Written By Preston
July 26, 2019, 9:47 a.m.(7/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
Some questions are forbidden, even to the Disciples of the Thirteenth. Some proposals and suggestions, some queries, transgress those lines we allow and the freedoms granted within the Faith. There is active debate among the Godsworn even on such matters, where our comfort may lie - but the absolute limit was established in the very act of creation of the Orthodoxy, in the actions of Alor Valardin, that there is a line up to which you can go and no further. Be careful child of the Faith that your necessary work in honouring the Thirteenth and your confidence in his methods does not turn into hubris and over confidence in your own cleverness. There are those far older and far cleverer than any of us who will misuse that for their ends.
Written By Cambria
July 26, 2019, 2:32 a.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
A lack of self-knowledge is, perhaps, our greatest problem.
You have inspired me to begin the penning of a new series of discourses.
You have inspired me to begin the penning of a new series of discourses.
Written By Willow
July 26, 2019, 1:55 a.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
I still mean what I said as you were departing the other day. You said if I found my time there enjoyable you weren't doing your job. Disagree. The entire reason I first started visiting the shrine of dark reflection was because it was only in examining the holes in my belief systems that I was able to approve my approach, and in learning to do so, and in trying to see things from the perspective of those I have most strongly disagreed with, that my head for leading and understanding those I would work with has been most improved.
Therefore, even if your words and arguments are unpalatable, they still spur on reflection rather than offense if one understands the exercise has little to do with pride for good or ill and is indeed an exercise in thought rather than some personal scolding or admonishment.
Therefore, even if your words and arguments are unpalatable, they still spur on reflection rather than offense if one understands the exercise has little to do with pride for good or ill and is indeed an exercise in thought rather than some personal scolding or admonishment.
Written By Josephine
July 26, 2019, 1:30 a.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
There is something to be said, for huddling over a bench with ones patron, and working on something. To see her fledgeling skills at smithing blossom. The way she holds the hammer better. I gave her her patron's gift a little early, the second part will come soon enough. I wonder if her words were true. If I was her mother in some past life, some previous turn off the wheel. I don't know. It's not me to delve in and find out, nor do I know whether I would want to. But the bird prints at the bottom of the letter made me smile as well. Little fat wendy bird.
Written By Rafael
July 25, 2019, 10:43 p.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
Had I been aware our estate here was home to a peacock, I might have better prepared myself. Did you know that they peck at their own reflections in nighttime window panes? Not a particularly wise move in my opinion. Not to mention, really very startling to wake up to!
Written By Elloise
July 25, 2019, 8:57 p.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
Log:
Starting work with Ashur (!) on this new project for Cady. And the House, I guess! So far we've set each other on fire twice but now I have a fancy new lab coat from Princess Tikva. I love it.
Starting work with Ashur (!) on this new project for Cady. And the House, I guess! So far we've set each other on fire twice but now I have a fancy new lab coat from Princess Tikva. I love it.
Written By Yvon
July 25, 2019, 7:36 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
I cannot decide which of the following two responses I more keenly enjoy.
First, the suggestion that one must question everything ... subject to the caveats of the lickspittle: only if 'appropriate!' One wouldn't wish to offend, after all. Only if 'legitimate!' How terrible it would be to air an illegitimate question. Only if done 'thoughtfully,' with knowledge and evidence! As if we are -only- lawyers and not also much more.
Questions which are inappropriate and illegitimate are not merely valuable, they are _more_ valuable than appropriate and legitimate questions. What are 'appropriateness' and 'legitimacy' other than conventional notions that must be tested by people unafraid of the yipping of frightened terriers? One shrinks from asking questions without evidence only if one is afraid of making mistakes and being exposed as ignorant. That is mere pride. Ask and be exposed. Be wrong. Be disdained for your ignorance or your cruelty. This is not meant to be an easy path.
Leave the appropriate, legitimate, questions to our sisters and brothers the scholars, and the devotees of other gods. They do not require our aid in asking wise, informed, appropriate, legitimate questions. They are trained for it. And they are trained to shy away from inappropriate, impolite, thoughtless, offensive questions.
Let me repeat: our role is not to ask the questions that any clever, educated, insightful scholar might ask. They are scholars. They are better at their duties than we are at their duties. We must focus on our -own- role instead. The pantheon's strength emerges from diversity within unity. We have a specialized, and vitally important role. Let us accept that, instead of cowering within the castoff robes of Vellichor and Lagoma, pretending we can match them for wisdom and caring.
Second, the assertion--repeated always in deeply offended tones--that my questions are so stale that they don't even offend. Well, that one perhaps I -do- enjoy more keenly.
