Written By Belladonna
Oct. 15, 2019, 12:51 p.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Well, if nobody will say it, I suppose I shall.
Can we please find a better spokesperson for the antislavery sentiment most of us in the Compact share than our dear Prince Victus of House Thrax?
We all lauded your recent change of heart as something enlightened, but now you seem to have taken a liking for emancipation as a hobby, and let me say it is not a good look. Peers who manage to acquire steelsilk and dragonweep, for whatever reason, do not have their hands stained with the blood of slaves.
The Prince cannot claim the same.
Recognize the limitations of the political goodwill you have garnered with your very late, but commendable, act, and focus on what is coming for your domain. There is a lot of ground still to cover now that you have thankfully joined us in a slave-free society.
Can we please find a better spokesperson for the antislavery sentiment most of us in the Compact share than our dear Prince Victus of House Thrax?
We all lauded your recent change of heart as something enlightened, but now you seem to have taken a liking for emancipation as a hobby, and let me say it is not a good look. Peers who manage to acquire steelsilk and dragonweep, for whatever reason, do not have their hands stained with the blood of slaves.
The Prince cannot claim the same.
Recognize the limitations of the political goodwill you have garnered with your very late, but commendable, act, and focus on what is coming for your domain. There is a lot of ground still to cover now that you have thankfully joined us in a slave-free society.
Written By Kaia
Oct. 15, 2019, 12:31 p.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
Lady Rubino, I admit, ever since that incident with the duck and your aide I have held my doubts for the man. Still, I would never wish the man any ill intent.
After hearing of such tragic news, my thoughts and prayers go with you and yours during this most troubling time. I do hope the perpetrator or perpetrators are soon found and brought to justice.
After hearing of such tragic news, my thoughts and prayers go with you and yours during this most troubling time. I do hope the perpetrator or perpetrators are soon found and brought to justice.
Written By Aureth
Oct. 15, 2019, 11:37 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Do not assume that Shard is not correct merely because her social position is strange and her tongue harsh. I have seen few clearer eyes on the subject of diplomacy. The wise would be wiser to heed a sensible pen.
Written By Narcissa
Oct. 15, 2019, 10:53 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
At the apogee of Mirror’s eclipse,
Gaudy finery dances splendid on dolls,
In solitude such vanity doth conscript,
The Mirror’s telling smile that mauls.
Gaudy finery dances splendid on dolls,
In solitude such vanity doth conscript,
The Mirror’s telling smile that mauls.
Written By Mabelle
Oct. 15, 2019, 10:40 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Sometimes when you learn the circumstances of a friend's death, you wish you never asked.
Written By Preston
Oct. 15, 2019, 9:14 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
On the matter of embassies I am struck by the fact Prima Shard and I appear to be in agreement. I wonder if that alone shouldn’t give people reason to pause and think.
Written By Sophie
Oct. 15, 2019, 8:23 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
On the longest, darkest night it's hard to remember the first rays of the sun.
But morning always comes
On the cold, and most bitter of winters it's hard to remember the warmth of the sun on your face
But spring always comes
In the most unbearable cloying heat of summer it's hard to remember the nip of frost on the tip of your nose
But autumn always comes
Lagoma assures this. Change is always occurring. Tiny changes, like the sprouting of a flower and the breaking of a heart.. and large changes that sweep the land and throw everything into uncertainty. It is during these times that we can turn to Our Lady of Change. In prayer and meditation we find our way.
But morning always comes
On the cold, and most bitter of winters it's hard to remember the warmth of the sun on your face
But spring always comes
In the most unbearable cloying heat of summer it's hard to remember the nip of frost on the tip of your nose
But autumn always comes
Lagoma assures this. Change is always occurring. Tiny changes, like the sprouting of a flower and the breaking of a heart.. and large changes that sweep the land and throw everything into uncertainty. It is during these times that we can turn to Our Lady of Change. In prayer and meditation we find our way.
Written By Catalana
Oct. 15, 2019, 5:58 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ember
My pride got a thorough thrashing.
I thought after a few short lessons with a sword that I could stand my ground against Baroness Ember. Unfortunately not. With an audience present, before I even had chance to strike at her, she had me on my back and knocked out.
I bow to you Baroness Ember, thank you for saying I was brave to face you, but right now, it certainly is foolishness.
