Written By Mabelle
Aug. 26, 2019, 11:18 p.m.(9/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Artur
Cousin, did you just call me fat?
Written By Elloise
Aug. 26, 2019, 7:14 p.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thesarin
Oh how interesting! Thank you for the observation.
Written By Monique
Aug. 26, 2019, 4:57 p.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
Storybook Soiree Costume Contest Rules
1. You must vote in the Gilded Page’s Literary Competition to take part in the Costume Contest.
2. At the Soiree itself, the vote will be tabulated two ways and a combined score will determine a single winner.
Popular vote and Scholar Vote
3. The single person with the most points will win the prize!
The Prize:
An incredible book, adorned with Platinum, Jade, Onyx, Dragonweep, star iron, duskstone, dawnstone, iridescite, epiphanite, and a host of other shiny things!
<OOC: for the OOC details and mechanics, please bb/read events/98 (or whichever number the Storybook Soiree Rules Post happens to sit at when you read it)>
1. You must vote in the Gilded Page’s Literary Competition to take part in the Costume Contest.
2. At the Soiree itself, the vote will be tabulated two ways and a combined score will determine a single winner.
Popular vote and Scholar Vote
3. The single person with the most points will win the prize!
The Prize:
An incredible book, adorned with Platinum, Jade, Onyx, Dragonweep, star iron, duskstone, dawnstone, iridescite, epiphanite, and a host of other shiny things!
<OOC: for the OOC details and mechanics, please bb/read events/98 (or whichever number the Storybook Soiree Rules Post happens to sit at when you read it)>
Written By Thea
Aug. 26, 2019, 3:53 p.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
My birthday has come and is still going on as far as I'm still concerned. I am still celebrating--Celebrating more than just my birth(One my brothers are grateful for everyday) but the family I have and the friends I have acquired since I have moved to the city. They managed to throw me a surprise party today, not an easy feat. I was content on not doing anything--at all. So thank you. Thank you to everyone who took the time to appear or write or send a gift. The kind words and thoughts have not gone unnoticed and they are appreciated.
Written By Alecstazi
Aug. 26, 2019, 2:56 p.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
So, I have heard on good authority, that apparently Baron Edward Stormbreak chose to withhold even a meager stipend from his former wife, leaving her penniless and dependent on the charity of others. While it is within the purview of a lord to dictate how things are to be within his lands, that goes hand in hand with following unspoken rules, both in common decency and sense. To deny anyone of your noble House access to funds for basic things is deplorable. Such a thing might be reserved as punishment in extreme circumstances, but given a well defined period of time that is just.
That being said I am still against the concept of divorce in general, though I recognize that is my opinion. I can think of a few other options for dealing with a spouse that is so maliciously negligent. Call for Champions, tell the world of his deeds. Shame can be a compelling force. Likewise, bring his perfidy to the attention of the Peerage, either via the Assembly, calling for a review of his fitness for Lordship or by bringing charges of negligence up to the Court to be ruled on by the magistrate.
Should this information be accurate and IF the Baron of Stormbreak did act in this wretched manner, he should be shamed for it. Now I must ask: Does he deny that he acted this way?
That being said I am still against the concept of divorce in general, though I recognize that is my opinion. I can think of a few other options for dealing with a spouse that is so maliciously negligent. Call for Champions, tell the world of his deeds. Shame can be a compelling force. Likewise, bring his perfidy to the attention of the Peerage, either via the Assembly, calling for a review of his fitness for Lordship or by bringing charges of negligence up to the Court to be ruled on by the magistrate.
Should this information be accurate and IF the Baron of Stormbreak did act in this wretched manner, he should be shamed for it. Now I must ask: Does he deny that he acted this way?
Written By Mabelle
Aug. 26, 2019, 12:49 p.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
Within the forest trees, a fox there sat,
Tired, and hungry, his stomach flat.
“I’ve not eaten for days, such terrible fate,
I’m so famished, I can barely see straight”.
