Written By Dio
May 22, 2020, 8:56 a.m.(5/3/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I am indeed killing slavers, and taking everything I can find to distribute among my crews and allies.
Opportunity is out there. It ain't charity - it's silver well earned. For some, that will be freedom. And if you're now claiming you're paying your people so well, where's that money coming from? You bleeding it from the Crafter's Guild?
You'll not see me spill a single drop of ink to disparage the actions of others on behalf of the people of Arx. For all your pathetic attempts to speak for the Faith and Crown, you're really just ordering people around, shitting on their traditions, claiming only you and yours have the right solution.
Opportunity is out there. It ain't charity - it's silver well earned. For some, that will be freedom. And if you're now claiming you're paying your people so well, where's that money coming from? You bleeding it from the Crafter's Guild?
You'll not see me spill a single drop of ink to disparage the actions of others on behalf of the people of Arx. For all your pathetic attempts to speak for the Faith and Crown, you're really just ordering people around, shitting on their traditions, claiming only you and yours have the right solution.
Written By Cassandra
May 22, 2020, 8:13 a.m.(5/3/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Dio
I am not a fan of pirates.
And given my current mood, the fact that a member of the peerage feels that can display such affiliations openly and not expect pushback annoys me.
So I will say it very politely. My patience and my tolerance for annoyance has limits.
And given my current mood, the fact that a member of the peerage feels that can display such affiliations openly and not expect pushback annoys me.
So I will say it very politely. My patience and my tolerance for annoyance has limits.
Written By Shard
May 22, 2020, 2:04 a.m.(5/3/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Dio
That's not what I wrote, and I'm not your mate. I wrote that I was paying them plenty so that they could feed their families, and I'm paying myself nothing. Do you need a scholar to help you parse simple sentences? I'm sure they'd be happy to.
Why don't you go kill slavers yourself, instead of trying to convince people to go die for you? 'Pens'. Yes, I'm very convinced of your generosity when you talk about those living in the Lowers like they're dumb animals who can't see you for what you are. If they wanted to go be your servants or your fodder, nothing has stopped them from doing it before. And if you think they're such children that they need to be led to grasp opportunity, I question whether you've ever set one fucking foot off the main road of the Lowers in your entire life.
I wouldn't really recommend trying it for the first time now, though. The Faith is very diligent in their duty to teach even the poorest person to read.
Why don't you go kill slavers yourself, instead of trying to convince people to go die for you? 'Pens'. Yes, I'm very convinced of your generosity when you talk about those living in the Lowers like they're dumb animals who can't see you for what you are. If they wanted to go be your servants or your fodder, nothing has stopped them from doing it before. And if you think they're such children that they need to be led to grasp opportunity, I question whether you've ever set one fucking foot off the main road of the Lowers in your entire life.
I wouldn't really recommend trying it for the first time now, though. The Faith is very diligent in their duty to teach even the poorest person to read.
Written By Quenia
May 21, 2020, 11:06 p.m.(5/3/1013 AR)
Oh. Gosh. I've been so wrapped up in events surrounding my city that I've only just noticed that my birthday was yesterday. Another year. It's hard to believe I've been in Arx for so long, much less that I've grown older while I've been here. Yet, it seems bittersweet. It used to be a day I'd share with my brothers, one way or another, no matter what I was doing or where I would be fostered.
I often wonder if they've been reincarnated yet. If they were able to stay together as the twins that they are. What their life might be like now, if they have been. I do miss them so very, very much. They would have played a prank on the morning of my birthday, something to make me smile in the early morning hours. Especially now, when this year when I hadn't had so much to smile about in the past year.
I shall have to plan a special treat for myself. To celebrate.
I often wonder if they've been reincarnated yet. If they were able to stay together as the twins that they are. What their life might be like now, if they have been. I do miss them so very, very much. They would have played a prank on the morning of my birthday, something to make me smile in the early morning hours. Especially now, when this year when I hadn't had so much to smile about in the past year.
I shall have to plan a special treat for myself. To celebrate.
