Written By Orick
Sept. 19, 2020, 5:37 a.m.(1/19/1014 AR)
Snow and ice have curious properties and I believe the extreme cold may have as much of an application in the alchemical arts as heat or fire. My musings may sound naive to those from the north. I am acutely aware and I can only say in my own defense that winter is an awe inspiring experience for the southern born.
There are many who complain about the way in which the cold can bite and, yes, truly, bite it does… yet there is something in that sting.
Why does the winter air hurt? Why does every icicle form in the shape of the same familiar spike?
Is snow lighter than rain? Snow appears to fall slower… and the world slows down with it. These are the questions that fill my head when I should be writing the curriculum for the College. A Guildmaster worth his salt would figure out a way to combine his lessons with the changing seasons.
There are many who complain about the way in which the cold can bite and, yes, truly, bite it does… yet there is something in that sting.
Why does the winter air hurt? Why does every icicle form in the shape of the same familiar spike?
Is snow lighter than rain? Snow appears to fall slower… and the world slows down with it. These are the questions that fill my head when I should be writing the curriculum for the College. A Guildmaster worth his salt would figure out a way to combine his lessons with the changing seasons.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 19, 2020, 12:27 a.m.(1/19/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Itzal
I was cleaning out my song collection case today and found some of the songs Itzal wrote. I remembered how we went together to all the open forges in Arx and sang a duet, the Song of the Forge to the smiths and gave a copy of it to the Crafters Guild. He is missed.
Written By Brigid
Sept. 18, 2020, 11:47 p.m.(1/18/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
You know what is interesting? Reading that Lord Arik Halfshav has something to say about marriage.
Written By Adrienne
Sept. 18, 2020, 9:21 p.m.(1/18/1014 AR)
I'm approaching an anniversary. It was around this time last year that I left Sanctum for Arx. I don't recommend it; snow made for difficult travel. The worst, however, were the days leading up to our arrival. While Arx saw the whirlpool form, we were caught in the rains.
I, to my discredit, neglect my devotions to Mangata as the sea has often felt far. Today is a good day to pray for calm waters and peace.
I, to my discredit, neglect my devotions to Mangata as the sea has often felt far. Today is a good day to pray for calm waters and peace.
Written By Akamos
Sept. 18, 2020, 12:23 p.m.(1/18/1014 AR)
Barely my first full day here in Arx and I can tell you now, I bloody hate the cold. Anyone who says they like it is either a demon or a liar. Or a lying demon. I can't be having with it. I nearly froze my bits off just making it to Magnotta Manor. The Count seems a good sort, a bit stern, a bit hung up on formality, but I reckon his heart is in the right place, it'll be interesting serving as his Sword, or Trident, since I'd say he looks the capable fighter already.
Written By Kastelon
Sept. 18, 2020, 9 a.m.(1/17/1014 AR)
I think I've learned the hard way that sometimes, speaking one's mind in polite company's more fraught with peril than going out into the forest looking for bears. Though in both cases, it's more perhaps knowing when it's wise to actually stick your head into any particular cave.
Though on that note, I'm grateful to have understanding family who know I mean well.
Though on that note, I'm grateful to have understanding family who know I mean well.
Written By Magaen
Sept. 18, 2020, 6:04 a.m.(1/17/1014 AR)
I have returned to Arx after traveling home to see what progress has been made with Glacial Grove. It gave me an opportunity to induct the latest cohort of knights into our family as well, though I am saddened to report that not all have passed their Trials.
When we took the Glacial Grove from the bands of Shav'arvani that had been using it, the locals held, and still hold, all manner of superstition about the grove itself. They say it is a place of powerful fear. So I thought what better way to make a statement about the power of the Faith conquering such superstitions as well as providing a tradition that could bond these men and women into a unique knighthood? So every knight is required to spend their final night as a square contemplating their upcoming vows at the center of the grove.
Ridley Stonesworth did not make it out of the grove alive.
Five others did and we have added their names to the rolls of Charon's knights.
When we took the Glacial Grove from the bands of Shav'arvani that had been using it, the locals held, and still hold, all manner of superstition about the grove itself. They say it is a place of powerful fear. So I thought what better way to make a statement about the power of the Faith conquering such superstitions as well as providing a tradition that could bond these men and women into a unique knighthood? So every knight is required to spend their final night as a square contemplating their upcoming vows at the center of the grove.
Ridley Stonesworth did not make it out of the grove alive.
Five others did and we have added their names to the rolls of Charon's knights.
