Written By Piccola
June 21, 2020, 8:35 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
In response to the venerable Sword of the Faith, I acknowledge and respect that there is always an element of risk with every battle. But when I write that a successful general has already won her battle before taking the field, I mean that such general has prepared and positioned herself to the fullest extent so as to minimize that risk. I concede that her experience in battle may outstrip my own, and that her prowess at arms may be unparalleled; however, my words come not from thoughts or conjecture, but from my own experience, as modest and humble as it may be.
In response to the valiant Warchief of House Redrain, I acknowledge and respect that all victories are hard-won. But when I write that a victory with ease is the acme of a general's skill, I mean that such victories come to a general as if easy. To say that any battle is easy is so clearly erroneous that I would not think any would believe it so; however, I have seen myself the most successful generals seem to win battle after battle with such grace and composure that it seemed to me very much that it came easy to them.
And in response to the majestic Grandmaster of the Templars, I acknowledge and respect that Gloria demands that we face our enemies with courage and honesty. But when I write that all warfare is deception, I mean that the art of war requires a good general to keep close her the tactics by which she intends to defeat her enemy, lest her enemy prepare itself. It is all well and good to announce one's intention to take an enemy's camp; however, the method by which a general intends to take it is a secret whose truth risks the lives of her men, and therefore must be cloaked and concealed.
I will say plainly that I have never had the honor or pleasure to have ever ridden with any of these luminaries onto the field. What advice could I give to them which would make them consider what I have to say? I only know and believe that which I have seen, smelled, and heard. I have tasted the mud and blood more times than I care to remember. I have cut short screams of pain and surprise in the fading twilight. I have run from battle more often than I have engaged in it, for I find no honor in letting my men die to satisfy my pride; however, when I choose to fight, I do so only when I have done everything I can to safeguard the lives of those who fight for me.
A wiser person than I once told me that a good general never suggests war as a means of peace, but because war will always come it is the duty of a general to constantly prepare. It is in that spirit of preparation that I hope to be able to discuss matters of warfare with others in the future.
In response to the valiant Warchief of House Redrain, I acknowledge and respect that all victories are hard-won. But when I write that a victory with ease is the acme of a general's skill, I mean that such victories come to a general as if easy. To say that any battle is easy is so clearly erroneous that I would not think any would believe it so; however, I have seen myself the most successful generals seem to win battle after battle with such grace and composure that it seemed to me very much that it came easy to them.
And in response to the majestic Grandmaster of the Templars, I acknowledge and respect that Gloria demands that we face our enemies with courage and honesty. But when I write that all warfare is deception, I mean that the art of war requires a good general to keep close her the tactics by which she intends to defeat her enemy, lest her enemy prepare itself. It is all well and good to announce one's intention to take an enemy's camp; however, the method by which a general intends to take it is a secret whose truth risks the lives of her men, and therefore must be cloaked and concealed.
I will say plainly that I have never had the honor or pleasure to have ever ridden with any of these luminaries onto the field. What advice could I give to them which would make them consider what I have to say? I only know and believe that which I have seen, smelled, and heard. I have tasted the mud and blood more times than I care to remember. I have cut short screams of pain and surprise in the fading twilight. I have run from battle more often than I have engaged in it, for I find no honor in letting my men die to satisfy my pride; however, when I choose to fight, I do so only when I have done everything I can to safeguard the lives of those who fight for me.
A wiser person than I once told me that a good general never suggests war as a means of peace, but because war will always come it is the duty of a general to constantly prepare. It is in that spirit of preparation that I hope to be able to discuss matters of warfare with others in the future.
Written By Korka
June 21, 2020, 8:20 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Raziel
Glad someone else with sense is around these days.
Written By Korka
June 21, 2020, 8:18 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Apparently when you judge a costume contest you're not supposed to try to disqualify everyone.
Written By Mayir
June 21, 2020, 8:16 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Cocine
I love it! I love it!
My new compass is so beautiful! Stygian, gold, and glass!
Cocine did a fantastic job! I am so lucky to have met her!
My new compass is so beautiful! Stygian, gold, and glass!
Cocine did a fantastic job! I am so lucky to have met her!
Written By Brigida
June 21, 2020, 8:13 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
I am a little bit disappointed in how quite un-heathen Arik actually is. He's remarkably civilised... for the most part.
Written By Poppy
June 21, 2020, 8:11 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rosalind
Scholar. Please make sure a copy of this is shoved under Lady Rosalind Ravenseye's nose.
I do too know /how/ to run. I just choose not to. Why would you want to run? You jiggle everywhere and then sweat gets in your eyes and makes your hair stick to your neck. Then you can barely breathe and everything aches. There's nothing pleasurable about running. Not at all. It's why running laps is used as a punishment.
Anyway. It's much more enjoyable to be carried places. Especially when you're short and hurt your neck to see the sky.
I do too know /how/ to run. I just choose not to. Why would you want to run? You jiggle everywhere and then sweat gets in your eyes and makes your hair stick to your neck. Then you can barely breathe and everything aches. There's nothing pleasurable about running. Not at all. It's why running laps is used as a punishment.
Anyway. It's much more enjoyable to be carried places. Especially when you're short and hurt your neck to see the sky.
Written By Shae
June 21, 2020, 8:08 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
I never thought of how deeply a parent's love can run, not until I myself became one. And know I see my mother and father in a whole new way. And it makes me even more thankful for them. And the support and love they gave to me. I realize in many ways I was--am very blessed to have them, as my parents. I can only hope to be as great as they are as a parent, myself.
Also, getting two nannies was a life saver. Thank you to my wonderful family members that recommended I do it, Duchess Calista Fidante, Marquessa Reigna Keaton, and my mom, Baroness Margerie Clement.
