Written By Esme
April 12, 2020, 8:06 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
You know.
I know.
I think that's all that needs to know.
I know.
I think that's all that needs to know.
Written By Sebastian
April 12, 2020, 7:57 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
Princess Arianna Pravus was a childhood friend of mine. After she was summoned permanently back to help her Stonewood relatives, we grew distant. When she returned to our embrace, there were times we quarreled; we didn't see eye to eye on what was best for Pravus, until we both realized the thing we had in common was that.
Our love for our family.
Many regarded Princess Arianna with disdain, for they did not comprehend the way she approached life, the things she did for our family, for the Compact as a whole, as well as those beyond the shelter of its protection. As the First Knight of Setarco, she broke many chains, and saved many lives without seeking the praise and glory that many would have. She understood the danger of what she did and never for a second shied away from anything necessary.
Whomever is responsible for her death should comprehend how grave a mistake they have made. House Pravus protects their own. It is a lesson those freed of the Saffron Chain, and the Skal'daja alike have learned. It is a thing that makes our enemies fear us.
As well they should.
Our love for our family.
Many regarded Princess Arianna with disdain, for they did not comprehend the way she approached life, the things she did for our family, for the Compact as a whole, as well as those beyond the shelter of its protection. As the First Knight of Setarco, she broke many chains, and saved many lives without seeking the praise and glory that many would have. She understood the danger of what she did and never for a second shied away from anything necessary.
Whomever is responsible for her death should comprehend how grave a mistake they have made. House Pravus protects their own. It is a lesson those freed of the Saffron Chain, and the Skal'daja alike have learned. It is a thing that makes our enemies fear us.
As well they should.
Written By Clara
April 12, 2020, 7:54 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
_Becoming a Shaman_
Understand that this is based on my experiences and like many things in Shamanism you may get an entirely different approach from a different Shaman.
I've been asked a few times why I 'chose' to become a Shaman and I wish it were so simple as saying I just woke up one day and said "I am a Shaman". It was a bit more complicated than that, a bit more of a journey. I did ultimately chose to become a Shaman but it wasn't by rolling out of bed one day and deciding this is what I wanted to do for a living. ''The Spirits chose me'' and the decision I made was to 'listen' to their call.
It has been years now and at first I stumbled over whether or not I was even good material to be a Shaman. What if I mess up? What if the Spirits decided they didn't want me to be their Shaman? What if I was one of the Shamans that were full of lies, Shamans who are power mongerers? I was so worried that I was not the right material, so worried that I would end up being a fraud... But I think in the end that is what defined my journey.
I meditated with Lady Khanne, I had hour of conversation with her, and I sought out her guidance. Ultimately, the Spirits spoke to me and it was up to me whether or not I had the courage to listen to them and even more than that the courage to become a Shaman.
I had an additional trial, one that I was terrified of to start. I was even a little angry that I had to prove myself to my own family but I pulled myself together and I went through the Stormwall Shaman Trial. This is an unusual practice perhaps but in Stormwall we weed out the Shamans that are not truly able to see and speak with Spirits. It is something that while unconventional to most actually brought me peace of mind after I passed.
For us here in Stormwall, we are sent into the vast labyrinth beneath our capital city to walk through the crypts of our ancestors. Our goal is a seemingly simple one but it would not likely be complete without the help of the Spirits or Ancestors. Neither of which would probably aid anyone in reaching their goal if they were not truly meant to be a Shaman. The simple task is this... Collect a rare mushroom that only is known to grow deep within the labyrinth and make your way back out of the crypt with it. You are sent in with warm clothes, a simple weapon, and a lantern and nothing more.
For me my trials were a lesson in 'surrendering'. I don't really think you can be a Shaman without learning to 'listen' to the Spirits, without learning to let go of yourself and your pride in order to open your mind to them. It may seem like a difficult task but if you are meant to communicate with the Spirits you will learn to do so in time and the more you learn to do so the easier it may become to communicate with them.
My trials took me a little while and the Spirits were strange to me then, appearing as a ball of light that only appeared after my lantern had fully burned down. I was tired, I was cold, and I was worried about failure. Mostly, I just wanted to go home by the time they finally showed up. They accused me of not trusting them and that was the first thing I had to come to terms with. They told me to look within as much as I was looking outside of myself and it was only when I offered them myself did I truly understand what they meant. I didn't trust myself, I didn't trust them... so why should they trust me? Ultimately, they lead me to the mushrooms and back out of the labyrinth but it wasn't without lesson. I was successful, I'd proven myself a Shaman to my family and land, but I was only at the beginning of a very long journey. And looking back on it I still have things I can learn from that trial.