Written By Zyanya
Sept. 18, 2020, 3:18 a.m.(1/17/1014 AR)
I have not yet written a proper journal. In the Archives I preserve my poetry because they speak for me in many ways, my impressions of this new home. These impressions are perhaps more clear in my cradle tongue and to those accustomed to the forms of poetry I have mastered. They do not translate directly...as I do not translate directly, I think.
It has been very hard.
The differences between Arvum and Weijin, or Arvum and all of the Empire, are vast. Not only in age but in knowledge, in philosophy, in experience. It is the difference between stepping into a cultivated garden and facing a wild forest. The Empire is immense, with great natural beauty...but it is also old and in that age its culture has been tended. The blood which watered the soil has had time to fade. Not so, here. It is still fresh.
There have been kindnesses and gifts made. There have been understandings and knowledge shared, friendship offered, invitations accepted. I have also angered some by disagreeing with them or by explaining what is known of history outside of this land, where the people were made to forget. I have been called a slave. I have been told true art can only be crafted in true freedom. I have been told I am wrong in my thinking and that to disagree is an insult. I have learned quickly to not see the staring and to smile when I am insulted for in this land of freedoms there is no shield for the common person offended, or wounded, or killed. Here the judges do not ride to bring their justice. It falls to me to carry this responsibility of answering well even when cut deep.
You are a proud people here. Bright and willful, fierce and stubborn. You hold light in one hand and cruelty in the other, and both are as natural to you as breathing. I have worn the writs of an Imperial citizen and cannot conceive of bringing harm to another. I do not understand these instincts yet. Our sufferings in the Empire taste of different sorrows.
But I am learning. My blood is your blood. You are me. Maybe I can be more like you.
It has been very hard.
The differences between Arvum and Weijin, or Arvum and all of the Empire, are vast. Not only in age but in knowledge, in philosophy, in experience. It is the difference between stepping into a cultivated garden and facing a wild forest. The Empire is immense, with great natural beauty...but it is also old and in that age its culture has been tended. The blood which watered the soil has had time to fade. Not so, here. It is still fresh.
There have been kindnesses and gifts made. There have been understandings and knowledge shared, friendship offered, invitations accepted. I have also angered some by disagreeing with them or by explaining what is known of history outside of this land, where the people were made to forget. I have been called a slave. I have been told true art can only be crafted in true freedom. I have been told I am wrong in my thinking and that to disagree is an insult. I have learned quickly to not see the staring and to smile when I am insulted for in this land of freedoms there is no shield for the common person offended, or wounded, or killed. Here the judges do not ride to bring their justice. It falls to me to carry this responsibility of answering well even when cut deep.
You are a proud people here. Bright and willful, fierce and stubborn. You hold light in one hand and cruelty in the other, and both are as natural to you as breathing. I have worn the writs of an Imperial citizen and cannot conceive of bringing harm to another. I do not understand these instincts yet. Our sufferings in the Empire taste of different sorrows.
But I am learning. My blood is your blood. You are me. Maybe I can be more like you.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 18, 2020, 2:17 a.m.(1/17/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
I can only say that I am grateful to Lady Halfshav for finding herself in my path, for seeing something in me, for accepting me, for trusting me, and - I hope - for being a friend. She is surprising and lovely and blunt. Exactly the right kind of person I should have around me.
Written By Talwyn
Sept. 17, 2020, 11:47 p.m.(1/16/1014 AR)
I return to town and get to visit sweet Lucita, I am glad she and the children are doing well.
Of course, I arrive to talk about marriage. Not my own of course.
But it's odd how some things change, some remain the same.
Of course, I arrive to talk about marriage. Not my own of course.
But it's odd how some things change, some remain the same.
Written By Tanith
Sept. 17, 2020, 8:04 p.m.(1/16/1014 AR)
Mine is worth exactly, specifically two.
Written By Porter
Sept. 17, 2020, 6:14 p.m.(1/16/1014 AR)
I'm never going to fix that damn bench.
Written By Arik
Sept. 17, 2020, 1:55 p.m.(1/16/1014 AR)
It is interesting to see marriage discussed it always is. I think it is always more interesting when it is not the Head of House discussing it. The rights of nobility comes with the duty of marriage. We marry to continue bloodlines and secure alliances and we marry at the whim and wishes of our Head of House. What marriage is for is not for the scions of a house to decide. What they choose to make their marriage about is their business but the decision of to what house they will be married, to what person, and for what price and gain is that of the Head of House or their Voices. These are the people that decide what marriage is and in most cases (hopefully all) they see marriage as a means to secure the future and select a match that is tenable or even enjoyable for their kin.
