Written By Ember
July 30, 2021, 9:41 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
Two thoughts to be recorded for posterity for all time, to be preserved in the Great Archive and kept as part of my legacy to historians of the future, to whatever extent they may use them.
One thought, which I expect they might find useful, whether I am a chapter in the historian's volume or a mere footnote, is that I recognize the honor that comes in being born of the Redreef bloodline. House Redreef has a proud lineage that trails back centuries... to when an old soldier, loyal and steadfast, was ennobled by the Count of Darkwater Watch to be the first Baron of the newly created domain of Redreef Shores. Redreef is "old blood" now, but it was once new, and it fought to earn its standing just as other new noble Houses fight now.
To that end, my belief is simple. There are those noble Houses who would fight alongside Redreef, and there are those who would work against us, whether to lift their swords or to throw more subtle stumbling blocks in the path of our continued success. That, and only that, is the measure by which I judge the character of a House. Thus far it has served me well.
My second thought, which with my luck will end up being the one historians actually preserve, is that I haven't even given my own gods-damned dog a NAME.
One thought, which I expect they might find useful, whether I am a chapter in the historian's volume or a mere footnote, is that I recognize the honor that comes in being born of the Redreef bloodline. House Redreef has a proud lineage that trails back centuries... to when an old soldier, loyal and steadfast, was ennobled by the Count of Darkwater Watch to be the first Baron of the newly created domain of Redreef Shores. Redreef is "old blood" now, but it was once new, and it fought to earn its standing just as other new noble Houses fight now.
To that end, my belief is simple. There are those noble Houses who would fight alongside Redreef, and there are those who would work against us, whether to lift their swords or to throw more subtle stumbling blocks in the path of our continued success. That, and only that, is the measure by which I judge the character of a House. Thus far it has served me well.
My second thought, which with my luck will end up being the one historians actually preserve, is that I haven't even given my own gods-damned dog a NAME.
Written By Raymesin
July 30, 2021, 8:58 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
You cannot on the one hand claim that nobility is something that one must be born to, and then also claim that those who are raised from the ranks of the commonfolk to become noble, or wander in from outside the Compact altogether, should be treated the same way as everyone else with a title. I mean, there's a thousand years of tradition about who gets to be Lord or Lady and who gets to be Oi You, and when someone goes against that how can it not irritate people?
When someone you know is suddenly made just *better* than you can ever hope to be, or when someone walks in and bends the knee and is handed the ability to just slaughter you out-of-hand if you go a-visiting and annoy them next week, how can anyone think it's not going to offend?
One of the joys of being Crownsworn is that I only have to give a stuff - wait, Scholar, that's not what I said. Oh. Right. Um. We'll go with that, then. Give a stuff if the King or one of his Voices comes down to ask me to do something - and that's really not likely to happen. When it comes to the average noble or the average dunnikindiver, I'll deal with Wee Jimmy Poo-Pong McPlop every time. He at least doesn't expect me to be polite, and he knows that everyone's stuff stinks.
When someone you know is suddenly made just *better* than you can ever hope to be, or when someone walks in and bends the knee and is handed the ability to just slaughter you out-of-hand if you go a-visiting and annoy them next week, how can anyone think it's not going to offend?
One of the joys of being Crownsworn is that I only have to give a stuff - wait, Scholar, that's not what I said. Oh. Right. Um. We'll go with that, then. Give a stuff if the King or one of his Voices comes down to ask me to do something - and that's really not likely to happen. When it comes to the average noble or the average dunnikindiver, I'll deal with Wee Jimmy Poo-Pong McPlop every time. He at least doesn't expect me to be polite, and he knows that everyone's stuff stinks.
Written By Lark
July 30, 2021, 2:24 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
An Open Condemnation of 'Neonoble'
On the twenty-fifth evening of the eleventh month in the one thousand and fifteenth year after the reckoning, a respected member of the peerage fell defending against individuals disguised as prodigals hellbent on sowing seeds of discord. Some days later, a newly risen Duke mistakenly bestowed knightly honor on his dog of all things. Each event gave new rise to old debates surrounding the behavior and validity of neonobles as well as the increasing danger surrounding the acceptance of prodigals.
Frustrated with the circular conversation we now find ourselves in, I let it be known that I would accept any neonoble as my protege should they desire guidance as a newly risen members of the peerage. It was and remains my belief that we, as a Compact, have set an impossible standard and demanded that these individuals meet it. With one hand, we have beckoned them over, and with the other, we have withheld the very tools required for their success.
It may shock very few of you to learn that I am extremely well-versed in having my courses of action brought into question. In addition to having this choice referred to as condescending - which I maintain is a familial trait and is therefore largely unattainable - I was accused of failing to honor the long-held relationship between nobility and common members of the Compact by endorsing this newly growing class. Though I maintain that my social influence is vastly less significant than this well-meaning confidante suggested, I was also accused of reinforcing a term, 'neonoble,' which is used primarily to separate a single group from itself.