The long and short of it is... Being a Shaman, for me, was 'in part' about maintaining a relationship between myself and the Spirits. It is not a one way street as you both elect for you to become a Shaman.
Something I would advise to people who are thinking about becoming a Shaman is to sit down with other Shamans AND Godsworn to get some notes on their experiences as well. More experienced Shaman and our Godsworn allies will have an array of experiences and advice to share. I feel their experiences can be utilized to help you make your decision.
Personally, I speak often with Archlector Vayne and Elder Shaman Mirk. I recommend both of them if you need an ear.
Understand that this is based on my experiences and like many things in Shamanism you may get an entirely different approach from a different Shaman.
I've been asked a few times why I 'chose' to become a Shaman and I wish it were so simple as saying I just woke up one day and said "I am a Shaman". It was a bit more complicated than that, a bit more of a journey. I did ultimately chose to become a Shaman but it wasn't by rolling out of bed one day and deciding this is what I wanted to do for a living. ''The Spirits chose me'' and the decision I made was to 'listen' to their call.
It has been years now and at first I stumbled over whether or not I was even good material to be a Shaman. What if I mess up? What if the Spirits decided they didn't want me to be their Shaman? What if I was one of the Shamans that were full of lies, Shamans who are power mongerers? I was so worried that I was not the right material, so worried that I would end up being a fraud... But I think in the end that is what defined my journey.
I meditated with Lady Khanne, I had hour of conversation with her, and I sought out her guidance. Ultimately, the Spirits spoke to me and it was up to me whether or not I had the courage to listen to them and even more than that the courage to become a Shaman.
I had an additional trial, one that I was terrified of to start. I was even a little angry that I had to prove myself to my own family but I pulled myself together and I went through the Stormwall Shaman Trial. This is an unusual practice perhaps but in Stormwall we weed out the Shamans that are not truly able to see and speak with Spirits. It is something that while unconventional to most actually brought me peace of mind after I passed.
For us here in Stormwall, we are sent into the vast labyrinth beneath our capital city to walk through the crypts of our ancestors. Our goal is a seemingly simple one but it would not likely be complete without the help of the Spirits or Ancestors. Neither of which would probably aid anyone in reaching their goal if they were not truly meant to be a Shaman. The simple task is this... Collect a rare mushroom that only is known to grow deep within the labyrinth and make your way back out of the crypt with it. You are sent in with warm clothes, a simple weapon, and a lantern and nothing more.
For me my trials were a lesson in 'surrendering'. I don't really think you can be a Shaman without learning to 'listen' to the Spirits, without learning to let go of yourself and your pride in order to open your mind to them. It may seem like a difficult task but if you are meant to communicate with the Spirits you will learn to do so in time and the more you learn to do so the easier it may become to communicate with them.
My trials took me a little while and the Spirits were strange to me then, appearing as a ball of light that only appeared after my lantern had fully burned down. I was tired, I was cold, and I was worried about failure. Mostly, I just wanted to go home by the time they finally showed up. They accused me of not trusting them and that was the first thing I had to come to terms with. They told me to look within as much as I was looking outside of myself and it was only when I offered them myself did I truly understand what they meant. I didn't trust myself, I didn't trust them... so why should they trust me? Ultimately, they lead me to the mushrooms and back out of the labyrinth but it wasn't without lesson. I was successful, I'd proven myself a Shaman to my family and land, but I was only at the beginning of a very long journey. And looking back on it I still have things I can learn from that trial.
The long and short of it is... Being a Shaman, for me, was 'in part' about maintaining a relationship between myself and the Spirits. It is not a one way street as you both elect for you to become a Shaman.
Something I would advise to people who are thinking about becoming a Shaman is to sit down with other Shamans AND Godsworn to get some notes on their experiences as well. More experienced Shaman and our Godsworn allies will have an array of experiences and advice to share. I feel their experiences can be utilized to help you make your decision.
Personally, I speak often with Archlector Vayne and Elder Shaman Mirk. I recommend both of them if you need an ear.
Written By Porter
April 12, 2020, 7:25 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Okay, so it wasn't a giant man-eating crab. But I'm happy that all my clothes came home without stains all over them, so that's something. And by my clothes, I mean some of these are Rorik's clothes. It was good to get some adventure and fighting in! Ulfric Ravenhelm is an absolute beast with the blade too. Lady Esme and Lady Zoey are equally impressive in combat and Mistress Revell is quite good at hiding. And also not getting washed overboard. I thought we made a fairly good team.