Also, getting two nannies was a life saver. Thank you to my wonderful family members that recommended I do it, Duchess Calista Fidante, Marquessa Reigna Keaton, and my mom, Baroness Margerie Clement.
Written By Rosalind
June 21, 2020, 8:01 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Aella
I think I've given my sister at least a dozen more gray hairs in the last few months. I feel like I should apologize, but I won't. They make her look uh..What word did father use to say? Distinguished? Because I would never call you old! That would be rude! When are we going adventuring! Yeah, I said it!
Written By Appolonia
June 21, 2020, 8:01 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
I have found the knife for me. Or at least, someone else did. How wonderful.
Written By Thea
June 21, 2020, 7:56 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Well I did it. I held a spider, scholar. But not just any spider. Oh no. It was a creature of WAR! You think I'm joking, but I'm not. It camouflages in it's environment. Messere Saro said in flowers and such, but let me tell you, I was waiting for it to attack. SNEAKY! I have a suspicious feeling of a spider army being formed in the boxes of Messere Saro. Or on her head. I should make one as well..Led by Dame Leola. I'll just be nearby, whispering sweet spidery nothings and suggesting spider tactics. Not that they'll be needed..
Ps. Leola...You now know my plan. Since I know we never discussed such.
Ps. Leola...You now know my plan. Since I know we never discussed such.
Written By Shae
June 21, 2020, 7:55 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Still working on getting everything organized for my scouting mission, I am going to be leading. Just waiting on a couple of things before we set off. I want to make sure everyone is well prepared for it, before we go. I'm excited to be getting to lead this mission, but also very aware that it could be very dangerous, for all of us going. I can only hope that together we will succeed in our mission, and keep each other safe through out it. I think I will go to the Shrine of Petrichor later, to pray.
Written By Domonico
June 21, 2020, 7:53 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
It is good to keep in touch with your friends, particularly your best friend. Sometimes just a simple talk with someone can make the world of difference to everything in life.
It seems simple and obvious but I believe that many forget just how important this is. I know that I have neglected friends and family in recent times, focused as I was on my life, duties and plans.
I will endeavour to make amends for this in the future. Those who are important to me need to know that they are,
It seems simple and obvious but I believe that many forget just how important this is. I know that I have neglected friends and family in recent times, focused as I was on my life, duties and plans.
I will endeavour to make amends for this in the future. Those who are important to me need to know that they are,
Written By Kiera
June 21, 2020, 7:20 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Philippe
The Count is direct though not unkind. He seems an ideal menter someone I can trust. Someone whom I deeply respect and whom I want to respect me
Written By Azova
June 21, 2020, 7:19 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
I petted a spider today. It was a very friendly, fuzzy, tarantula spider. And it did not take offense that I was rather wary of it. But more importantly I got to laugh at Porter for a jumping spider getting lost in his beard.
Written By Philippe
June 21, 2020, 6:53 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
We are in high summer. It would behoove us to consider pious prayers to ensure that the crops grow well, and that we have a bountiful harvest in the coming autumn. I have already begun to plan how the reserves may be stocked even with more generous tithing to the holy orders to ensure the well-being of the Lowers. And yet there is still so much to do before fall arrives to prepare for the winter. We cannot know what may put an end to the whirlpool and so we must plan for the direst circumstances. Another bitter winter like the last may be our undoing. Diligence now, safety later.
Written By Martino
June 21, 2020, 6 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
If you avoid taking about it, maybe it just doesn't come true.
Or it does and a small troop of nannies and hirelings are needed.
Probably the second one.
Or it does and a small troop of nannies and hirelings are needed.
Probably the second one.
Written By Leola
June 21, 2020, 5:07 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
It was a delight to spend time with Evaristo again, to watch him and his friends explore their love of spiders. I enjoyed introducing them to Porshia, who also enjoyed the event tremendously.
Yes, scribe, I did have a bath immediately before coming here.
Yes, scribe, I did have a bath immediately before coming here.
Written By Adrienne
June 21, 2020, 4:21 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
I've been in Arx for a full season, and I'm struck by how different my experience has been from those who have lived here longer. I've never known Arx without a whirlpool and the unrest that it has caused. I've also never known it without emissaries from far off, exotic lands. I can take tea with them - with Jadara and Zulana of Jaidaral, the Undying Empire, or Bahiya'al'mathali of Skal'daja in the Dune Kingdoms of Eurus - as easily as I can my family. This would have seemed mad a year, two years ago. Now it is simply life.
I'm grateful for Arx's kind welcome, for the opportunity to meet with so many, and for what they (or rather you, Reader) have shared with me. We love one another, we fight with one another, we celebrate together, and we mourn together. Even something as abstract as a debate about the role of honor in warfare will make us all stronger in the end.
Thank you, Our Lady, for reminding us to cherish change, even when it is hardest. We are not done, and we will be better in the end. I believe it wholeheartedly.
I'm grateful for Arx's kind welcome, for the opportunity to meet with so many, and for what they (or rather you, Reader) have shared with me. We love one another, we fight with one another, we celebrate together, and we mourn together. Even something as abstract as a debate about the role of honor in warfare will make us all stronger in the end.
Thank you, Our Lady, for reminding us to cherish change, even when it is hardest. We are not done, and we will be better in the end. I believe it wholeheartedly.
Written By Porter
June 21, 2020, 4:19 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Not only did I meet the Bread Baron this week, but I've also met Dot, the adventurous spider.
Written By Sabine
June 21, 2020, 3:11 p.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
It would be far more noteworthy were I not of the South, one expects, even so far north of the South as we are in Iriscal. Thank you.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.