Thralldom will forever be self-sustaining.'
In the end, the paper--some twenty pages in length--devolves into a historical assessment of the size of Thraxian Thralldom relevant to the population at large, posits it is growing and will continue to do so, and insists that 'the weight of blame for the growth of criminals and crime in Thrax rests solely on an Institution that makes villains out of all involved, and punishes the common-born workers of the region until they have but one choice: steal or die. If it is designed to improve criminals, it is a disastrous failure...however, if it is designed to corrupt good men, it is a subtle masterwork that will go down in history as the designers' greatest work.' It is signed, at last, in the same hand that scribed it, simply 'Jeremiah Arvani']
Historical references are rare, but they are there, mainly quotes of older philosophers of Sentinel or Vellichor.
Suggestions as to reform are rarely revolutionary, unique, or wholly original, but their presentation is structured well, and the economic advice--for example, that Thralldom should be reformed to be based off of and closer to the work and wages that freemen perform and earn--is sound enough, at least in theory.
Snatches of the work itself:
'Recividism is inherent of Thralldom as if by design; furthermore, the poverty it causes among otherwise-ordinary serfs sworn in fealty to House Thrax causes an increase of crime unique to the lands of House Thrax and those likewise sworn in fealty.'
'Poor, unable to find work or compete with those forced to work for free, farmers, miners, and those that would work in the mills are pushed out of employment and a proper place in society; the East cannot support the population and position it holds in the Compact and maintain Thralldom both.'
'It is the claim of the defenders of Thralldom that it turns raiders and criminals into good members of the Compact; it is the truth of reality that Thralldom turns good members of the Compact into raiders and criminals, and then Thralls. As an economic plan, it is good business...in the short-term. Until the wages and conditions are raised to more generous levels, Thralldom will forever be self-sustaining.'
In the end, the paper--some twenty pages in length--devolves into a historical assessment of the size of Thraxian Thralldom relevant to the population at large, posits it is growing and will continue to do so, and insists that 'the weight of blame for the growth of criminals and crime in Thrax rests solely on an Institution that makes villains out of all involved, and punishes the common-born workers of the region until they have but one choice: steal or die. If it is designed to improve criminals, it is a disastrous failure...however, if it is designed to corrupt good men, it is a subtle masterwork that will go down in history as the designers' greatest work.' It is signed, at last, in the same hand that scribed it, simply 'Jeremiah Arvani']
Written By Runa
Dec. 21, 2016, 7:40 p.m.(6/13/1005 AR)
I will not shy away from delving deep. I must remember, that when one tends a garden or works in the fields, one's own hands will become dirty in the process. Working in soil is never completely clean and the earth is rich. However, I ~will~ make sure the gloves worn go all the way to the elbow.
Written By Isolde
Dec. 21, 2016, 6:05 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
It's quiet uptown.
Written By Lazarus
Dec. 21, 2016, 5:51 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
Lord Tobias is an interesting man and one I am proud to say I am working with. He has dispatched a full company of his men to protect Clemenstone Vale and establish our foothold in defense of its land against the many threats that circle the homeland. The men Lord Tobias has sent are of great discipline and skill. Any merchant or noble trading on Mercier merchant routes can expect their protection. Gild favors the bold.
Written By Mydas
Dec. 21, 2016, 5:26 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
Beauty. How many songs have been written praising the refinement of a noblelady, or the lust-inducing curves of a common maid? And how many more sing of their joyful smile, the coy flutter of their eyelashes, the kindness of their heart or the magnificence of their thunderous wrath? What of the cold majesty so much like the northern mountains? Or the fire of southern summers? So many songs sung. And the only thing they ever seem to find some common ground is the desire to celebrate the beauty that so filled them with passion.
Perhaps as the days darken with ill news, such things should be celebrated. Make the lights that mesmerize us so daily keep the darkness of the coming day away.
Just so long as would-be celebrants realize that beauty can be found in soul and actions. My solitary mention of curves was purposeful.
Perhaps as the days darken with ill news, such things should be celebrated. Make the lights that mesmerize us so daily keep the darkness of the coming day away.
Just so long as would-be celebrants realize that beauty can be found in soul and actions. My solitary mention of curves was purposeful.
Written By Lark
Dec. 21, 2016, 5:02 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Had I a single doubt as to considering the addition of the Marquessa’s aid in my new appointment, it has been alleviated. Having only known her by reputation before, I am most impressed. She displays exactly the virtues I find endearing in an individual -- those of which I know myself to possess in abundance and those I am often found in wanting of.
I have every indication that this is the beginning of something very promising.
I have every indication that this is the beginning of something very promising.
Written By Selene
Dec. 21, 2016, 4:59 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
Step outside into a brisk Spring evening -
Draw breath. Acknowledge life.
Find a loved one, a family member, a friend, a devoted vassal, a pet.
Acknowledge them. Thank them.
Live, for in doing so we honor all we have lost.
Draw breath. Acknowledge life.
Find a loved one, a family member, a friend, a devoted vassal, a pet.
Acknowledge them. Thank them.
Live, for in doing so we honor all we have lost.
Written By Aleksei
Dec. 21, 2016, 4:25 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Horatio
Horatio was a little shit. He was rude as all hells. He liked /spiders/.
But I'm sorry he's dead. I should've kept him safer. Don't these silks have anything better to do than flip through commoner journals and write about how they should handle their feelings? None of us started commenting about getting over that duke guy. Gods.
But I'm sorry he's dead. I should've kept him safer. Don't these silks have anything better to do than flip through commoner journals and write about how they should handle their feelings? None of us started commenting about getting over that duke guy. Gods.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 21, 2016, 4:23 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
Have you ever met someone that you've looked at and felt like you were staring at a mirror's reflection? Not in the sense of being an exact copy, but rather, someone with so much similarity and intent of purpose as you, but seems to go about it in the same way you would. Where the Princess is fair, I am dark. Where the princess favors the tools of logistics and information to achieve understanding, I work with the tools of emotional appeal. She favors solitutude, I thrive on the energy of those around me. And yet we desire the same things, and in some ways the manner in which we structure our efforts to reach them are exactly alike. I don't know if this is the basis for a significant friendship or a frustrating clash of manner and a method, but I do think once we find our rhythm, we will be a formidable team.
Written By Audric
Dec. 21, 2016, 4:20 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
In all my years as a sellsword, I've seen men reduced to several things, most of them very embarrassing. I didn't know until yesterday, however, that it was entirely possible for a man to be reduced entirely to jelly. Good job! You've investigated a new horizon and proven it to be a poor decision.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 21, 2016, 4:11 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
I knew him. Horatio, who loved the beasts that slithered and and the insects that scurried. Perhaps not as well as many, and perhaps better than some.
Deepwood's roots and those of Mercier have long been entertwined. Sir Silas and Mistress Bethany were friends in my most tentative years, and their mother was my mother's lady-in-waiting. And as they grieved for my family, so I will grieve with them for their lost one. I hope his creatures are being cared for; he would want that.
Deepwood's roots and those of Mercier have long been entertwined. Sir Silas and Mistress Bethany were friends in my most tentative years, and their mother was my mother's lady-in-waiting. And as they grieved for my family, so I will grieve with them for their lost one. I hope his creatures are being cared for; he would want that.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.