And so he walked in the woods, head hung in defeat,
Wishing he could find something to eat.
The soft smell of grapes reached his nose,
A vineyard, no less, it must be close!
But the Vineyard was surrounded by a stone wall,
Heavy rocks, tightly laid, standing so tall.
How will he enter, for enter he must,
He surrounded the wall and felt a gust,
He noticed a crack, the narrowest thing,
But this isn't an issue, for he is so thin.
He pushed through the crack and he is inside,
So many grapes, he almost cried.
He wasted no time, began to devour,
He did not care if they were sweet or sour
He spent days and nights within the yard,
Getting bigger and fatter until walking was hard.
Eating and sleeping, leaving no trace.
A trace I say? he ruined the place.
He didn't consider the day will arrive,
When the owner will come and wont keep him alive.
And so one morning when it was time to reap
The owner arrived and his shock was deep,
The damage was grand, it was beyond repair,
He held his head and pulled at his hair.
The selfish fox then tried to run through the crack,
But his body was fat and his head got stuck.
The owner then grabbed him and gave him the stick,
He longed for the days he was slim and quick.
The message is clear, never eat more than you need,
And consider your actions and the life that you lead.
--Belle
Tired, and hungry, his stomach flat.
“I’ve not eaten for days, such terrible fate,
I’m so famished, I can barely see straight”.
And so he walked in the woods, head hung in defeat,
Wishing he could find something to eat.
The soft smell of grapes reached his nose,
A vineyard, no less, it must be close!
But the Vineyard was surrounded by a stone wall,
Heavy rocks, tightly laid, standing so tall.
How will he enter, for enter he must,
He surrounded the wall and felt a gust,
He noticed a crack, the narrowest thing,
But this isn't an issue, for he is so thin.
He pushed through the crack and he is inside,
So many grapes, he almost cried.
He wasted no time, began to devour,
He did not care if they were sweet or sour
He spent days and nights within the yard,
Getting bigger and fatter until walking was hard.
Eating and sleeping, leaving no trace.
A trace I say? he ruined the place.
He didn't consider the day will arrive,
When the owner will come and wont keep him alive.
And so one morning when it was time to reap
The owner arrived and his shock was deep,
The damage was grand, it was beyond repair,
He held his head and pulled at his hair.
The selfish fox then tried to run through the crack,
But his body was fat and his head got stuck.
The owner then grabbed him and gave him the stick,
He longed for the days he was slim and quick.
The message is clear, never eat more than you need,
And consider your actions and the life that you lead.
--Belle
Written By Thesarin
Aug. 26, 2019, 12:14 p.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
Folk have been saying it, but it ain't going to be less true, that no one can speak of shavs as one people.
There's a thousand thousand Abandoned peoples all across Arvum, and the only truth to them is they ain't part of the Compact. A shav people might live in a castle with vassals paying tribute or might sleep in the mud with nothing they ain't wearing on their backs. Ride out from the forts and the roads, more'n a day or two, you'll find folk who can be Compact citizens when Solace or nobles ride through and become shavs trading with their neighbors when an Abandoned party comes close.
Folk where I'm from, we ain't had much trade in books. Paper fouls and rots too fast in the weather to put much stock in, when you ain't got great houses of stone and plaster for holding it.
We kept our histories in the songs of our people, and the Marks on our skin.
There's a thousand thousand Abandoned peoples all across Arvum, and the only truth to them is they ain't part of the Compact. A shav people might live in a castle with vassals paying tribute or might sleep in the mud with nothing they ain't wearing on their backs. Ride out from the forts and the roads, more'n a day or two, you'll find folk who can be Compact citizens when Solace or nobles ride through and become shavs trading with their neighbors when an Abandoned party comes close.
Folk where I'm from, we ain't had much trade in books. Paper fouls and rots too fast in the weather to put much stock in, when you ain't got great houses of stone and plaster for holding it.
We kept our histories in the songs of our people, and the Marks on our skin.