I now find myself determined to cast aside this mythologized 'neonobility.' There is only one nobility, and any attack against it is an attack against the very mechanisms upon which our communities depend to survive. Any failure to tend to its success is a failure to tend to the necessary components of our society. This goes both ways, it is shameful to consciously accept titles without putting forth any effort to conform to the responsibilities and standards by which all others have been held.
I, therefore, amend my previous offer of patronage to "any members of lesser nobility than myself or common persons who due to the circumstances surrounding their joining of the Compact or the peerage require grace, patience, and the counsel of one more experienced than themselves in our customs." Traditions are defended when we teach them to one another.
On the twenty-fifth evening of the eleventh month in the one thousand and fifteenth year after the reckoning, a respected member of the peerage fell defending against individuals disguised as prodigals hellbent on sowing seeds of discord. Some days later, a newly risen Duke mistakenly bestowed knightly honor on his dog of all things. Each event gave new rise to old debates surrounding the behavior and validity of neonobles as well as the increasing danger surrounding the acceptance of prodigals.
Frustrated with the circular conversation we now find ourselves in, I let it be known that I would accept any neonoble as my protege should they desire guidance as a newly risen members of the peerage. It was and remains my belief that we, as a Compact, have set an impossible standard and demanded that these individuals meet it. With one hand, we have beckoned them over, and with the other, we have withheld the very tools required for their success.
It may shock very few of you to learn that I am extremely well-versed in having my courses of action brought into question. In addition to having this choice referred to as condescending - which I maintain is a familial trait and is therefore largely unattainable - I was accused of failing to honor the long-held relationship between nobility and common members of the Compact by endorsing this newly growing class. Though I maintain that my social influence is vastly less significant than this well-meaning confidante suggested, I was also accused of reinforcing a term, 'neonoble,' which is used primarily to separate a single group from itself.
I now find myself determined to cast aside this mythologized 'neonobility.' There is only one nobility, and any attack against it is an attack against the very mechanisms upon which our communities depend to survive. Any failure to tend to its success is a failure to tend to the necessary components of our society. This goes both ways, it is shameful to consciously accept titles without putting forth any effort to conform to the responsibilities and standards by which all others have been held.
I, therefore, amend my previous offer of patronage to "any members of lesser nobility than myself or common persons who due to the circumstances surrounding their joining of the Compact or the peerage require grace, patience, and the counsel of one more experienced than themselves in our customs." Traditions are defended when we teach them to one another.
Written By Rook
July 30, 2021, 1:05 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
I will take no patron other than Lark.
Written By Mattheu
July 30, 2021, 12:47 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
First day back in some time. After watching the rivers and our little village, I decided it's time to come back to the city. See what the family is up to. Thus far I've met a duck and a swan, the duck invited me to a dinner with blindfolds, where I met another duchess. Then at a tea shop, I had a lovely conversation with a Prince that favors himself a tea maker, and a lovely lady that believes themselves to have many titles though Vintner is the one they chose for today.
If this is what is offered to me on the first steps from the boats, it could be good. Though I keep hearing rumblings about prodigals and how they've been up to no good. Which would mean this could be bad.
I'll seek out the family. see what they have to say.
If this is what is offered to me on the first steps from the boats, it could be good. Though I keep hearing rumblings about prodigals and how they've been up to no good. Which would mean this could be bad.
I'll seek out the family. see what they have to say.
Written By Noah
July 30, 2021, 12:40 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
The Archduchess held a blind event and she held it while being blindfolded herself.
I guess she really can run events blindfolded. I thought that was just a saying.
No mushy stuff. Just a good job, Poison.
It will leave it's mark as does everything you do.
I guess she really can run events blindfolded. I thought that was just a saying.
No mushy stuff. Just a good job, Poison.
It will leave it's mark as does everything you do.
Written By Noah
July 30, 2021, 12:38 a.m.(12/6/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Malcolm
As someone who says all the wrong things at the wrong times (that would be me), I feel for you man. Backlash sucks.
I don't have much to add to my whites on this. Things will work out how they ought. They always do somehow.
I don't have much to add to my whites on this. Things will work out how they ought. They always do somehow.
Written By Cambria
July 30, 2021, 12:14 a.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Cirroch
I wish that I were writing something different. Something funnier, perhaps. Certainly wittier, and more heartwarming. The truth is, I hate writing these things. (Is there a soul that does?) I hate them because of what they represent, and what, by putting my quill to parchment, I am yet again forced to face: the death of a friend, a loved one.
I hate that you're gone, and I hate the ones that stole your life. I hate them without mercy. I hate that your wife has lost her husband and their children their father.