Now to find you a dress.
I thought after a few short lessons with a sword that I could stand my ground against Baroness Ember. Unfortunately not. With an audience present, before I even had chance to strike at her, she had me on my back and knocked out.
I bow to you Baroness Ember, thank you for saying I was brave to face you, but right now, it certainly is foolishness.
Now to find you a dress.
Written By Ras
Oct. 15, 2019, 4:20 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
If you're just walkin on the street, it's fine. But go climb a building, then walk off the edge, and you'll see how the street feels. Specially if somebody dug a hole that got forgotten about on the other side of the building.
Written By Karina
Oct. 15, 2019, 2:42 a.m.(1/7/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Severine
It's that time of year again. Snows pile, winds chill, lakes freeze... and thoughts turn to my absent sister as her birthday fast approaches. These words are for her, if ever she finds her way to them.
Severine, though four years have passed since you and I last saw hide or hair of one another, I won't accept that you're gone. There's no price I wouldn't pay for you to prove as much to me. A letter, a scribble in the whites, even just something you've sewn that tells me you're well. That you're happy.
There are things I want to tell you that don't belong on these pages, but suffice to say there are times when the warmth of a sister is needed and I long for mine. At the risk of sounding too much like mother: know your worth, wherever you may be, and don't settle for less than you deserve. It's a good deal more than you may expect. Please be safe.
Severine, though four years have passed since you and I last saw hide or hair of one another, I won't accept that you're gone. There's no price I wouldn't pay for you to prove as much to me. A letter, a scribble in the whites, even just something you've sewn that tells me you're well. That you're happy.
There are things I want to tell you that don't belong on these pages, but suffice to say there are times when the warmth of a sister is needed and I long for mine. At the risk of sounding too much like mother: know your worth, wherever you may be, and don't settle for less than you deserve. It's a good deal more than you may expect. Please be safe.
Written By Riagnon
Oct. 15, 2019, 1:32 a.m.(1/7/1012 AR)
Gosh, I get so sleepy this time of year. I just want to curl up in front of the hearth!
Written By Shard
Oct. 15, 2019, 12:23 a.m.(1/7/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
This is wishful thinking, and it's naive.
I can answer your question. They both want Arvum. And because they both want Arvum, if one of them attacks and invades, the other one will too, and they'll be directly at war, which is not something they want to do, at least not yet. It's why they're still sitting out there in their ships; neither one wants to leave while the other's still here.
But no, we're not too strong, at least in their eyes. We aren't. Don't fall back on this. It's a comfortable lie that people will use as an excuse not to worry, not to prepare, and not to change.
I'm not arguing that people shouldn't try some sort of diplomatic solution. Fine. By all means, try. But don't just start giving them things because you think you can somehow trick them into respecting you. And don't go into it thinking that you've got some kind of card up your sleeve that will suddenly put the Compact on top, just because you're the Compact. You need to stop thinking like you're the biggest, strongest piece on the board, just because up until now you haven't run into anyone you haven't been able to eventually crush. You aren't. You never were. You cannot browbeat, bully, or threaten either the Undying Empire or Cardia, you can't declare you're in charge, you can't force them to do anything they don't want to do. You talk about burying your head in the sand; that's exactly what I'm telling people to stop doing. Look at the situation for what it is, and understand that you're the underdog and if they want to take everything from you, if they decide that's worth war with the nation they actually consider a threat, they can and they will.
Work from that position, not the imaginary, more comfortable one. As far as they're concerned, /you/ are the savage, backwards idiots who don't know what's best for you and who are, at best, squatting on territory they either want, or already consider theirs. I'll note from experience that it's not a very safe or comfortable place to stand, but it's where we all are.
I can answer your question. They both want Arvum. And because they both want Arvum, if one of them attacks and invades, the other one will too, and they'll be directly at war, which is not something they want to do, at least not yet. It's why they're still sitting out there in their ships; neither one wants to leave while the other's still here.
But no, we're not too strong, at least in their eyes. We aren't. Don't fall back on this. It's a comfortable lie that people will use as an excuse not to worry, not to prepare, and not to change.