Written By Amari
Aug. 26, 2019, 11:19 a.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
As my riding has greatly improved thanks to Uncle Baron Norwood's excellent instruction, he found a horse among the ferals that had been menacing his gardens in Duskshire that he judged suitable for me. Though he's suspected to have been an outlaw's, I believe I can reform him as I did Barf, who had been raised and trained by very unpleasant shav. I've taken to calling this horse Bandit owing his shady origins, and because he's very quick and clever, not shy of bow, sword or lance and something of a show off.
It was a wonderful surprise. Thank you, Norwood.
I'm sure Clopsy will be very happy to no longer be pressed to participate in any sort of jousting, which she plainly does not care for. No more dangerous adventures or skirmishes either. Though I would never suggest she lacked courage, it's obvious that she'd much prefer lighter, safer duties at her age. I owe her a great debt for all she's safely seen me through. Hopefully she'll accept payment in carrots and apples, and the occasional sugar cube.
It was a wonderful surprise. Thank you, Norwood.
I'm sure Clopsy will be very happy to no longer be pressed to participate in any sort of jousting, which she plainly does not care for. No more dangerous adventures or skirmishes either. Though I would never suggest she lacked courage, it's obvious that she'd much prefer lighter, safer duties at her age. I owe her a great debt for all she's safely seen me through. Hopefully she'll accept payment in carrots and apples, and the occasional sugar cube.
Written By Amari
Aug. 26, 2019, 10:18 a.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirk
That's even more disappointing than my own second place finish in the archery contest. Poor Chops. I hope he's not too upset. I should have stayed for the race and cheered him on with you, Mirk.
I hope someone consoled him with apples.
I hope someone consoled him with apples.
Written By Artur
Aug. 26, 2019, 8:56 a.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
This is a story that our shaman shared with us when we were younger and growing up in Farhaven.
Once, a Fox had found it's way into the lands of Redrain deep in the winter. The fox did not realize how bitterly cold that the winds could get as it cut through it's fur, and eventually, it was tired, cold and hungry. The fox came upon a bear that had taken up in a stream, and was merrily catching fish, splashing and making a ruckus, but at the shoreline, he had built up an impressive pile of trout and fat perch.
Feeling the rumbling in it's stomach, the fox approached the bear, and eyed it's pile of fish. "There is a better way to catch fish!" the fox called out to the bear, it's voice sweet and cunning as the fox thought of a plan.
"But I have always fished like this!" the bear declared, it's long tail swishing behind it.
The fox chuckled. "But what if I showed you how to catch many more fish, without making as much noise?"
The bear considered the fox's words, and believing it could have a lot more fish, it nodded eagerly. "I would like this!" the bear finally decided. "What is this technique that you know of?"
"Not yet!" the fox told the bear. "First, you have to give me all your fish for my secret."
So eager and excited was the bear, that it agreed to the terms. "You can have all the fish I caught, I will catch many more."
The fox's smile was wry. "Come with me, bear, and I will show you!" And off they went, upstream to a small pond. There, where the ice is thin, the fox dug in its paws and opened a small hole before turning around. Pushing it's bushy tail into the cold water, after a few moments, it yanked out a small fish. "See, I was only there a short time and already caught one!"
The bear was intrigued. "Let me try!" he offered eagerly to the fox. "How will I know I have a bite? I have never fished with my tail before!"
"I will do this," offered the fox. "...you take a seat and dip your tail. I will go behind the bushes and watch. When I see you have a fish, I will call out, and you will pull!"
The bear agreed to this immediately and plopped down, sticking his tail into the frigid water. "So cold!" he complained.
"Be patient!" called out the fox, "I will let you know when it's time!" But the fox left the bear there, and went and ate the fish the bear had collected. During the night, a snow had fallen on Redrain, and the fox, hungry again, went out to find the bear. When the fox came upon the pond, it was surprised to see a mound of snow shaped like a bear sitting next to the pond. Surely the bear had not sat there all night?!