Written By Signe
April 12, 2020, 7:15 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
The attacks happening up north, have me concerned. I hope we are able to figure out what happened to the Shav village southwest of Stonedeep.
Written By Kedehern
April 12, 2020, 7:14 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
It seems that business about the books is starting to die down. That's something, at least.
Written By Signe
April 12, 2020, 7:09 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Stopped by the Ice Skating Competition the other day, unfortunately I was not able to stay very long. But for the short time I was there, it seemed like a good time was being had by those in attendance.
Written By Kedehern
April 12, 2020, 6:54 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
The family meeting went well, I think. It seems we'll have more work to do in the near future, and I suppose that's a good thing. It will be busy times ahead, certainly.
Written By Jaenelle
April 12, 2020, 6:48 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Thankfully my father shared some of his Northern experiences with me before he died or I might never have been able to win first place in an ice skating competition. The trophy will sit on the shelf where all of Talen's awards sit in my room.
Written By Cyril
April 12, 2020, 6:47 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Princess Arianna Pravus, dead. People like her don't stay dead long.
Written By Philippe
April 12, 2020, 6:46 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
The work of building Chevalle continues through the winter months. I have put the men to work preparing for the coming spring. What drills can be done in the winter weather progress, while others turn their attention to tending to fortifications, keeping the roads clear, and taking stock of our warehouses. The lodge will see to it that we are ready for the spring planting season, but I would have my soldiers prepared for anything with the coming of the first thaw. Who knows what intrigues Eurus may plan? Even if they are a continent and an ocean away, Chevalle must be prepared to lend its strength to the Compact in any way that it may require. So we will work, and work hard, and reap the benefits of our labors when the first flowers bloom.
Written By Bianca
April 12, 2020, 6:44 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Regardless of anything else, the events at the Bard's College concert hall and my cousin's performance will stay with me for a long time.
It was something that could only be truly and fully experienced firsthand, and I feel eternally grateful for the opportunity.
It was something that could only be truly and fully experienced firsthand, and I feel eternally grateful for the opportunity.
Written By Corban
April 12, 2020, 6:39 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
There are fewer greater supporters of Freedom than Princess Sorrel Thrax. A with her voice, she has freed many minds and souls to achieve their great potential.
I am proud to be her friend and have assisted with her performance.
I am proud to be her friend and have assisted with her performance.
Written By Corrigan
April 12, 2020, 6:38 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Tanith
Do not fear, Cousin. I promise not to let your nuptials affect our dynamic whatsoever.
Written By Lucene
April 12, 2020, 6:28 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Everybody who knows me are well aware that I was always daddy's little girl. I have never met a person I admired more than my father - he may no longer be with us, but he still is the one and only person I have tried so desperately to make proud, no matter the cost to myself or my own identity. I don't regret a single second of it, either.
Lately, however, I have been trying to get closer to my late mother, Lady Kordelia Gilden. I've realised that I have many questions that I wish I had asked her before she passed, and so many things I wish I could have told her. All I have left of her are the Whites she left behind - in one of them, she described how she adored wandering through the estate gardens at twilight.
I'm not in Caith at the moment, so I can't recreate the scene perfectly, but I did spare a moment to wander through the Velenosa Grounds in the late hours of the evening, with nothing but the moonlight to illuminate my path.
At first, I must admit I was awfully bored. Everything was too quiet and too lonely. It was unsettling in a way I've never experienced before, but then.. then I started to get used to it, and my thoughts started to wander. I never liked being alone with my thoughts, though, and this was a great example of why.
Unlike my mother, I didn't have worries about being outlived, or running out of time - I reckon those are fears a lot of people have, the former especially true for mothers.
Instead, I worried about the opposite. I had terrible thoughts about /outliving/ my loved ones, watching them wither and die like the flowers in winter. I worried about having too much time on my hands. Too many minutes of my life to fill, and running out of things to fill them with.
I decided to go back to work.
Lately, however, I have been trying to get closer to my late mother, Lady Kordelia Gilden. I've realised that I have many questions that I wish I had asked her before she passed, and so many things I wish I could have told her. All I have left of her are the Whites she left behind - in one of them, she described how she adored wandering through the estate gardens at twilight.