I'm not arguing that people shouldn't try some sort of diplomatic solution. Fine. By all means, try. But don't just start giving them things because you think you can somehow trick them into respecting you. And don't go into it thinking that you've got some kind of card up your sleeve that will suddenly put the Compact on top, just because you're the Compact. You need to stop thinking like you're the biggest, strongest piece on the board, just because up until now you haven't run into anyone you haven't been able to eventually crush. You aren't. You never were. You cannot browbeat, bully, or threaten either the Undying Empire or Cardia, you can't declare you're in charge, you can't force them to do anything they don't want to do. You talk about burying your head in the sand; that's exactly what I'm telling people to stop doing. Look at the situation for what it is, and understand that you're the underdog and if they want to take everything from you, if they decide that's worth war with the nation they actually consider a threat, they can and they will.
Work from that position, not the imaginary, more comfortable one. As far as they're concerned, /you/ are the savage, backwards idiots who don't know what's best for you and who are, at best, squatting on territory they either want, or already consider theirs. I'll note from experience that it's not a very safe or comfortable place to stand, but it's where we all are.
Written By Miranda
Oct. 14, 2019, 6:52 p.m.(1/7/1012 AR)
My aide-de-camp, Brenlin, was attacked.
I had a horrible nightmare that seemed so very real. It was.. traumatic, at best.
And then I woke up, thinking it was just that - a nightmare, only to learn that my nightmare had barely begun.
Upon arriving at the barracks, the injuries Brenlin sustained were... horrible. Again, there are no words.
From my nightmare to his injuries... I believe they are related.
And the note that apparently only I can read that says: I see you.
This... is personal.
I had a horrible nightmare that seemed so very real. It was.. traumatic, at best.
And then I woke up, thinking it was just that - a nightmare, only to learn that my nightmare had barely begun.
Upon arriving at the barracks, the injuries Brenlin sustained were... horrible. Again, there are no words.
From my nightmare to his injuries... I believe they are related.
And the note that apparently only I can read that says: I see you.
This... is personal.
Written By Vitalis
Oct. 14, 2019, 5:54 p.m.(1/7/1012 AR)
Cardian steelsilk would be better called Cardian slavesilk. If you wish to know why, beyond the obvious that Cardia is a nation of slavers, please contact me.
If you wish to wish to wear something nearly as good as Cardian snakeskin for a fraction of the cost in silver and an immeasurable saving in misery, please contact me. Or better, my protege, the inestimable Apollo Oakwood.
That something exists is not a reason for its continued existence, particularly if it is a tangible manifestation of misery.
The solution to having something better is making something better.
If you wish to wish to wear something nearly as good as Cardian snakeskin for a fraction of the cost in silver and an immeasurable saving in misery, please contact me. Or better, my protege, the inestimable Apollo Oakwood.
That something exists is not a reason for its continued existence, particularly if it is a tangible manifestation of misery.
The solution to having something better is making something better.
Written By Celeste
Oct. 14, 2019, 2:02 p.m.(1/6/1012 AR)
As a matter of clarification, the embargo against goods was declared against those from Eurus, not Cardia. I acknowledge my mistake in the previous journal entry, but maintain my point as to inviting slaves into the city via the Embassy.
Written By Rysen
Oct. 14, 2019, 1:52 p.m.(1/6/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Keeping one's head in the sand exposes the neck and the whole body. 'Tis better to look your enemies and rivals in the eye, I think.
While there's been a lot of talk about the initial offers made by the empires, there's very little discussion of counter offers or negotiation. Perhaps the situation has changed, and those empires who made an initial offer in hopes of maximizing their benefit at our expense, will now accept an arrangement that minimizes their losses.
It might also be worth asking why, if these empires are so powerful, have they not simply invaded Arvum already? Perhaps we are mightier than we think we are, and all we need is a little bravery as some have suggested, or perhaps the wider world holds a delicate balance of power, and they are reluctant to commit many resources to oppress a people who prize freedom, sovereignty and the gods above all else, a people who will never surrender, and who will fight to the last, while other powers stand ready at their own doorstep.
Perhaps they remember something we don't. It would not be the first time an ancient treaty that we had somehow forgotten was affecting the Compact, in which case our brightest researchers and cleverest diplomats might find us leverage with other significant powers.
Embassies are putting the cart before the horse - but it not an option that should be foreclosed upon forever. Let us first find a worthy ally.