But the fox was mischievous. Jumping into the bushes, the fox called out. "NOW, BEAR! You have a great big fish on your tail!"
The bear, startled awake, yanked and rose up with all his might. The ice had frozen around his tail the night before, and with a loud RIIIIP, the bear's tail came clean off! The bear yowled in pain - which caused the fox to laugh even harder.
Realizing it had been tricked, the bear roared it's anger, but knew it could not catch the sly fox. Instead, embarrassed, the bear wandered into a cave, and slept there through the entire winter - ashamed that it had fallen for the fox's cunning trick.
That is how the bear lost it's tail and now why it hibernates in the winter. If you ever hear a bear moaning, it is probably because it remembers the trick Fox played on him long ago and is mourning for the lost tail.
(OOC: Adapted from the Oneida Indian Legend of how the bear lost it's tail.)
Once, a Fox had found it's way into the lands of Redrain deep in the winter. The fox did not realize how bitterly cold that the winds could get as it cut through it's fur, and eventually, it was tired, cold and hungry. The fox came upon a bear that had taken up in a stream, and was merrily catching fish, splashing and making a ruckus, but at the shoreline, he had built up an impressive pile of trout and fat perch.
Feeling the rumbling in it's stomach, the fox approached the bear, and eyed it's pile of fish. "There is a better way to catch fish!" the fox called out to the bear, it's voice sweet and cunning as the fox thought of a plan.
"But I have always fished like this!" the bear declared, it's long tail swishing behind it.
The fox chuckled. "But what if I showed you how to catch many more fish, without making as much noise?"
The bear considered the fox's words, and believing it could have a lot more fish, it nodded eagerly. "I would like this!" the bear finally decided. "What is this technique that you know of?"
"Not yet!" the fox told the bear. "First, you have to give me all your fish for my secret."
So eager and excited was the bear, that it agreed to the terms. "You can have all the fish I caught, I will catch many more."
The fox's smile was wry. "Come with me, bear, and I will show you!" And off they went, upstream to a small pond. There, where the ice is thin, the fox dug in its paws and opened a small hole before turning around. Pushing it's bushy tail into the cold water, after a few moments, it yanked out a small fish. "See, I was only there a short time and already caught one!"
The bear was intrigued. "Let me try!" he offered eagerly to the fox. "How will I know I have a bite? I have never fished with my tail before!"
"I will do this," offered the fox. "...you take a seat and dip your tail. I will go behind the bushes and watch. When I see you have a fish, I will call out, and you will pull!"
The bear agreed to this immediately and plopped down, sticking his tail into the frigid water. "So cold!" he complained.
"Be patient!" called out the fox, "I will let you know when it's time!" But the fox left the bear there, and went and ate the fish the bear had collected. During the night, a snow had fallen on Redrain, and the fox, hungry again, went out to find the bear. When the fox came upon the pond, it was surprised to see a mound of snow shaped like a bear sitting next to the pond. Surely the bear had not sat there all night?!
But the fox was mischievous. Jumping into the bushes, the fox called out. "NOW, BEAR! You have a great big fish on your tail!"
The bear, startled awake, yanked and rose up with all his might. The ice had frozen around his tail the night before, and with a loud RIIIIP, the bear's tail came clean off! The bear yowled in pain - which caused the fox to laugh even harder.
Realizing it had been tricked, the bear roared it's anger, but knew it could not catch the sly fox. Instead, embarrassed, the bear wandered into a cave, and slept there through the entire winter - ashamed that it had fallen for the fox's cunning trick.
That is how the bear lost it's tail and now why it hibernates in the winter. If you ever hear a bear moaning, it is probably because it remembers the trick Fox played on him long ago and is mourning for the lost tail.
(OOC: Adapted from the Oneida Indian Legend of how the bear lost it's tail.)
Written By Stygia
Aug. 26, 2019, 3:06 a.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
The offer still stands for the rare and precious gem known as onyx, as I have posted and made public to the people of Arx. I will remove the ad once the supply has been exhausted. It will likely be the last I have my hands on for a while.