I'm not in Caith at the moment, so I can't recreate the scene perfectly, but I did spare a moment to wander through the Velenosa Grounds in the late hours of the evening, with nothing but the moonlight to illuminate my path.
At first, I must admit I was awfully bored. Everything was too quiet and too lonely. It was unsettling in a way I've never experienced before, but then.. then I started to get used to it, and my thoughts started to wander. I never liked being alone with my thoughts, though, and this was a great example of why.
Unlike my mother, I didn't have worries about being outlived, or running out of time - I reckon those are fears a lot of people have, the former especially true for mothers.
Instead, I worried about the opposite. I had terrible thoughts about /outliving/ my loved ones, watching them wither and die like the flowers in winter. I worried about having too much time on my hands. Too many minutes of my life to fill, and running out of things to fill them with.
I decided to go back to work.
Written By Revell
April 12, 2020, 5:59 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
So, something happened to me.
I considered making an account of it in a black journal entry - I haven't really done any of those yet - as it's a rather private and personal thing. And honestly? I don't think anyone would care or even benefit from reading this several years from now.
But, my heart skipped a beat.
While bedridden, someone said something to me that caused my chest to tighten and my stomach to turn. It made me incredibly nauseous and I thought I was about to let go of my lunch. (Lottie's pastries deserve a better fate than that) But then, as the initial shock of what had been said passed, there was this.. warm, fussy feeling spreading throughout my body. It felt like a rapidly developing fever, or sliding into a hot bath right after rolling around in the snow.
I think I liked it? I'm not sure, and a part of me hopes it doesn't happen again.
I considered making an account of it in a black journal entry - I haven't really done any of those yet - as it's a rather private and personal thing. And honestly? I don't think anyone would care or even benefit from reading this several years from now.
But, my heart skipped a beat.
While bedridden, someone said something to me that caused my chest to tighten and my stomach to turn. It made me incredibly nauseous and I thought I was about to let go of my lunch. (Lottie's pastries deserve a better fate than that) But then, as the initial shock of what had been said passed, there was this.. warm, fussy feeling spreading throughout my body. It felt like a rapidly developing fever, or sliding into a hot bath right after rolling around in the snow.
I think I liked it? I'm not sure, and a part of me hopes it doesn't happen again.
Written By Vanora
April 12, 2020, 5:05 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
Oh cousin.
My feelings are complicated, but that is how things ever were with us isn't it. No lesson without the blood and tears to go with it. No love without the same.
I do not know what else to say. Save to echo what others have.
May the embrace of Death be a gentle one. May you be remembered.
My feelings are complicated, but that is how things ever were with us isn't it. No lesson without the blood and tears to go with it. No love without the same.
I do not know what else to say. Save to echo what others have.
May the embrace of Death be a gentle one. May you be remembered.
Written By Domonico
April 12, 2020, 4:37 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
I will have to be heading back to Caer Morien before too long. It is clear that Malvici has unfinished business on the Cytos Isles.
Written By Domonico
April 12, 2020, 4:33 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
Stands to reason that it would take over a dozen to bring Arianna Pravus down.
Well fought Arianna. Well fought.
Well fought Arianna. Well fought.
Written By Elgana
April 12, 2020, 3:39 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
I was promised a puppy. Well, sort of promised a puppy.
Gods and spirits, it has been years since I had a puppy! I sent Simon back home to Farhaven once I realized that city life did not suit him nearly as much as rolling through the hills chasing butterflies would. Mother writes to me often to tell me how much he's enjoying his life as a spoiled and utterly pampered prince amongst dogs in the kennels at Farhaven. Of course, I visit him when I have a chance to return home. How could I not hug my puppy? Though he has long outgrown his puppyhood, he will always be my puppy.
I wonder if Mister would enjoy having a sibling. Not that anything ever disturbs that snoozebeast's naps in front of the fire. It would be an adjustment, but one I would gladly make.
Gods and spirits, it has been years since I had a puppy! I sent Simon back home to Farhaven once I realized that city life did not suit him nearly as much as rolling through the hills chasing butterflies would. Mother writes to me often to tell me how much he's enjoying his life as a spoiled and utterly pampered prince amongst dogs in the kennels at Farhaven. Of course, I visit him when I have a chance to return home. How could I not hug my puppy? Though he has long outgrown his puppyhood, he will always be my puppy.
I wonder if Mister would enjoy having a sibling. Not that anything ever disturbs that snoozebeast's naps in front of the fire. It would be an adjustment, but one I would gladly make.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.