I have spent some days now, in the shrine, and the single most common reason people enter is to preen. Smugness is what they bring and self-love is what they depart with. The shrine functions too often in support of spiritual onanism. They gaze at their reflections with the eyes of self-love. Are my fellow students of Tehom satisfied with this status quo?
First, the suggestion that one must question everything ... subject to the caveats of the lickspittle: only if 'appropriate!' One wouldn't wish to offend, after all. Only if 'legitimate!' How terrible it would be to air an illegitimate question. Only if done 'thoughtfully,' with knowledge and evidence! As if we are -only- lawyers and not also much more.
Questions which are inappropriate and illegitimate are not merely valuable, they are _more_ valuable than appropriate and legitimate questions. What are 'appropriateness' and 'legitimacy' other than conventional notions that must be tested by people unafraid of the yipping of frightened terriers? One shrinks from asking questions without evidence only if one is afraid of making mistakes and being exposed as ignorant. That is mere pride. Ask and be exposed. Be wrong. Be disdained for your ignorance or your cruelty. This is not meant to be an easy path.
Leave the appropriate, legitimate, questions to our sisters and brothers the scholars, and the devotees of other gods. They do not require our aid in asking wise, informed, appropriate, legitimate questions. They are trained for it. And they are trained to shy away from inappropriate, impolite, thoughtless, offensive questions.
Let me repeat: our role is not to ask the questions that any clever, educated, insightful scholar might ask. They are scholars. They are better at their duties than we are at their duties. We must focus on our -own- role instead. The pantheon's strength emerges from diversity within unity. We have a specialized, and vitally important role. Let us accept that, instead of cowering within the castoff robes of Vellichor and Lagoma, pretending we can match them for wisdom and caring.
Second, the assertion--repeated always in deeply offended tones--that my questions are so stale that they don't even offend. Well, that one perhaps I -do- enjoy more keenly.
I have spent some days now, in the shrine, and the single most common reason people enter is to preen. Smugness is what they bring and self-love is what they depart with. The shrine functions too often in support of spiritual onanism. They gaze at their reflections with the eyes of self-love. Are my fellow students of Tehom satisfied with this status quo?
Written By Preston
July 25, 2019, 6:32 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cabrera
The city is a fascinating place, and a great location for the Faith to gather and to be able to guide the Faithful children.
Written By Felicia
July 25, 2019, 6:23 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
I'm not exactly a 'floral' person myself. My valet tried to suggest I should be a Snapdragon, which I disagreed with... until I saw what they look like after the flower itself has died. So, yes, I am a Snapdragon... after the bloom has gone off. Those tiny little 'skulls' look gorgeous.
Written By Narcissa
July 25, 2019, 6 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
The petals descend, crimson crumbled to ash.
Blackening bloom bleakened, breached ballast.
Gone the anchor, swift the tide does thrash,
Roses drowned whole in the currents cruellest.
Blackening bloom bleakened, breached ballast.
Gone the anchor, swift the tide does thrash,
Roses drowned whole in the currents cruellest.
Written By Helena
July 25, 2019, 5:55 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
The poems read in honor of the Queen of Endings at the Festival of Death poetry reading are now available in a book. A special thanks to all the poets who contributed again. Your work was was heartwarming and insightful. The rest of the copies are available for a donation of 5000 silver to support the Harlequins in their ministry and service to the people of Arx. Please message me with your donation and you will receive a copy of the anthology!
My discussions with people surrounding the events of the Festival have been enlightening. I do see that some people still misunderstand our Queen of Endings. She herself is not the one to fear -- she does not choose our times, but embraces us when it is our time. And for some, she gives us another chance to live. Either way, we are gifted by her welcome or our return to the wheel, and these are blessings for which I give thanks.
My discussions with people surrounding the events of the Festival have been enlightening. I do see that some people still misunderstand our Queen of Endings. She herself is not the one to fear -- she does not choose our times, but embraces us when it is our time. And for some, she gives us another chance to live. Either way, we are gifted by her welcome or our return to the wheel, and these are blessings for which I give thanks.
Written By Willow
July 25, 2019, 4:33 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
I should visit the Shrine of the Thirteenth more. The examining and reexamining of one's reasoning ability is like a whetstone for the mind, and only serves to sharpen it.
Written By Wash
July 25, 2019, 4:29 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
I am not a particularly religious man. But I know that the sea is a dangerous place, even for voyages that seem simple. I thank the Goddesses Mangata and the Queen of Beginnings and Endings that my wife Catalana returns to my side none the worse for wear in her journeys. Hopefully that's better than praying we will both be safe next time.