Written By Quenia
May 21, 2020, 11:01 p.m.(5/3/1013 AR)
There's something about organizing a group of people to work toward a task that feels. . . . freeing. I think I was able to give people projects to work on, or at least I hope I was able. Things that would both be interesting and illuminating. I suppose we shall see, in time, whether the roots of the meeting bears any fruit.
Written By Tanith
May 21, 2020, 10:29 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
When you start speaking in rhyme, you'll do it a long time. I wonder, is it a gift from the Queen? Even with all I've seen?
Written By Jourdain
May 21, 2020, 9 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Drake
Well fought, cousin.
Written By Drusila
May 21, 2020, 8:53 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Are people not free to make their own choices? Is it not the will of Skald that everyone should be empowered to forge their own destiny?
If offering the people of Arx a choice is theft, are they then property? Has the Marquessa of Keaton become a proponent of Slavery?
I'm sure none of us want to see people suffer in vain and House Seraceni are trying to do their part in sharing of what they have, just like I too will attempt to do my part in ensuring the people of Arx will have their deserved opportunities for food and work.
If offering the people of Arx a choice is theft, are they then property? Has the Marquessa of Keaton become a proponent of Slavery?
I'm sure none of us want to see people suffer in vain and House Seraceni are trying to do their part in sharing of what they have, just like I too will attempt to do my part in ensuring the people of Arx will have their deserved opportunities for food and work.
Written By Sirius
May 21, 2020, 7:31 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Training in the Center recently, I happened upon an old man; an old and wizened warrior, I believe. A veteran. Biggest nose I had ever seen in my life, and while he didn't impart upon me his name prior to leaving, I don't think he'll much care to ever learn I'll refer to him as 'Largefront';
I found him sitting at one of the lowest bleachers, looking off at some young squire going through his training in silence. It was early in the morning, so I chose to sit beside him, smile, greet him. Hear the raspiness in his voice- he mistook me for a fellow soldier, and I didn't bother to correct him. There was something earnest in his voice, there still is I think, and a message. While we dove through many subjects, there's one thing in particular that struck me when he said:
"You know, I've realized something as an old man who has operated far too long in this business of killing. I'm so much wiser these days. I've come to know so much, so much that I now know what I don't know. And I look back and think, I was such a dummy back in my youth. Then I thought, what of all the men I've slain, stopping their mortal coil when it was young and so ready to spring?" At the time, having been so playful he thus far, I didn't take it with the seriousness it beget -- I shrugged, but listened on;
"What I've realized is that I'm a killer of wisdom. That I took a lot of old men out of this world, and with them went so much learning and knowledge. There's so many worlds out there that I destroyed. Worlds where those men lived and went on living and did the great things they knew not was in them. Had that first woman I fought slew me down, how many lives would she have saved? How much wisdom would have been spared?" Then he apologized, feeling he had gone off into a tangent and droned on beyond my afforded time.
I tried to make him consider that perhaps he had saved other men in ending these lives, but that suggestion had him smile- a long and lorn smile, like only old people can make them. I knew he had already considered it, and sadly didn't disturb me with his answer on this.
It's a shame. The sadness to the cadence of his voice, the small glitters of regret. Had I been a better orator I could've perhaps assured him in some shape or form, but I'm not--I could not. Instead, I joined the circle of misery.
I hope you're warm tonight, wherever you are asleep, Largefront.
I found him sitting at one of the lowest bleachers, looking off at some young squire going through his training in silence. It was early in the morning, so I chose to sit beside him, smile, greet him. Hear the raspiness in his voice- he mistook me for a fellow soldier, and I didn't bother to correct him. There was something earnest in his voice, there still is I think, and a message. While we dove through many subjects, there's one thing in particular that struck me when he said:
"You know, I've realized something as an old man who has operated far too long in this business of killing. I'm so much wiser these days. I've come to know so much, so much that I now know what I don't know. And I look back and think, I was such a dummy back in my youth. Then I thought, what of all the men I've slain, stopping their mortal coil when it was young and so ready to spring?" At the time, having been so playful he thus far, I didn't take it with the seriousness it beget -- I shrugged, but listened on;
"What I've realized is that I'm a killer of wisdom. That I took a lot of old men out of this world, and with them went so much learning and knowledge. There's so many worlds out there that I destroyed. Worlds where those men lived and went on living and did the great things they knew not was in them. Had that first woman I fought slew me down, how many lives would she have saved? How much wisdom would have been spared?" Then he apologized, feeling he had gone off into a tangent and droned on beyond my afforded time.