We were supposed to get together for a proper dinner now that Sasha has returned to Arx, but I couldn't find the time. That's always my problem, so wedded to my duty. But now you're gone, and that, along with so many other plans (and things unplanned) can never happen.
I'm no poet. I never have the right words - or rather, I never feel as though I do, and that I am letting the one who is gone from us down in some way. Yet I do not think as though Cirroch would agree with me. I think he'd find it all just right, and wonder why I was wasting so much time over my choice of words when we could be outside, in the sunshine - or perhaps a puddle. I also think he'd remind me that he fought willingly, and that he fought to protect others, as is right.
I'll never forget the trust you placed in me. May you rest in peace, my friend.
I hate that you're gone, and I hate the ones that stole your life. I hate them without mercy. I hate that your wife has lost her husband and their children their father.
We were supposed to get together for a proper dinner now that Sasha has returned to Arx, but I couldn't find the time. That's always my problem, so wedded to my duty. But now you're gone, and that, along with so many other plans (and things unplanned) can never happen.
I'm no poet. I never have the right words - or rather, I never feel as though I do, and that I am letting the one who is gone from us down in some way. Yet I do not think as though Cirroch would agree with me. I think he'd find it all just right, and wonder why I was wasting so much time over my choice of words when we could be outside, in the sunshine - or perhaps a puddle. I also think he'd remind me that he fought willingly, and that he fought to protect others, as is right.
I'll never forget the trust you placed in me. May you rest in peace, my friend.
Written By Rook
July 30, 2021, midnight(12/5/1015 AR)
Just gave a thirty five thousand note to a small cock with a bell.
Written By Kiera
July 29, 2021, 10:44 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
As I sit trying to overcome my sorrow, I am both heartened by the proclimations of prodigal houses pledging allegiance to the compact and chargrined that such is necessary Let it not be forgotten that a stalwart of the northlands and prodigal gave his life defending the compact. That any would take this opportunity to dtive a wedge between those who faithfully serve the compact only compounds the pain of my dear friend's death. Let us not confuse those who have bent knee and stand by their oaths with those who perpetrate tyranny and treachery and who are enemies of us all. i urge eveyone from the Oathlands to the Northlands to stand together for the peace and prosperity of the compact
Written By Kiera
July 29, 2021, 10:29 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Savio
I second that
Written By Vitalis
July 29, 2021, 9:51 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
I do not often feel regret. I am feeling it now. To have said 'this upsets me' rather than 'how can I help?'
The former because I couldn't envision the latter and that wasn't the important part. I didn't need to know. Only to ask.
And so I ask: how can I help?
The former because I couldn't envision the latter and that wasn't the important part. I didn't need to know. Only to ask.
And so I ask: how can I help?
Written By Klaus
July 29, 2021, 8:55 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
They smiled! I swear they smiled. The nannies told me I was mistaken and it is because I have either have had too little sleep, or too much brown nut ale. I was also told no, I could not make camp in the nursery. I do not snore no matter what they say.
Written By Klaus
July 29, 2021, 8:52 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
I am starting to understand why many of the higher nobles have nannies and do not try to take care of two new born twins on their own. I think Princess Alarissia took pity on us as just last night we were told we have a nanny, and have no say. It could be because people in Thrax actually wanted to sleep. I did not think the twins were that loud, but I have had bee's wax in my ears since they were born.
Written By Klaus
July 29, 2021, 8:48 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
What do you give a Princess Consort who either has everything, or with a snap of fingers can get anything. Certainly not newborns. My wife would kill me, and not sure her Grace would be any friendlier to me if I did. Nope you give her a painting of the Queen of Squirrels, done by said Queen of Squirrels. I hears Doreen did it in the same red tree sap my cousin tried to poison me with.
Written By Savio
July 29, 2021, 7:37 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
Kind of funny, kind of sad
To see the Peerage barking mad
At the words of the Shepherd Duke
So disastrous, so uncouth!
What next, will we ennoble bees?
He'll bring the Compact to its knees!
Let's not all get quite so fired
You'll just come out of it dog tired
I know it's given us a fright
But that proclamation's bark, not bite
Don't mind the Duke, what does he know?
It's all a dog and pony show
'It's an affront to laws and gods
The Peerage going to the dogs!'
Or could it only simply be
Some barking up at the wrong tree?
It's always tempting, this outcry
But we could let sleeping dogs just lie.
To see the Peerage barking mad
At the words of the Shepherd Duke
So disastrous, so uncouth!
What next, will we ennoble bees?
He'll bring the Compact to its knees!
Let's not all get quite so fired
You'll just come out of it dog tired
I know it's given us a fright
But that proclamation's bark, not bite
Don't mind the Duke, what does he know?
It's all a dog and pony show
'It's an affront to laws and gods
The Peerage going to the dogs!'
Or could it only simply be
Some barking up at the wrong tree?
It's always tempting, this outcry
But we could let sleeping dogs just lie.