It's going relatively fast - in the first week I have sold 1/5th of the supply and can guarantee complete anonymity to those that wish to purchase it.
Simply send me a messenger with your desired amount and I will make sure it gets to you - don't worry, I don't ask questions.
It's going relatively fast - in the first week I have sold 1/5th of the supply and can guarantee complete anonymity to those that wish to purchase it.
Simply send me a messenger with your desired amount and I will make sure it gets to you - don't worry, I don't ask questions.
Written By Monique
Aug. 26, 2019, 2:27 a.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Delia
I must give thanks yet again to the Sweetest Whisper. I was struggling with the grand prize for the costume contest at the Storybook Soiree. I could not, for the life of me, think how to present the book, or what should be its content. And then she came in and suggested placing the Platinum just so, the Jade and the Onyx in this other position, ah, and yes, here should be the other gems and precious metals presented like this to make it look just like... well, I won't say what yet. Leave a little to surprise. Suffice to say, my gratitude is boundless and the prize shall be quite like nothing Arvum has ever seen.
Written By Elloise
Aug. 26, 2019, 12:42 a.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
To investigate: shavs hate books?
Written By Saoirse
Aug. 25, 2019, 11:22 p.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
The pull of family is always so strong.
Written By Torian
Aug. 25, 2019, 11:02 p.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
I'm no noble, and my education and experience is almost entirely of the common variety as a sellsword turned artisan turned merchant. With that in mind, oh future scholars and readers of the white journals of a man of no real fame nor stature, put little weight to my words.
Is the Radiant not supposed to be possessed of a sharp tongue, but a silver one? Is the position not named after the idea of a radiant light illuminating us all, rather than the radiant heat of ones own home burning down around them?
Is the Radiant not supposed to be possessed of a sharp tongue, but a silver one? Is the position not named after the idea of a radiant light illuminating us all, rather than the radiant heat of ones own home burning down around them?
Written By Thesarin
Aug. 25, 2019, 10:59 p.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
A fine festival by the heads of Grayson and its Duchies.
Ain't much for merry-making, but the children were glad for the celebration.
Ain't much for merry-making, but the children were glad for the celebration.
Written By Braith
Aug. 25, 2019, 10:57 p.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Modi
Spirits of the North often find various common ground but I think perhaps together we see the same horizon - the path to get there. Our meeting was more than fortuitous it was inspiring and uplifting. I know that no matter what he will he choose for himself that it will lead him to where he wishes to go.
Should we work together than I can only see strength behind every action. A surety of step and motion. I shall await with hope nonetheless.
Spirits bless you.
Should we work together than I can only see strength behind every action. A surety of step and motion. I shall await with hope nonetheless.
Spirits bless you.
Written By Camilla
Aug. 25, 2019, 10:50 p.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
Rain, rain, and rain again. So much rain in Arx. How I miss the shining Setarco sun, and the bronzed beauty of its commonfolk!
Lady Valentina tells me that "homesickness" is settling in. She offered a remedy, promising respite from these feelings of such melancholy distress. Something that helped her cope when she left the shores of Setarco for the first time. I turned her down, but I am beginning to think that I may need to reconsider.
Lady Valentina tells me that "homesickness" is settling in. She offered a remedy, promising respite from these feelings of such melancholy distress. Something that helped her cope when she left the shores of Setarco for the first time. I turned her down, but I am beginning to think that I may need to reconsider.
Written By Sabella
Aug. 25, 2019, 10:36 p.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cabrera
We should definitely collaborate! I have so many ideas! And a new perspective is always welcome in these endeavors!
Written By Acantha
Aug. 25, 2019, 10:33 p.m.(9/19/1011 AR)
I had a wonderful time hosting the Clearlake Torchlight Tourney and I was saddened that Lord Vano could not attend due to private matters. Clearlake with gladly be hosting this event again in the Spring. I wanted to thank all that attended and I hope that the time spent was enjoyed.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.