Written By Juniper
June 22, 2019, 4:42 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Jayus was a frequent presence in our little camp. Our smiths called on him each morning when they fed the forge to work the ore brought up from inside the mountain and I remember, among the elders, there was a great hunger to discuss one's dreams-- especially in the winter when the nights were longest, and there was precious little good to be found during the days. A good dream could be spun into a week's worth of entertainment, every facet gone over, every detail rehashed until it took on a life of its own.
But what I remember most of Jayus is my Father's shadow-animals. My father came up from miner to smith to foreman. His hands were bigger than the sun, or so it seemed to me when I was a little pebble. His palms pure horn, so calloused there was little skin left, and every finger thick and strong as the trunk of a tree.
Block hands, ham hands. Strong but looking at them, you'd never think them deft. My mother's hands were strong too but looked so much more clever, with long lightly calloused fingers, and palms that could be tender, though she was of a height with my father.
Yet, it was Da who'd chase flights of fancy and let inspiration take him. Somehow, in the long dark nights, beside the fire, he could shape his hands to throw shadows on the wall into moving shapes that captured fantastic things. Birds and bears and fish, and more wondrous creatures too, like dwarves and dragons and unicorns. And he'd do their voices, speaking for all of them, weaving stories out of nothing but his broken smith hands and the spark of creativity granted by Jayus himself.
I learned to love Jayus early, for it was the god Da would always credit when I asked him how he'd learn to do it all (away from my mother's hearing, for she venerates the spirits still). He's up there still, weaving wonders out of firelight and shadow now for his grandchildren, and Jayus is with him. It makes me smile to know it. Something as eternal as the mountain itself.
But what I remember most of Jayus is my Father's shadow-animals. My father came up from miner to smith to foreman. His hands were bigger than the sun, or so it seemed to me when I was a little pebble. His palms pure horn, so calloused there was little skin left, and every finger thick and strong as the trunk of a tree.
Block hands, ham hands. Strong but looking at them, you'd never think them deft. My mother's hands were strong too but looked so much more clever, with long lightly calloused fingers, and palms that could be tender, though she was of a height with my father.
Yet, it was Da who'd chase flights of fancy and let inspiration take him. Somehow, in the long dark nights, beside the fire, he could shape his hands to throw shadows on the wall into moving shapes that captured fantastic things. Birds and bears and fish, and more wondrous creatures too, like dwarves and dragons and unicorns. And he'd do their voices, speaking for all of them, weaving stories out of nothing but his broken smith hands and the spark of creativity granted by Jayus himself.
I learned to love Jayus early, for it was the god Da would always credit when I asked him how he'd learn to do it all (away from my mother's hearing, for she venerates the spirits still). He's up there still, weaving wonders out of firelight and shadow now for his grandchildren, and Jayus is with him. It makes me smile to know it. Something as eternal as the mountain itself.
Written By Elisha
June 22, 2019, 12:55 p.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
In the bow of the merchant schooner, you meet an Inquisitor who claims to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, to defend freedom and oppose slavery. She marries her beloved and in due time the Mother of Beginnings, who in that realm is named the Queen of Furrows, blesses the union with children. Then the world turns brighter, a blinding glare off a becalmed sea, and the Inquisitor loses her wife and children. The city she protects slides from her grasp; the innocent walk free and the guilty are enslaved. Half-mad with loss, she boards a merchant schooner and ...
"Tell me, what happens after that?" the thrall asks.
The Inquisitor travels by ship then caravan to a city that is suspended between two mountains, hanging over a void--a furrow that is both grave and womb. The city is bound to the rocky crests with ropes and chains and catwalks. Below the Inquisitor, a few clouds glide past; farther down, the city takes shape within a net which serves as passage and as support. Instead of rising upward, this city is inverted: the spires of the towers point downward from the bottom of rope ladders. There are hammocks, houses made like sacks, terraces like gondolas, baskets on strings, trapezes for children's games.
Suspended over the abyss, life in this swaying city is less uncertain than in other cities. We know the net will last only so long. We know the guilty and the innocent will change places again.
(She turns to me with her seafoam eyes and blood-striped back and says, "What do thralls want with freedom? We want their blood. To expect our gratitude is to consider us animals. We are more human than them. We will summon waves.")
"Tell me, what happens after that?" the thrall asks.
The Inquisitor travels by ship then caravan to a city that is suspended between two mountains, hanging over a void--a furrow that is both grave and womb. The city is bound to the rocky crests with ropes and chains and catwalks. Below the Inquisitor, a few clouds glide past; farther down, the city takes shape within a net which serves as passage and as support. Instead of rising upward, this city is inverted: the spires of the towers point downward from the bottom of rope ladders. There are hammocks, houses made like sacks, terraces like gondolas, baskets on strings, trapezes for children's games.