I tried to make him consider that perhaps he had saved other men in ending these lives, but that suggestion had him smile- a long and lorn smile, like only old people can make them. I knew he had already considered it, and sadly didn't disturb me with his answer on this.
It's a shame. The sadness to the cadence of his voice, the small glitters of regret. Had I been a better orator I could've perhaps assured him in some shape or form, but I'm not--I could not. Instead, I joined the circle of misery.
I hope you're warm tonight, wherever you are asleep, Largefront.
Written By Ophira
May 21, 2020, 6:38 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Hamish
Treating and trading lives as if they are commodities is certainly something to be angry about but I don’t see that happening in any Seraceni proposals. Again, the perspective of offering opportunities and other avenues is merely that - an offer. Just like accepting the offer of prayer or the offer of money for martial services.
I appreciate your view point, however.
I appreciate your view point, however.
Written By Cambria
May 21, 2020, 6:23 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Whether it is in the realm of commerce and industry, or that of politics, a leader should always strive to build a more stable foundation for those future generations whom they may never meet.
Written By Cambria
May 21, 2020, 6:20 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
A misleader is slow to work, especially to work hard, but quite quick to act upon avarice. They will seek to convince others that dishonest behavior creates outstanding wealth. Success should always call for greater generosity, but there are people - in the dark side of their pride - who will often treat it as a means to act on greater greed.
Written By Tanith
May 21, 2020, 3:33 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Someone talks about how they 'grow this' or 'grew that' or 'my azaleas are finally coming in' and 'the herbs have broken through', and it still has me wonder what these people possess to create such miracles. Even Emara, tart that she is, that she can bring forth life with a well placed seed and some water and sunshine (and I know it's more complicated than that, she insists it isn't but I know she's lying to me) will never stop being wondrous. Talking about her garden like it isn't a miracle, chatting away while she carefully encourages all these little living things to grow. I really won't stop being amazed by it.
Written By Tanith
May 21, 2020, 2:56 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
It was my birthday. I meant to write something that day, but I was tied up.
I can't say I've had a better one, surrounded by people that probably love me more than I deserve, barely any room to breathe with it all. Emotional too, the best kinds of gifts are the kind you can't hold. Unless hands count.
Experiencing a type of devotion that leaks everywhere. Can't be helped though; things needed to be made clear, and they were, deeply.
No. I can't say I've had a better birthday.
I can't say I've had a better one, surrounded by people that probably love me more than I deserve, barely any room to breathe with it all. Emotional too, the best kinds of gifts are the kind you can't hold. Unless hands count.
Experiencing a type of devotion that leaks everywhere. Can't be helped though; things needed to be made clear, and they were, deeply.
No. I can't say I've had a better birthday.
Written By Dio
May 21, 2020, 2:55 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
You've just written that you're barely paying your people enough to feed their families, Mate.
Instead of snarling and snapping at people to stay in their pens, try leading people to grasp opportunity. Plenty of slavers need killing.
Instead of snarling and snapping at people to stay in their pens, try leading people to grasp opportunity. Plenty of slavers need killing.
Written By Reigna
May 21, 2020, 12:50 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Dio
I do not understand how one can profess to be both a Noble and a Pirate. You do realize that pirates are by definition, criminals, yes? I believe the word you are looking for is 'Privateer' if it is, of course, that you are in possession of a letter of Marque. Elsewise I believe that the Crown would likely take issue with your plundering and such.
You persist with putting forth this "offer" to accept those of the Lowers who wish to relocate to Ischia, as if this were some sort of charity on your part, but it only underlines your lack of understanding of the pertinent points of the issue. These are people who live in Arx. They are Crownsworn. Their lives are here. Their people and families are here. There is nothing chaining them to this place and if they had the desire or means to move, nothing stops them from doing so. That you think they are unaware of their options and are simply staying put out of ignorance to their options is a little insulting. Or rather, it is very insulting, but I was trying to be kind.