Our diversity is our strength. Let those who excel in negotiation negotiate, and those who excel in the application of force prepare their weapons. In that way, when it comes time to deal with the greatest threats to our sovereignty, we will know all of our options, and trust in our leaders to choose the best of them.
Should we find ourselves on a battlefield facing the legions of some invader, Captain-General, I hope you trust that no foe shall attack your flank while I draw breath to defend it, but I respectfully ask you to give some consideration to those who wish to test soft power, as sometimes a Whisper or quill may preserve cherished traditions, and allow thousands of souls to flourish a bit longer in the Dream.
While there's been a lot of talk about the initial offers made by the empires, there's very little discussion of counter offers or negotiation. Perhaps the situation has changed, and those empires who made an initial offer in hopes of maximizing their benefit at our expense, will now accept an arrangement that minimizes their losses.
It might also be worth asking why, if these empires are so powerful, have they not simply invaded Arvum already? Perhaps we are mightier than we think we are, and all we need is a little bravery as some have suggested, or perhaps the wider world holds a delicate balance of power, and they are reluctant to commit many resources to oppress a people who prize freedom, sovereignty and the gods above all else, a people who will never surrender, and who will fight to the last, while other powers stand ready at their own doorstep.
Perhaps they remember something we don't. It would not be the first time an ancient treaty that we had somehow forgotten was affecting the Compact, in which case our brightest researchers and cleverest diplomats might find us leverage with other significant powers.
Embassies are putting the cart before the horse - but it not an option that should be foreclosed upon forever. Let us first find a worthy ally.
Our diversity is our strength. Let those who excel in negotiation negotiate, and those who excel in the application of force prepare their weapons. In that way, when it comes time to deal with the greatest threats to our sovereignty, we will know all of our options, and trust in our leaders to choose the best of them.
Should we find ourselves on a battlefield facing the legions of some invader, Captain-General, I hope you trust that no foe shall attack your flank while I draw breath to defend it, but I respectfully ask you to give some consideration to those who wish to test soft power, as sometimes a Whisper or quill may preserve cherished traditions, and allow thousands of souls to flourish a bit longer in the Dream.
Written By Amari
Oct. 14, 2019, 11:31 a.m.(1/6/1012 AR)
My choices of late have been taking me so far from the expected and comfortable, it's like watching a safe and familiar shore recede swiftly into the distance. I'm not sure I can go back now, even if I feel a small twinge of nostalgia for what's being left behind.
A sapling has to grow taller to reach the sunlight, else it will be shaded out and die.
A sapling has to grow taller to reach the sunlight, else it will be shaded out and die.
Written By Aslaug
Oct. 14, 2019, 10:27 a.m.(1/6/1012 AR)
The snow brings to mind Home.
There is a comforting silence about it when it falls and its presence brings peace to my soul.
I could sit in it and look at it for weeks, I should think.
There is a comforting silence about it when it falls and its presence brings peace to my soul.
I could sit in it and look at it for weeks, I should think.
Written By Rastifer
Oct. 14, 2019, 10:20 a.m.(1/6/1012 AR)
I spent a lovely morning at the Mercier Tea Shop, the Marigold tea is quite wonderful. I also had the chance to reconnect with Prince Artur Redrain after all these years, he even recognized me.
Written By Victus
Oct. 14, 2019, 9:21 a.m.(1/6/1012 AR)
There is a certain disconnect that occurs when I look upon Cardia’s society and find many things to criticize, and yet so many uncomfortable similarities at the same time. Perhaps most obviously their use of slavery.
Certainly it is correct to decry them as a country of writ using slavers. But all around us, merchants and peers shall also clad themselves in Cardian Snakeskin, Cardian Steelsilk, or adorn their jewels in precious dragonweep. All of which undoubtedly required chained hands to assist in their creation.
And we buy them as some of our most expensive goods. Handing hundreds of thousands of silver into Cardian hands every day of our lives. Several people of significant standing have probably contributed millions to Cardia’s slaver economy in the pursuit of fame or greater survivability against Arvum’s enemies.
Yet, the pragmatist in me tells me that these lucrative goods provide incredibly useful boons. How the public loves to see tears of dragons adorning the newest fashion craze, how many eyes it puts upon a person, or their family.
How much I and any general would adore their warriors to be protected by the finest steel yet move in the grace of silk. All of these things provide uses, so long as one can overlook the moral clusterfuck of how they came to be.
