Written By Jourdain
March 6, 2020, 7:41 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Verity
You bring me to such interesting places.
Written By Joaquin
March 6, 2020, 7:36 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
Let's see how many new names I collect before this little story's over!
Messere Knave
Jack of Blades
High Arbiter of Good Taste
It's always enjoyable to see the first few seeds and wonder how it'll grow, whether a good strong oak or a complete disappointment that leaves everything to be desired. Alas, such is the risk of relying on the imagination of others!
Messere Knave
Jack of Blades
High Arbiter of Good Taste
It's always enjoyable to see the first few seeds and wonder how it'll grow, whether a good strong oak or a complete disappointment that leaves everything to be desired. Alas, such is the risk of relying on the imagination of others!
Written By Gabriella
March 6, 2020, 6:55 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
To those who may find themselves on the front lines in the near future:
If one is operating under some preconception as to what triumphs await them in this crusade to come, allow me to perhaps temper your expectations, as one who has faced the forces of Skal'daja not so long ago.
If you believe you will be vanquishing a vanguard of sinister slavers, you will find yourself sorely mistaken. You face a kingdom of chains. Those chains are used towards a variety of ends. Warfare is but one of them.
If you are expecting glory for the Gods, expect only to be cutting down soldiers to the very last man, for they had the choice of surrender stripped from them in ways no doubt methodical and insidious and cruel.
If you fight to free the chained, do so, for there are few practices more vile than slavery. But remember whose blood it is you will likely be spilling in the process.
Masters do not send other masters to fight their wars for them. Least of all on the front lines.
If one is operating under some preconception as to what triumphs await them in this crusade to come, allow me to perhaps temper your expectations, as one who has faced the forces of Skal'daja not so long ago.
If you believe you will be vanquishing a vanguard of sinister slavers, you will find yourself sorely mistaken. You face a kingdom of chains. Those chains are used towards a variety of ends. Warfare is but one of them.
If you are expecting glory for the Gods, expect only to be cutting down soldiers to the very last man, for they had the choice of surrender stripped from them in ways no doubt methodical and insidious and cruel.
If you fight to free the chained, do so, for there are few practices more vile than slavery. But remember whose blood it is you will likely be spilling in the process.
Masters do not send other masters to fight their wars for them. Least of all on the front lines.
Written By Arianna
March 6, 2020, 6:35 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Joaquin
I think it's quite catchy. You're onto something, don't give up.
Written By Arianna
March 6, 2020, 6:27 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Saberurn
Whatever you're smoking I desperately need some to escape from this reality.
Written By Arianna
March 6, 2020, 6:24 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
The youth are over exuberant these days! Nobody and I mean noooobody should be excited about a Crusade. It's bad news for everyone. First it's Eurus then they'll set their sites on some other foreign power crumbling in on itself.
Then next thing you know we have Templars in the catacombs turning over graves of the poor dumb asses who wandered down there after receiving proper warning and talking about weird shit again. Like wizards and demons.
Everyone knows they're not real. Stop this insanity!
Then next thing you know we have Templars in the catacombs turning over graves of the poor dumb asses who wandered down there after receiving proper warning and talking about weird shit again. Like wizards and demons.
Everyone knows they're not real. Stop this insanity!
Written By Calla
March 6, 2020, 5:30 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
Autumn. Cool, cloudy, strong wind from the south. Is that how I am to begin these reflections?
We made good time sailing into the port of Arx from Sangris, by way of Setarco. The caravels and most of the supporting ships lingered behind to establish a foothold in the Caldera. I was whisked away to the capital of Arvum so that I could perform my diplomatic and feudal obligations. I'll return, I'm sure, to lead the Legio Sangris in battle against the other Houses of the region. My skills and knowledge are too valuable, there. However, after browsing the journals provided at the archive, I can see that I am perhaps more valuable here -- for a time, anyway.
On the trip, I was nervous. I had expected to be peered and prodded at, made to take oath upon oath, and knelt before liege after liege. None of that has happened. There were oaths, yes, but not quite what I had expected. My largest shock was discovering that my people are considered a myth. Indeed, the Arvani seem so unaware that we exist that my presence in the city has gone largely unnoticed. I hardly mind. There's so much new to take in that I'm grateful to not be overwhelmed.
Curious observations: The Compact has outlawed slavery (note to self: "Thralldom") for less time than mine own city-state (note to self: House, now). Perhaps it is because the Eurusi never bothered to enslave the Arvani that they (note to self: We, now) were tolerant of the practice for so long. Then again, the Caldera was rarely raided by the Eurusi, given the geography of the Saffron Chain.