Shard has pointed out, repeatedly, that from an outside perspective, this looks like an attempt to gain tax payers rather than legitimately help people. By encouraging the Crownsworn to leave Arx and move to Ischia, you do realize that you are publicly encouraging people to cease making payments to the Crown, and begin paying you? I know you have declared yourself a pirate and all, but that sort of brazen attempt at theft is rather bold.
Instead of repeating that utterly baffling turn of phrase regarding sharks, hunting and minnows, perhaps instead you might consider encouraging your local fishermen to teach those of the Lowers who wish to learn that profession? Or cutting some of Ischia's profits and donating several of your catches to the Lowers soup kitchens?
You persist with putting forth this "offer" to accept those of the Lowers who wish to relocate to Ischia, as if this were some sort of charity on your part, but it only underlines your lack of understanding of the pertinent points of the issue. These are people who live in Arx. They are Crownsworn. Their lives are here. Their people and families are here. There is nothing chaining them to this place and if they had the desire or means to move, nothing stops them from doing so. That you think they are unaware of their options and are simply staying put out of ignorance to their options is a little insulting. Or rather, it is very insulting, but I was trying to be kind.
Shard has pointed out, repeatedly, that from an outside perspective, this looks like an attempt to gain tax payers rather than legitimately help people. By encouraging the Crownsworn to leave Arx and move to Ischia, you do realize that you are publicly encouraging people to cease making payments to the Crown, and begin paying you? I know you have declared yourself a pirate and all, but that sort of brazen attempt at theft is rather bold.
Instead of repeating that utterly baffling turn of phrase regarding sharks, hunting and minnows, perhaps instead you might consider encouraging your local fishermen to teach those of the Lowers who wish to learn that profession? Or cutting some of Ischia's profits and donating several of your catches to the Lowers soup kitchens?
Written By Evaristo
May 21, 2020, 12:13 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Piracy is so last decade, and it wasn't even fun then.
Written By Sydney
May 21, 2020, 11:44 a.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
...of late, I seem to be arriving at the Training Center just as the interesting fights are winding down. No matter how I jostle my schedule around, I seem to arrive during a lull, only to be told I've just missed the most epic of engagements.
If I'm of a mood to go through my exercises I do so.
Often, I stay, loitering and watching the squires and newly-inspired noblemen flail around with the training dummies and collect my things and go.
...and quite frequently get told that just after I leave I've missed the most marvelous of martial matches. It's truly uncanny, this luck of mine.
If I'm of a mood to go through my exercises I do so.
Often, I stay, loitering and watching the squires and newly-inspired noblemen flail around with the training dummies and collect my things and go.
...and quite frequently get told that just after I leave I've missed the most marvelous of martial matches. It's truly uncanny, this luck of mine.
Written By Arik
May 21, 2020, 10:54 a.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
How weak are those that display naked ambition?
How senseless are they who speak with arrogance?
How fearful could others be when they publicly dismiss that which they could have ignored?
House Halfshav is two hundred and some years a member of the Compact. Once we were nicknamed the prodigals and may still be to die-hard traditionalists. Mayhap older and more 'distinguished' houses should take heed from the once Prodigals. Power needs no platitudes. Confidence needs no explanation. Success needs no praise.
How senseless are they who speak with arrogance?
How fearful could others be when they publicly dismiss that which they could have ignored?
House Halfshav is two hundred and some years a member of the Compact. Once we were nicknamed the prodigals and may still be to die-hard traditionalists. Mayhap older and more 'distinguished' houses should take heed from the once Prodigals. Power needs no platitudes. Confidence needs no explanation. Success needs no praise.
Written By Hamish
May 21, 2020, 9:53 a.m.(5/1/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ophira
I have only spoken with the Prima a small number of times, but I think you will find that she is hardly the only person who will grow angry at the notion of treating human lives as commodities.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.