Suspended over the abyss, life in this swaying city is less uncertain than in other cities. We know the net will last only so long. We know the guilty and the innocent will change places again.
(She turns to me with her seafoam eyes and blood-striped back and says, "What do thralls want with freedom? We want their blood. To expect our gratitude is to consider us animals. We are more human than them. We will summon waves.")
Written By Peri
June 22, 2019, 12:10 p.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Archeron
Lord Archeron,
It is true, I grew angry to see someone new-come to Arx repeating arguments made last year. I read his white and then wrote one in haste and anger.
It was my thought last year that followers of Gild could go on missions to help Houses who have no experience in running demesnes without thralls teach the ways of people who have such experience. In my anger I framed that in the worst possible way to Lord Alecstazi. I give apology. My passion overcame me.
I have materially supported traditionalist houses in these times because it is these lands that face the greatest challenge. These times make strange agreements. You can see that it is a wise thing that I have left the diplomacy to others in my efforts.
It is true, I grew angry to see someone new-come to Arx repeating arguments made last year. I read his white and then wrote one in haste and anger.
It was my thought last year that followers of Gild could go on missions to help Houses who have no experience in running demesnes without thralls teach the ways of people who have such experience. In my anger I framed that in the worst possible way to Lord Alecstazi. I give apology. My passion overcame me.
I have materially supported traditionalist houses in these times because it is these lands that face the greatest challenge. These times make strange agreements. You can see that it is a wise thing that I have left the diplomacy to others in my efforts.
Written By Sparte
June 22, 2019, 11:59 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
Every one of us. Every single one of us. Is descended from someone who knew the feel of chains. The yoke of slavery. Too many see slavery as someone else's problem, but it was once the fate every human was born into.
Take from that what you will, it is the historic truth.
Take from that what you will, it is the historic truth.
Written By Evaristo
June 22, 2019, 11:29 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
A few months back, there was a Fernman killing people in the Lowers. I haven't heard of a Strawman but I'm pretty sure they too would be very dangerous.
In general, people that are also plants, probably bad business.
In general, people that are also plants, probably bad business.
Written By Rook
June 22, 2019, 10:23 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Dustin
The recent review of empty shops, and shops which had fallen into disrepair as their owners has meant that some have returned under the Crown's direct ownership. This allows to beginnings for people like Dustin Nidhogg who is a freed Thrall trying to make a life for themselves in the city.
He has a dream of opening up an art and printing shop in our city and will have my full support in making the city his new home.
He has a dream of opening up an art and printing shop in our city and will have my full support in making the city his new home.
Written By Hadrian
June 22, 2019, 9:19 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
How delightful to write a journal entry and that be your reminder that your date of birth has rolled around. Though I'm not sure it's a moment to celebrate, when you take a moment to stare at the date and wonder why it looks so familiar. Then the memory floods in and oh, yeah, it's my birthday.
I will have to put some consideration into the day. I should treat myself.
Or maybe I'll go out and make some fun for others, spread some silver and drinks around, and make the day about someone else for funsies. The possibilities are endless! Maybe a donation to the Faith would suit, given that it was a Mercy who pulled me into the world once upon a time. A nice pile of coins on the floor should do the trick.
I will have to put some consideration into the day. I should treat myself.
Or maybe I'll go out and make some fun for others, spread some silver and drinks around, and make the day about someone else for funsies. The possibilities are endless! Maybe a donation to the Faith would suit, given that it was a Mercy who pulled me into the world once upon a time. A nice pile of coins on the floor should do the trick.
Written By Domonico
June 22, 2019, 7:06 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
To all those that have wished myself, Aahana and Palania well, I thank you sincerely.
I must confess that I have found that of all my titles that I have had over the years, Lord, Captain, Commodore, Voice, Admiral, Husband, none of them quite seem as meaningful as Father. Well... apart from Husband but I understand now that this is a completely different type of love that cannot be explained but just IS.
She's got a strong grip already on my finger. She's going to be a fighter this one.
I must confess that I have found that of all my titles that I have had over the years, Lord, Captain, Commodore, Voice, Admiral, Husband, none of them quite seem as meaningful as Father. Well... apart from Husband but I understand now that this is a completely different type of love that cannot be explained but just IS.
She's got a strong grip already on my finger. She's going to be a fighter this one.
Written By Willow
June 22, 2019, 5:58 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
Isn't she just the best? I absolutely adore the Princess General. She is fierce and cunning and clever and kind and even funny all rolled into one. I don't doubt she has many better who've known her longer, but I consider Princess Reese to be my best friend.
Written By Shard
June 22, 2019, 4:01 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
On the other hand, if you're just genuinely devoted to leaving donations via piles of money on the floor, my floor has plenty of space available.
Written By Valdemar
June 22, 2019, 1:52 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
How brave it is to fight against straw men.