Everything else is but the peace we make with our duty. Anything less is an abdication of duty.
Everything else is but the peace we make with our duty. Anything less is an abdication of duty.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 17, 2020, 10:55 a.m.(1/15/1014 AR)
I was forced to give Medeia and Neilda their birthday presents early. Their cats and my dogs and the children were not a good mix when all wound up in the same area at one time. Separated out they should do much better and be easier to handle.
Written By Cassandra
Sept. 17, 2020, 8:42 a.m.(1/15/1014 AR)
The question has been posted about the value of human life. Are five lives worth one life?
If you ask a member of the King's Own, they may tell you that all 100 of them are worth our ruler's life. If you ask a Knight of Solace, how many of them would say they would trade their lives for a healer? If you ask a person in love, they may tell you they would trade their life for their loved ones.
What makes one life worth more than five lives is the question that should be asked here. What makes one life worth more than another? Five? One hundred? Five thousand?
How many people laid down their lives in defense of Copper?
What do you think human life is worth? A single human life.
Is it worth yours?
If you ask a member of the King's Own, they may tell you that all 100 of them are worth our ruler's life. If you ask a Knight of Solace, how many of them would say they would trade their lives for a healer? If you ask a person in love, they may tell you they would trade their life for their loved ones.
What makes one life worth more than five lives is the question that should be asked here. What makes one life worth more than another? Five? One hundred? Five thousand?
How many people laid down their lives in defense of Copper?
What do you think human life is worth? A single human life.
Is it worth yours?
Written By Thea
Sept. 17, 2020, 7:42 a.m.(1/15/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Bree
It depends on who you ask. Sometimes those 5? They are very much willing to make the sacrifice for just that one.
Written By Sydney
Sept. 17, 2020, 1:53 a.m.(1/15/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Bree
It is most assuredly not.
But we are all of us beholden to exceptions in our arithmetic for those we care for.
But we are all of us beholden to exceptions in our arithmetic for those we care for.
Written By Mabelle
Sept. 17, 2020, 1:23 a.m.(1/15/1014 AR)
The Laurent mansion is engulfed in the scent of honey as the cooks work hard to have everything ready before the festival this weekend. I have actually been banished from the kitchen due to over indulging. Most things are ready, including my gown which was stitched to perfection by Mistress Caprice. However, I do not have shoes. I need shoes.
Written By Acacia
Sept. 16, 2020, 10:01 p.m.(1/14/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Bree
You ask if the life of one man is worth more than the lives of five?
Depends on who's doing the accounting.
Depends on who's doing the accounting.
Written By Sydney
Sept. 16, 2020, 6:17 p.m.(1/14/1014 AR)
My mind drifts often to poetry in these winter evenings. I'm certainly not the type to try my hand at it unless I've been suitably inspired or have been drinking heavily and therefore am suffering a considerable lapse of judgement, but it holds meaning to me. I've been reading more of it, trying to linger on each poem, and ruminating on what each one might mean.
What was the author thinking? What were the yearnings or fancies in their heart that made them put pen to paper and scribe dream to Dream, for some or none to read? Too often, I find I'm not able to decipher the 'meaning behind the meaning' that others purport to see, but there's beauty in something that can be looked at by many and seen identically by none.
How does it even work? I understand those that have a rhyming cadence, but these seem to be regarded scornfully or somehow lesser to the poetry that is merely sloshed about the page.
Who is to say
where poems begin
and where they
end --
When the rules
if there are such
aren't writ in stone
but float through
the sky
Is this poetry? Is it just a sentence that has been stretched and carried wastefully across parchment? I confess, I do not know the difference.
I find it thoroughly maddening.
And captivating.
But also maddening.
What was the author thinking? What were the yearnings or fancies in their heart that made them put pen to paper and scribe dream to Dream, for some or none to read? Too often, I find I'm not able to decipher the 'meaning behind the meaning' that others purport to see, but there's beauty in something that can be looked at by many and seen identically by none.
How does it even work? I understand those that have a rhyming cadence, but these seem to be regarded scornfully or somehow lesser to the poetry that is merely sloshed about the page.
Who is to say
where poems begin
and where they
end --
When the rules
if there are such
aren't writ in stone
but float through
the sky
Is this poetry? Is it just a sentence that has been stretched and carried wastefully across parchment? I confess, I do not know the difference.
I find it thoroughly maddening.
And captivating.
But also maddening.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.