Written By Eurion
Nov. 1, 2019, 2:52 p.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
That moon...
Written By Elloise
Nov. 1, 2019, 2:28 p.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
Hm. It seems an experiment I am conducting with snow has resulted in a rather large puddle in the Leary estate. Please watch your steps.
Written By Jael
Nov. 1, 2019, 12:01 p.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
Despite our positive diplomatic relations with the Lyceum and a shared border, I simply cannot get used to the idea of a room full of mirrors. And none of my party dresses fit properly anyway. I must be preparing to hibernate like a bear.
Written By Belladonna
Nov. 1, 2019, 11:18 a.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
The day after the Eclipse of Mirrors is just delightful. Hangover, aching limbs, sore feet, dresses that need restitching, all the hallmarks of a fabulous night.
On the flip side, I can see some people wasted their Blood Moon bothering the scholars with more self-righteous cloutchasing. I do love when someone commits to the gimmick.
I guess this all but settles it: we need a Cardian embassy if only so these people can spend the whole day in front of it, protesting.
On the flip side, I can see some people wasted their Blood Moon bothering the scholars with more self-righteous cloutchasing. I do love when someone commits to the gimmick.
I guess this all but settles it: we need a Cardian embassy if only so these people can spend the whole day in front of it, protesting.
Written By Astrid
Nov. 1, 2019, 9:27 a.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
These past weeks I have been sitting in meditation at the Shrine of the First Choice more frequently than before. It's still a little unnerving to have grown up in Arx, never remembered this place was here or that the tree grown so tall has clearly been there for decades, and yet remember none of it.
But the more I sit here, the more I see this tree growing through the roof as a symbol of the doctrine espoused. From shoot to giant, it represents our life moving through the course of team. Each branch a decision made as the tree grew taller. Each moment of its life spent reaching out towards the light of the sun, as the gods intend us to reach towards their light.
But the more I sit here, the more I see this tree growing through the roof as a symbol of the doctrine espoused. From shoot to giant, it represents our life moving through the course of team. Each branch a decision made as the tree grew taller. Each moment of its life spent reaching out towards the light of the sun, as the gods intend us to reach towards their light.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 1, 2019, 9:20 a.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
The first Eclipse of Mirrors I ever attended in Arx was with you. We ate, drank, danced, and ...well, perhaps those thoughts shall remain private. Such fond memories. This one I attended alone. My time was spent with an old friend whose identity I guessed, her costume so lovely. When I returned home, I looked in on our children, so sweetly sleeping. They had made little paper masks for the plushies you had bought for them before you died, before they were born.
Written By Rosalind
Nov. 1, 2019, 7:52 a.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
I got to use the Leary board thingy! It was so fun! Up and down the halls, smashed a few of Cadern's toes. I highly suggest you try it if you haven't!
Written By Aleksei
Nov. 1, 2019, 6:38 a.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
Pretty sure I've seen the Seraph of Choice wearing steelsilk.
Then again, knowing her, she probably stole it from Cardia.
Probably some slaves along with it, too.
Then again, knowing her, she probably stole it from Cardia.
Probably some slaves along with it, too.
Written By Preston
Nov. 1, 2019, 5:49 a.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
The point is raised whether it matters if a gesture done for noble intent has impact. Actions must be for just outcomes, but their methods must be just and honourable also. That is the lesson of The Sentinel and of Gloria. But when we talk about these huge events, most people have no ability to impact upon them in a meaningful way. So perhaps we must consider the means of the person as well before we judge too harshly.
Ultimately at times gestures are all we have. And we can never quite know what gestures might capture the people's hearts.
Ultimately at times gestures are all we have. And we can never quite know what gestures might capture the people's hearts.
Written By Shard
Nov. 1, 2019, 5:13 a.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
If you've got a magical painting capable of freeing slaves in far off lands, I'm certainly interested in hearing about it.
We can talk regardless, obviously.
We can talk regardless, obviously.
Written By Shard
Nov. 1, 2019, 5:11 a.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
I am absolutely not above cracking your bones if you accuse me of being in favor of slavery again. I am not, in fact, better than /that/.
The reason I'm giving you a warning first is I recognize you were running your damn mouth without the slightest fucking idea of who I am, what's important to me, or why saying what you did is enough to make me really, really want to grind your head into the cobblestone. I recognize you've got your head so far up your own ass that you're stargazing between your tonsils, and you're patting your own back so hard over symbolic gestures that your fingers are leaving bruises. I recognize that, so I'm letting it pass. I'm only going to do that once.
The reason I'm giving you a warning first is I recognize you were running your damn mouth without the slightest fucking idea of who I am, what's important to me, or why saying what you did is enough to make me really, really want to grind your head into the cobblestone. I recognize you've got your head so far up your own ass that you're stargazing between your tonsils, and you're patting your own back so hard over symbolic gestures that your fingers are leaving bruises. I recognize that, so I'm letting it pass. I'm only going to do that once.