Written By Vanora
June 21, 2019, 10:51 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
I had a fabulous drink and an even better conversation with Princess Reese this morning.
Since then, I've seen only more evidence of what we discussed, Highness.
And it is such a shame.
Since then, I've seen only more evidence of what we discussed, Highness.
And it is such a shame.
Written By Aureth
June 21, 2019, 8:26 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
While the Church does encourage donations, I do suggest that if you are _making_ donations in any of our chapels, you do so by speaking with a priest or disciple in the usual way, as opposed to leaving random piles of money on the floor.
The spiders would prefer gifts of moths, anyway.
The spiders would prefer gifts of moths, anyway.
Written By Elloise
June 21, 2019, 7:13 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
I cannot and will not abide thralldom. Since joining the Stormbreak house, it has been a source of contention. I admit, in my desire to fit in with Thrax, I allowed men and women to serve me as thralls.
No more.
From this day forth, I will suffer no bonds of thralldom in my home and no man or woman who is enslaved will serve or work in my household.
I do not run the house of Stormbreak, I cannot do much, but I can ban the hideous practice from within my own circle and this I do. I am born of Grayson, of house Leary, and am proud to stand up and say no to thralldom.
No more.
From this day forth, I will suffer no bonds of thralldom in my home and no man or woman who is enslaved will serve or work in my household.
I do not run the house of Stormbreak, I cannot do much, but I can ban the hideous practice from within my own circle and this I do. I am born of Grayson, of house Leary, and am proud to stand up and say no to thralldom.
Written By Archeron
June 21, 2019, 6:11 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
If I may gently say, my lady, if you wish to promote discord and civil war, then force an islander to beg. They don't. If there is to be no help without begging, the Islands will deal with matters on their own. There will be suffering, but a new balance will be found. Thankfully i know this isn't the case - I have no belief that the mainland can help fully. We cannot do for all of Thrax what we all did for Kennex, Islanders and Mainlanders. But, I know our allies and friends will help us as they can, in the same way we help them with what ways we can.
If the compact makes one another beg for the support we owe one another? Then we fall and die on in our own castles. The Mourning Isles cannot stand without trade from the mainland. The mainland cannot command its coast without the navies of the Mourning Isles and the Lyceum. We share far more than we differ on - as Princess Sorrel says, it is just one tradition, this Thralldom.
So please, whatever your anger, do not speak of making the Isles beg for aide - because it is not the reality of how we treat one another, but hardliners - earnest but mistaken - will use such words to stir dissent.
If the compact makes one another beg for the support we owe one another? Then we fall and die on in our own castles. The Mourning Isles cannot stand without trade from the mainland. The mainland cannot command its coast without the navies of the Mourning Isles and the Lyceum. We share far more than we differ on - as Princess Sorrel says, it is just one tradition, this Thralldom.
So please, whatever your anger, do not speak of making the Isles beg for aide - because it is not the reality of how we treat one another, but hardliners - earnest but mistaken - will use such words to stir dissent.
Written By Alecstazi
June 21, 2019, 6 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
I agree with your words, we of the Isles have many traditions that have helped us become the strong, prideful people we are.
The tradition of thralldom is only the one that garners the most argument.
The tradition of thralldom is only the one that garners the most argument.
Written By Shard
June 21, 2019, 5:33 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
I haven't missed that. You've fed yourselves for centuries. You've held lavish feasts in the middle of winter, I'm sure, the same as every other House's nobility. Your problem will be manpower and coin, not food directly. That's why your High Lord worked out that it would be years before Thralldom is fully abolished. That's the point. You'll eventually have to pay the people who hold up your society. You'll have to deal with the fact that at least a few of them won't want to stay with the people who have held their leash. And I'm not pretending that won't be very difficult. But I'm not shedding tears over it either. You'll have the entirety of the Compact behind you, in every way possible. That's more support than most can hope for.
I'm not even touching that laughable bit about Thralls having the choice to be thralls. But again, the rest of the Compact somehow gets along without killing everyone who steals an apple. And I highly doubt you were letting murderers take care of your children or work in your households. If you decide to just start executing anyone who might have otherwise been a thrall, that's you being petulant, not you having no other option.
Other people make this argument better than I do. Someone has already made an analogy. But I'll offer this one: starvation and I are old enemies. Every single year, we would have to prepare for the coming winter. Every year we would have to stow away food, try to predict the herds, and decide where we were going to set camp. Often things would go wrong. Sometimes we would miscalculate. Sometimes we would lose hunters, or the herds would go too far south, or the herds would die, or any of a thousand things. But inevitably, winter was on the way. No matter what happened, winter would arrive. We could not stop it. We could not escape it. We could not argue it away. And there was no Compact to call on when there was no food left.