My conviction that marches toward an Arvum freed of chains tells me to join the denouncing voices. Then I look at the world around me. The food I eat, prepared from farms worked by thralls. The steel I hold, mined and carried on the broken backs of thralls. The ships that are the blood of my people, rowed tirelessly by thralls. So much of significance in the Isles would not be possible without our own share of slavery. It is not something to be proud of.
When the day comes that everything new shall be made by free men and women, it will not change what exists after a thousand years of history. Its already been created, it simply is.
Then there is me. Counting the scars of blades and arrows that have tried and failed to pierce the snakeskin I wear. Snakeskin undoubtedly made possible by slaves. A life saved, recorded into the fabric itself, a dozen times at least.
Were I to cast stones at Cardia as a slaver state, I would dishonor myself to do so while I hold onto possessions of their world. And to not acknowledge what the practice of thralldom has afforded the Isles for as long as it has existed.
By no means would I ever praise the Cardians for their barbaric slaving practice. That is not the point of what I write. It is a personal conflict that keeps me up at night. Putting it to paper may settle my nerves. At least, I hope this scrap to Vellichor serves a better purpose here than in my head.
I dream of the day that Arvum can produce leather and silk as strong and as durable as whatever secrets the Cardians hold. I pray for it.
While I can only lament and loathe the circumstances, I do feel confident that I might criticize something else of theirs.
Please stop murdering us. It’s very fucking rude and easily drowns out your more reasonable voices when these atrocities seem to pile on.
Don’t get me started on those roving lunatics trying to extinguish Valardin. “Can’t help some people falling to dragon worship”? What about when they’re /genocidal/?
Bah. I had a concise thought but now it’s a frustrated ramble. We stop here.
Certainly it is correct to decry them as a country of writ using slavers. But all around us, merchants and peers shall also clad themselves in Cardian Snakeskin, Cardian Steelsilk, or adorn their jewels in precious dragonweep. All of which undoubtedly required chained hands to assist in their creation.
And we buy them as some of our most expensive goods. Handing hundreds of thousands of silver into Cardian hands every day of our lives. Several people of significant standing have probably contributed millions to Cardia’s slaver economy in the pursuit of fame or greater survivability against Arvum’s enemies.
Yet, the pragmatist in me tells me that these lucrative goods provide incredibly useful boons. How the public loves to see tears of dragons adorning the newest fashion craze, how many eyes it puts upon a person, or their family.
How much I and any general would adore their warriors to be protected by the finest steel yet move in the grace of silk. All of these things provide uses, so long as one can overlook the moral clusterfuck of how they came to be.
My conviction that marches toward an Arvum freed of chains tells me to join the denouncing voices. Then I look at the world around me. The food I eat, prepared from farms worked by thralls. The steel I hold, mined and carried on the broken backs of thralls. The ships that are the blood of my people, rowed tirelessly by thralls. So much of significance in the Isles would not be possible without our own share of slavery. It is not something to be proud of.
When the day comes that everything new shall be made by free men and women, it will not change what exists after a thousand years of history. Its already been created, it simply is.
Then there is me. Counting the scars of blades and arrows that have tried and failed to pierce the snakeskin I wear. Snakeskin undoubtedly made possible by slaves. A life saved, recorded into the fabric itself, a dozen times at least.
Were I to cast stones at Cardia as a slaver state, I would dishonor myself to do so while I hold onto possessions of their world. And to not acknowledge what the practice of thralldom has afforded the Isles for as long as it has existed.
By no means would I ever praise the Cardians for their barbaric slaving practice. That is not the point of what I write. It is a personal conflict that keeps me up at night. Putting it to paper may settle my nerves. At least, I hope this scrap to Vellichor serves a better purpose here than in my head.
I dream of the day that Arvum can produce leather and silk as strong and as durable as whatever secrets the Cardians hold. I pray for it.
While I can only lament and loathe the circumstances, I do feel confident that I might criticize something else of theirs.
Please stop murdering us. It’s very fucking rude and easily drowns out your more reasonable voices when these atrocities seem to pile on.
Don’t get me started on those roving lunatics trying to extinguish Valardin. “Can’t help some people falling to dragon worship”? What about when they’re /genocidal/?
Bah. I had a concise thought but now it’s a frustrated ramble. We stop here.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.