Written By Karina
Nov. 1, 2019, 2:15 a.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
I have long believed that there's beauty to be found in the broken and the damned, but beauty is not all that art encompasses. An artist has the unique ability to share their perception of the world, even shape the perception of others, and I find truth the more captivating component of any work; the most important color on the palette next to the very soul. It can be in plain sight, an allusion or a symbol buried in the paint, but it's always there waiting to be discovered.
I felt the need to express this after reading an earlier proclamation from Vincenzo, which concluded with, "Art doesn't bring beauty to the world when stained with the revolting bondage of living souls." He was likely speaking more literally regarding certain fabrics rather than the art I'm more familiar with, but the words stuck with me. I admire the spirit of what he's trying to achieve, yet disagree with the method of painting an entire people with one brush and one color. Perhaps a time will come when I'm welcome at Pins and Needles due to the merit of my individual beliefs, not turned away because of my heritage.
My own studio, the Muse of Mourning, remains open to him. I can attest that the only strife involved in the making of those paintings is my own and not borne on the backs of others. Maybe something in them will speak to him in a way words cannot. Afterall, I'm an artist. Not an orator.
I felt the need to express this after reading an earlier proclamation from Vincenzo, which concluded with, "Art doesn't bring beauty to the world when stained with the revolting bondage of living souls." He was likely speaking more literally regarding certain fabrics rather than the art I'm more familiar with, but the words stuck with me. I admire the spirit of what he's trying to achieve, yet disagree with the method of painting an entire people with one brush and one color. Perhaps a time will come when I'm welcome at Pins and Needles due to the merit of my individual beliefs, not turned away because of my heritage.
My own studio, the Muse of Mourning, remains open to him. I can attest that the only strife involved in the making of those paintings is my own and not borne on the backs of others. Maybe something in them will speak to him in a way words cannot. Afterall, I'm an artist. Not an orator.
Written By Delia
Oct. 31, 2019, 11:20 p.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
What a wonderful gala! I missed the previous year's Mirror Masquerade, but this one was a whirl of splendor, colour, costume and conversation that I won't soon forget.
I am also eternally grateful to Master Apollo Oakwood who crafted my mask, and to Mistress Petal Penrose who crafted the gown and slippers to go with it. I would be nowhere at all without master craftsmen like them, and it thrills me to be able to wear the treasures they have made for me in public.
I am also eternally grateful to Master Apollo Oakwood who crafted my mask, and to Mistress Petal Penrose who crafted the gown and slippers to go with it. I would be nowhere at all without master craftsmen like them, and it thrills me to be able to wear the treasures they have made for me in public.
Written By Eleanor
Oct. 31, 2019, 9:53 p.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Silver paid for steelsilk is silver ultimately paid to slavers, which will produce more goods that require slavery in turn. If we don't buy more, we lessen the market and prevent further Arvani silver ending up in slaver pockets. I'm not any good at economics, but the financial trail is easy to follow. There are reasons to want these materials, many of them very good reasons. I don't deny that. But it's up to you to decide whether those reasons are good enough to justify buying more. Throwing out things that have already been bought and paid for - that's ridiculous. It's a performance. The damage has already been done with the first sale. Destroying the things now seems worse than using them - money paid to slavers for nothing at all.
Denying the truth won't do any good, but neither will empty gestures. It shouldn't be about the popular opinion of the day, but about what you believe the real consequences of your choices will be. Personally, I'll take my risks in battle, if it means that my silver doesn't reward slavery.
Denying the truth won't do any good, but neither will empty gestures. It shouldn't be about the popular opinion of the day, but about what you believe the real consequences of your choices will be. Personally, I'll take my risks in battle, if it means that my silver doesn't reward slavery.
Written By Victus
Oct. 31, 2019, 9:28 p.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
I have no idea who you are.
Written By Niklas
Oct. 31, 2019, 8:47 p.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
It's always nice to see the things we tell ourselves to justify doing the things we want to do anyway.
Written By Fortunato
Oct. 31, 2019, 8:42 p.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Ahahaha! We need to talk about paintings, Prima Shard.
Written By Shard
Oct. 31, 2019, 8:18 p.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
I had a lot to write here, but I did just get done writing that empty words are just that. So forget the essay I could respond with, I'll instead make this short:
My actions speak for themselves, good and bad. My single, driving motivation my entire life will speak for itself. My family's efforts, for centuries, the things they have fought and died for, speak loud even when they've been forgotten.
Call me a slave supporter again, Vincenzo, and I'll break your face.
My actions speak for themselves, good and bad. My single, driving motivation my entire life will speak for itself. My family's efforts, for centuries, the things they have fought and died for, speak loud even when they've been forgotten.
Call me a slave supporter again, Vincenzo, and I'll break your face.
Written By Vincenzo
Oct. 31, 2019, 8:17 p.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
You're better than this.
Imagine, Shard, if every single artist and crafter out there decided they won’t help you because you put down crafters and dismiss their art and work as "not doing anything".
You’d have no food, shelter, armor, weapons and more.