Written By Amari
July 29, 2021, 7:07 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
I'm collecting, editing and writing books on the theme of personal improvement in my free time, now that the gardening is tapering off. Thus far, the growing list includes:
'A Guide to Successful Leadership For People With Rocks For Brains',
'Are You A Moral and Mental Invalid Unworthy Of The Respect Of Your Peers?',
'Striving Made Easy',
'Giving Only When It Costs You Nothing - How To Feign Honor Volume II',
'Aren't I Special? An Introduction To Vanity',
'Ten Simple Ways To Condemn Others While Being Guilty Of The Same or Even Greater Offenses',
'Insincerity And Her Ugly Sister, Spite',
'The Perils Of Being Relentlessly Condescending',
'How To Act Worthy of the House You've Married Into, When You Aren't and Never Will Be',
'Making Mountains Out of Mole Hills For Fun And Profit',
'The Art Of Living Better By Denying Inconvenient Truths',
and the classic treatise on hypocrisy, 'In Condemnation Of False Virtue' by Brother Goodworth.
If you're in need of any of these, please reach out.
'A Guide to Successful Leadership For People With Rocks For Brains',
'Are You A Moral and Mental Invalid Unworthy Of The Respect Of Your Peers?',
'Striving Made Easy',
'Giving Only When It Costs You Nothing - How To Feign Honor Volume II',
'Aren't I Special? An Introduction To Vanity',
'Ten Simple Ways To Condemn Others While Being Guilty Of The Same or Even Greater Offenses',
'Insincerity And Her Ugly Sister, Spite',
'The Perils Of Being Relentlessly Condescending',
'How To Act Worthy of the House You've Married Into, When You Aren't and Never Will Be',
'Making Mountains Out of Mole Hills For Fun And Profit',
'The Art Of Living Better By Denying Inconvenient Truths',
and the classic treatise on hypocrisy, 'In Condemnation Of False Virtue' by Brother Goodworth.
If you're in need of any of these, please reach out.
Written By Natasha
July 29, 2021, 6:20 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
I do not profess myself to be an expert in dogs, but common sense dictates that they would probably appreciate a few cuts of good meat, and perhaps for the rest of their lives, far more than any titles which bear an underlying significance they are unable to comprehend.
Written By Reigna
July 29, 2021, 5:01 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Malcolm
There is a difference between holding something in esteem and anthropomorphizing it to an unhealthy and offensive extreme.
No one is denying that dogs are good creatures and deserving of love and respect. But treating them as human, elevating them to that degree is not right. As Lady Esme said, they cannot understand the oaths of service required to be knights. They are good animals, but they are animals.
It is one thing to praise and love one's dog, even among friends it might be tolerable to share an inside joke. But to publicly and formally proclaim to the Compact as a whole that you are knighting every Graypeak Mountain Dog from now until your heir takes over -- gods above -- that is a horrendous insult to so many people. You truly owe the Compact an apology and I sincerely hope whatever ailment has stricken you is cured soon. Should you come to the Saving Grace I would see you get the best of care.
No one is denying that dogs are good creatures and deserving of love and respect. But treating them as human, elevating them to that degree is not right. As Lady Esme said, they cannot understand the oaths of service required to be knights. They are good animals, but they are animals.
It is one thing to praise and love one's dog, even among friends it might be tolerable to share an inside joke. But to publicly and formally proclaim to the Compact as a whole that you are knighting every Graypeak Mountain Dog from now until your heir takes over -- gods above -- that is a horrendous insult to so many people. You truly owe the Compact an apology and I sincerely hope whatever ailment has stricken you is cured soon. Should you come to the Saving Grace I would see you get the best of care.
Written By Reigna
July 29, 2021, 4:53 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Esme
It is the height of unkindness to coddle those in obvious err.
The kinder thing to do is to correct them.
Now I certainly regret not assigning my last White entry to the Blacks as I ought to have. It was an ill-tempered response and should have been better delivered. I was angry, though that is not a proper justification for such a disrespectful tone.
It is a false equivalency to say that you cannot correct bad behavior if you yourself have behaved badly in the past. We are none of us flawless, that does not give us license to act however we wish.
You are correct about one thing. The Duke made a mistake and a grossly public one. One hopes that he returns to his senses soon and apologizes to the society he so freely mocked.
The kinder thing to do is to correct them.
Now I certainly regret not assigning my last White entry to the Blacks as I ought to have. It was an ill-tempered response and should have been better delivered. I was angry, though that is not a proper justification for such a disrespectful tone.
It is a false equivalency to say that you cannot correct bad behavior if you yourself have behaved badly in the past. We are none of us flawless, that does not give us license to act however we wish.
You are correct about one thing. The Duke made a mistake and a grossly public one. One hopes that he returns to his senses soon and apologizes to the society he so freely mocked.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.