We made good time sailing into the port of Arx from Sangris, by way of Setarco. The caravels and most of the supporting ships lingered behind to establish a foothold in the Caldera. I was whisked away to the capital of Arvum so that I could perform my diplomatic and feudal obligations. I'll return, I'm sure, to lead the Legio Sangris in battle against the other Houses of the region. My skills and knowledge are too valuable, there. However, after browsing the journals provided at the archive, I can see that I am perhaps more valuable here -- for a time, anyway.
On the trip, I was nervous. I had expected to be peered and prodded at, made to take oath upon oath, and knelt before liege after liege. None of that has happened. There were oaths, yes, but not quite what I had expected. My largest shock was discovering that my people are considered a myth. Indeed, the Arvani seem so unaware that we exist that my presence in the city has gone largely unnoticed. I hardly mind. There's so much new to take in that I'm grateful to not be overwhelmed.
Curious observations: The Compact has outlawed slavery (note to self: "Thralldom") for less time than mine own city-state (note to self: House, now). Perhaps it is because the Eurusi never bothered to enslave the Arvani that they (note to self: We, now) were tolerant of the practice for so long. Then again, the Caldera was rarely raided by the Eurusi, given the geography of the Saffron Chain.
Written By Selene
March 6, 2020, 4:14 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
When everything has to be right, something isn't.
Written By Monique
March 6, 2020, 2:54 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
A large amount of bloodshed in a land with a powerful cabal of mages who work blood magic. I cannot think what possibly could go wrong...
Written By Strozza
March 6, 2020, 2:48 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
Lessikins. Glad you liked the Limoncello
Written By Preston
March 6, 2020, 1:23 p.m.(11/18/1012 AR)
Nobles are welcome to disagree with the Faith on matters of temporal rule. They are even welcome, when the Faith pronounces on the calls of the Gods, to ignore such calls - I would wish they did not, and obviously they cannot dispute the theology, but how they rule their domain in almost all cases is a matter for themselves.
What nobles are never free to do is to abandon the worship of the Gods all together, that shared and important thread that binds us all. To embrace the enemies of the Gods, to denounce the Gods, to abandon them, all of these are a problem. One that will be resolved.
There seem to be those who feel they are sufficiently far from the Dominus that such things to not apply to them, I remain hopeful they will repent.
What nobles are never free to do is to abandon the worship of the Gods all together, that shared and important thread that binds us all. To embrace the enemies of the Gods, to denounce the Gods, to abandon them, all of these are a problem. One that will be resolved.
There seem to be those who feel they are sufficiently far from the Dominus that such things to not apply to them, I remain hopeful they will repent.
Written By Cambria
March 6, 2020, 12:29 p.m.(11/17/1012 AR)
"Dear Second Most Powerful,
I guess you assistance would be great and all, but you are still only Second Most Powerful.
Here's to hoping things work out."
A practice in emotional writing. Letters are so easy to take out of context, after all. Without our ability to convey expression, tone, or posture, so much can be lost. It is better to make a habit of writing in such a way as to best show your honest intent so that your intended recipient is not left confused or uncertain. While a lack of communication is often the root of so many misunderstandings, so too is muddled communication.
I guess you assistance would be great and all, but you are still only Second Most Powerful.
Here's to hoping things work out."
A practice in emotional writing. Letters are so easy to take out of context, after all. Without our ability to convey expression, tone, or posture, so much can be lost. It is better to make a habit of writing in such a way as to best show your honest intent so that your intended recipient is not left confused or uncertain. While a lack of communication is often the root of so many misunderstandings, so too is muddled communication.
Written By Hadrian
March 6, 2020, 12:22 p.m.(11/17/1012 AR)
I could take some valuable lessons and insight from King Calithex Thex's many titles and honorifics.
I'll have to spend a little more time at my desk and brainstorm.
I'll have to spend a little more time at my desk and brainstorm.
Written By Eirene
March 6, 2020, 11:04 a.m.(11/17/1012 AR)
I think I will never understand the elves.
That's quite fine, I doubt they'd ever understand me. Or maybe we would understand each-other and get together like a house on fire. Which can be kind of entertaining depending on who's house and if there's still people inside of it and if there was a great store of alcohol which would explode or make pretty colors.
Did I ever mention I like fire? Considering my sword was called the 'Flame-Mender' and my leather armor was embossed with it, maybe I didn't need to mention it.
That's quite fine, I doubt they'd ever understand me. Or maybe we would understand each-other and get together like a house on fire. Which can be kind of entertaining depending on who's house and if there's still people inside of it and if there was a great store of alcohol which would explode or make pretty colors.
Did I ever mention I like fire? Considering my sword was called the 'Flame-Mender' and my leather armor was embossed with it, maybe I didn't need to mention it.
Written By Strozza
March 6, 2020, 9:40 a.m.(11/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
Brought home from Arx a new beverage at the behest of my beloved cousin. She has good taste in wines. Thank you for the hint.