The Compact is multi-faceted, it requires all sorts of diverse people, backgrounds and capabilities to be able to work. We’re stronger together, and thinking that any one vocation is worth more than another is gross ignorance.
I give thanks that I'm able to support the Templars and see to it that their economic power and equipment capability are getting stronger and threats to the Faith are stomped out. It means if I'm doing my job as a crafter and artist, they can do their job even better which brings safety for commerce and life to thrive. Yes, even making damn paintings or an outfit that transcends to become a masterpiece that inspires others to act. Just like the bravery of you on the battlefield can inspire other soldiers to give just a little bit more which could make all the difference.
Imagine, Shard, if every single artist and crafter out there decided they won’t help you because you put down crafters and dismiss their art and work as "not doing anything".
You’d have no food, shelter, armor, weapons and more.
The Compact is multi-faceted, it requires all sorts of diverse people, backgrounds and capabilities to be able to work. We’re stronger together, and thinking that any one vocation is worth more than another is gross ignorance.
I give thanks that I'm able to support the Templars and see to it that their economic power and equipment capability are getting stronger and threats to the Faith are stomped out. It means if I'm doing my job as a crafter and artist, they can do their job even better which brings safety for commerce and life to thrive. Yes, even making damn paintings or an outfit that transcends to become a masterpiece that inspires others to act. Just like the bravery of you on the battlefield can inspire other soldiers to give just a little bit more which could make all the difference.
Written By Hadrian
Oct. 31, 2019, 7:29 p.m.(2/13/1012 AR)
Hearing what I've heard, I see the point of the latest Salon discussion may have been misunderstood. It happens and I don't hold admonishment in my heart or mind for those who didn't grasp the underlying meaning, implication, or hopeful goal of the discussion. Allow me to spell it out just a little more clearly then, from a diplomatic standpoint. From the viewpoint of a mindset that wishes to see the first steps toward lasting change.
When the wide brush of condemnation is applied to entire peoples, then the likelihood of creating sympathetic ties within that group of people is greatly reduced. Lasting change rarely comes from without. It often comes from within. Just as the merchant who travels from door to door trying to sell their get-rich-quick scrolls tries to get their foot in the door? It is a frequent fact that diplomacy is often achieved by finding an individual of influence on the other side who can be worked with in a positive way to forge a mutually beneficial path ahead. A Voice, a favored courtier, a wizened aunt who is known for their no nonsense approach to chastising their liege-nephew, to name but a few. If the diplomat batters down the door, levels the finger of judgment and chastisement from the lowest to the highest? They will find many a door will slam shut in the future as a response to their brash approach.
Having the means to treat with those who are at least receptive to your views and who can be addressed on topics through courteous and respectful discourse? Is an imperative aspect of initiating the journey toward peaceful change. Sometimes peaceful change is the necessary point of pressure. Not applied through sword and shield, but through word and understanding.
If words are our means of overcoming an obstacle, then we must choose them carefully. Slandering an entire people for the actions of what may be the few? Will serve to create more enemies. There are those within Arvum who oppose thralldom. Imagine for a moment if, despite a personal belief that thralldom must go, that some outside group decided that because some view thralldom as an acceptable practice that you - a fellow citizen of the Compact - must be complicit and are therefore condoning thralldom by being a member of the Compact. No matter the facts. Not only will they not face the facts of your protest, but they actively refuse to accept anything beyond their own extreme point of view. Accuse someone of a falsehood enough and the chances of their embracing it out of spite increases.
When the wide brush of condemnation is applied to entire peoples, then the likelihood of creating sympathetic ties within that group of people is greatly reduced. Lasting change rarely comes from without. It often comes from within. Just as the merchant who travels from door to door trying to sell their get-rich-quick scrolls tries to get their foot in the door? It is a frequent fact that diplomacy is often achieved by finding an individual of influence on the other side who can be worked with in a positive way to forge a mutually beneficial path ahead. A Voice, a favored courtier, a wizened aunt who is known for their no nonsense approach to chastising their liege-nephew, to name but a few. If the diplomat batters down the door, levels the finger of judgment and chastisement from the lowest to the highest? They will find many a door will slam shut in the future as a response to their brash approach.
Having the means to treat with those who are at least receptive to your views and who can be addressed on topics through courteous and respectful discourse? Is an imperative aspect of initiating the journey toward peaceful change. Sometimes peaceful change is the necessary point of pressure. Not applied through sword and shield, but through word and understanding.
If words are our means of overcoming an obstacle, then we must choose them carefully. Slandering an entire people for the actions of what may be the few? Will serve to create more enemies. There are those within Arvum who oppose thralldom. Imagine for a moment if, despite a personal belief that thralldom must go, that some outside group decided that because some view thralldom as an acceptable practice that you - a fellow citizen of the Compact - must be complicit and are therefore condoning thralldom by being a member of the Compact. No matter the facts. Not only will they not face the facts of your protest, but they actively refuse to accept anything beyond their own extreme point of view. Accuse someone of a falsehood enough and the chances of their embracing it out of spite increases.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.