Written By Miranda
July 25, 2019, 1:33 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Dariel
Pookie,
Brigands! We were ambushed by these rather smelly brigands that were at least 10 feet tall and very smelly. They gave us the stink-eye whilst trying to relieve us of our coin! I put them down crying, "For my Pookie!"
They were much afeared as I used your name as a call to arms!
No hammocks, alas. We had a few but I ended up strangled in one when some snakes used them to sneak up on me.
It was very humbling.
Brigands! We were ambushed by these rather smelly brigands that were at least 10 feet tall and very smelly. They gave us the stink-eye whilst trying to relieve us of our coin! I put them down crying, "For my Pookie!"
They were much afeared as I used your name as a call to arms!
No hammocks, alas. We had a few but I ended up strangled in one when some snakes used them to sneak up on me.
It was very humbling.
Written By Miranda
July 25, 2019, 1:29 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Dearest,
Not yet. I am somewhere south of it and somewhat north of Granato. My aide decided to advise me on a true holiday of doing nothing. So we are enjoying the vast views of the Lyceum without the trouble of going into the cities...
On the plus side, we were accosted by brigands and it was a delight to put them down!
Not yet. I am somewhere south of it and somewhat north of Granato. My aide decided to advise me on a true holiday of doing nothing. So we are enjoying the vast views of the Lyceum without the trouble of going into the cities...
On the plus side, we were accosted by brigands and it was a delight to put them down!
Written By Preston
July 25, 2019, 1:11 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Athaur
If I may gently observe to the noble Count, sad and blunt as it may be, submit or die is ultimately the choice faced. We can delay that choice, hope more time and interaction will promote the joining of those people to the Compact rather than resistance, but bluntly it is the way it is. Though. I would say Submit is a blunt term for what is often the start of a partnership between the local Lords and their new people. Bending the knee creates ties that bind, but they bind in both directions. And create obligations and support.
The problem is not in the choice, it is when that choice is not truly a choice or when it is denied totally. When conflict is artificially created as a pretext to assault. The Faith has often been at the forefront of major conflict with the Abandoned tribes, I have little interest in seeing our lands, our silver, our people lost to raids or encroachment from tribes who refuse to bend the knee, and we have proven that with blood and steel. But I have no interest at all in paying with the lives of the Faith Militant to kill those who never had a choice to submit, to bend the knee. Those who have not refused to bend the knee because it has not been offered, who are not actively attacking our people and the roads, who have not sworn to dark beliefs have taken no choice that confers guilt.
The terms are stark indeed, my Lord, but there are ways in which they come at the end of a long conversation. Of education. Too often are such choices made quickly, are people not yet ready brought into the Compact or forced to battle when there is no need. Prodigal Houses raised up without proper instruction in the Faith in some cases. I think less haste in these matters would be better for all sides.
The problem is not in the choice, it is when that choice is not truly a choice or when it is denied totally. When conflict is artificially created as a pretext to assault. The Faith has often been at the forefront of major conflict with the Abandoned tribes, I have little interest in seeing our lands, our silver, our people lost to raids or encroachment from tribes who refuse to bend the knee, and we have proven that with blood and steel. But I have no interest at all in paying with the lives of the Faith Militant to kill those who never had a choice to submit, to bend the knee. Those who have not refused to bend the knee because it has not been offered, who are not actively attacking our people and the roads, who have not sworn to dark beliefs have taken no choice that confers guilt.
The terms are stark indeed, my Lord, but there are ways in which they come at the end of a long conversation. Of education. Too often are such choices made quickly, are people not yet ready brought into the Compact or forced to battle when there is no need. Prodigal Houses raised up without proper instruction in the Faith in some cases. I think less haste in these matters would be better for all sides.
Written By Tikva
July 25, 2019, 11:35 a.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
Consider it a compliment on your subtlety. If you were going to poison a pack of people, surely you wouldn't do it by inviting them over to drink something weird _in public_.
Written By Cabrera
July 25, 2019, 9:35 a.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Being in the capital has filled me with honour. Meeting the names I only have got to read in reports or Holy scripture. It is like meeting heroes and close friends from years before.
Written By Martino
July 25, 2019, 8:55 a.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Pasquale
Since our impromptu evening listening to that fair harpist, it has had me yearn to pick up an instrument again.
I recall a Luther spoke of, do you remember their name?
I recall a Luther spoke of, do you remember their name?
Written By Lisebet
July 25, 2019, 8:45 a.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Lady Arcadia, a scribe brought your journal to my notice, and I thought to mention - if Duke Harlan and I can manage to dance together, I am certain you can do so as well. Though I will own the height difference between you and the Count is slightly more than between Harlan and me, I am positive it is something that can be done.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.