Written By Dianna
March 6, 2020, 7:20 a.m.(11/17/1012 AR)
It is incredible to me that a singular man can have such a profound impact upon so many with but a single act.
I have been reminded of this by others, in the opposite: Heroes instead of villains who protect so many with a singular act rather than harming so many.
I watched as a family dispute rippled its darkness into extended family, friends and strangers, tainting all for hours upon hours, days upon days both before and - very likely - afterwards.
I should know, already, that this is possible, for all things have their reflections.
It is, however, with startling and riveting awareness that I come to this knowledge first-hand - and have made my choice, henceforth, even as I had made it in wish and dream and theory before.
Every action has a consequence. Every choice we make, as well.
And every good and gentle soul has their reflection, as strong and vibrant in their effects.
I am grateful for this awareness, as terrible as it has felt to come to this truth; for I may now pass on this knowledge, distilled by my mind.
I extend to those who may happen upon these thoughts and words of mine, written on this page:
Be careful of your choices, of your reactions and responses to darkness - even if it should harm you. We all have a responsibility to our higher ideals, to our best selves, to those we love; and we may choose to show it, or to pass on our harm.
But, we have a choice. And not all thoughts need be acted upon.
I have been reminded of this by others, in the opposite: Heroes instead of villains who protect so many with a singular act rather than harming so many.
I watched as a family dispute rippled its darkness into extended family, friends and strangers, tainting all for hours upon hours, days upon days both before and - very likely - afterwards.
I should know, already, that this is possible, for all things have their reflections.
It is, however, with startling and riveting awareness that I come to this knowledge first-hand - and have made my choice, henceforth, even as I had made it in wish and dream and theory before.
Every action has a consequence. Every choice we make, as well.
And every good and gentle soul has their reflection, as strong and vibrant in their effects.
I am grateful for this awareness, as terrible as it has felt to come to this truth; for I may now pass on this knowledge, distilled by my mind.
I extend to those who may happen upon these thoughts and words of mine, written on this page:
Be careful of your choices, of your reactions and responses to darkness - even if it should harm you. We all have a responsibility to our higher ideals, to our best selves, to those we love; and we may choose to show it, or to pass on our harm.
But, we have a choice. And not all thoughts need be acted upon.
Written By Arcadia
March 6, 2020, 5:35 a.m.(11/17/1012 AR)
Every morning I wake to the titterings about war. The excited murmurings of Crusades and freedom and each day I further question our decisions and choices and to where it will lead us.
Since Prism asked for our promises I have found myself thinking more on the subject of slavery and freedom. We've been asked to break the chains and forgive, but how far should our forgiveness go? Should we forgive the slavers who show no remorse for what they did? We have promised Prism without much thought. I wonder how many had thought of ending slavery before Prism asked us too.
I also wonder about who will be fought. Will the people of Eurus send battle hardened soldiers? Or will they be slaves with no free will in this fight? Also, does making the Eurus kneel to us take away their freedoms?
My house has promised to end slavery and we will aid where we can. I just hope that with all this fever and excitement for action that we can also take a moment to breathe and think twice before our passion consume us.
Since Prism asked for our promises I have found myself thinking more on the subject of slavery and freedom. We've been asked to break the chains and forgive, but how far should our forgiveness go? Should we forgive the slavers who show no remorse for what they did? We have promised Prism without much thought. I wonder how many had thought of ending slavery before Prism asked us too.
I also wonder about who will be fought. Will the people of Eurus send battle hardened soldiers? Or will they be slaves with no free will in this fight? Also, does making the Eurus kneel to us take away their freedoms?
My house has promised to end slavery and we will aid where we can. I just hope that with all this fever and excitement for action that we can also take a moment to breathe and think twice before our passion consume us.
Written By Jules
March 6, 2020, 3:31 a.m.(11/17/1012 AR)
It was a good evening to spend with friends and soon to be friends. I've been to scarce of late but there's still much work to do. Hopefully I can get about soon.
Written By Jules
March 6, 2020, 3:03 a.m.(11/17/1012 AR)
The most remarkable meetings happen in the market. One must never fail to take the opportunity to meet new people and experience new things.
Written By Esme
March 5, 2020, 11:15 p.m.(11/16/1012 AR)
I am in need of fun.
Silly fun
Insane fun
Sane Fun
All the fun.
I need something to just laugh at and be in the moment. If you have suggestions, offers, or are willing to volunteer for these things - please send word. If you have never met me, do not let that stop you.
Silly fun
Insane fun
Sane Fun
All the fun.
I need something to just laugh at and be in the moment. If you have suggestions, offers, or are willing to volunteer for these things - please send word. If you have never met me, do not let that stop you.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.