You have time to prepare. You have years, not seasons. You have others to support you. And there's much more to gain than mere survival. I don't believe Great House Thrax will crumble, so long as you don't spend all the time you have in front of you arguing and fighting over whether you should actually /have/ to repair your foundation, rather than continue to rely on the enslavement of others to prop you up. You're far stronger than that.
I'm not even touching that laughable bit about Thralls having the choice to be thralls. But again, the rest of the Compact somehow gets along without killing everyone who steals an apple. And I highly doubt you were letting murderers take care of your children or work in your households. If you decide to just start executing anyone who might have otherwise been a thrall, that's you being petulant, not you having no other option.
Other people make this argument better than I do. Someone has already made an analogy. But I'll offer this one: starvation and I are old enemies. Every single year, we would have to prepare for the coming winter. Every year we would have to stow away food, try to predict the herds, and decide where we were going to set camp. Often things would go wrong. Sometimes we would miscalculate. Sometimes we would lose hunters, or the herds would go too far south, or the herds would die, or any of a thousand things. But inevitably, winter was on the way. No matter what happened, winter would arrive. We could not stop it. We could not escape it. We could not argue it away. And there was no Compact to call on when there was no food left.
You have time to prepare. You have years, not seasons. You have others to support you. And there's much more to gain than mere survival. I don't believe Great House Thrax will crumble, so long as you don't spend all the time you have in front of you arguing and fighting over whether you should actually /have/ to repair your foundation, rather than continue to rely on the enslavement of others to prop you up. You're far stronger than that.
Written By Hickson
June 21, 2019, 4:04 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
I think I've finally got the stench of decaying fish out of my hair.
The things I do for the Iron Guard...
The things I do for the Iron Guard...
Written By Tikva
June 21, 2019, 3:46 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
Justice is not easy.
Service is not simple.
Duty is a complex network of interconnected obligations and privileges.
Yet we undertake it, for that is the demand of our oaths.
Do not forget that the trappings of wealth and privilege with which you were born come with these responsibilities. Noble blood and familial position are pillars of service, not mere entitlement.
You are the guardians of your people. The arbiters of justice. The protectors of life and blood and safety. And yes. Freedom. Such that it is ours to name.
You are called to do what is hard. It is unfair to treat it as anything other than a difficulty. Rise to the occasion with the fortitude of your forefathers. I exhort you to remember them with dignity.
That is what is righteous. Effort. Strength. The integrity of your choices.
I have confidence that it can and will be done.
Change is not easy. It is not simple. It is also not optional.
Walk in the light of Limerance. It will help you.
Service is not simple.
Duty is a complex network of interconnected obligations and privileges.
Yet we undertake it, for that is the demand of our oaths.
Do not forget that the trappings of wealth and privilege with which you were born come with these responsibilities. Noble blood and familial position are pillars of service, not mere entitlement.
You are the guardians of your people. The arbiters of justice. The protectors of life and blood and safety. And yes. Freedom. Such that it is ours to name.
You are called to do what is hard. It is unfair to treat it as anything other than a difficulty. Rise to the occasion with the fortitude of your forefathers. I exhort you to remember them with dignity.
That is what is righteous. Effort. Strength. The integrity of your choices.
I have confidence that it can and will be done.
Change is not easy. It is not simple. It is also not optional.
Walk in the light of Limerance. It will help you.
Written By Gunther
June 21, 2019, 1:38 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
My belovable,
Ain't been so busy. Just learnin' mah new duties and clankin' around in a suit of steel! I picked up this big stick think, blade on the end -- pole-arms they calls it. Bigger then me by twice I reckon! Little more mayhaps!
When you is scrappin' with all these fancies it's hard to bob and weave. Ain't as natural to me as tossin' mah mitts.
Don't think though Sally with all that training I forgot about you. Ain't one moment you ain't embedded in my melon. Every time I grunt and feel tired, or I wants to quit and just gives it up I put you in my mind. I think about your smile and them soft eyes. And that gives me what I needs to get the things done I must.
I'm an old fella, ain't no doubt about it. But I can do more then most these young'n fellas and put them to shame. Ain't that I'm better them. I just ain't got nothin' else. Everything I could have ever wanted done gone and left me.
Don't lack for motivations none, though. I gots you in mah heart.
Love,
Gunther
Ain't been so busy. Just learnin' mah new duties and clankin' around in a suit of steel! I picked up this big stick think, blade on the end -- pole-arms they calls it. Bigger then me by twice I reckon! Little more mayhaps!
When you is scrappin' with all these fancies it's hard to bob and weave. Ain't as natural to me as tossin' mah mitts.
Don't think though Sally with all that training I forgot about you. Ain't one moment you ain't embedded in my melon. Every time I grunt and feel tired, or I wants to quit and just gives it up I put you in my mind. I think about your smile and them soft eyes. And that gives me what I needs to get the things done I must.
I'm an old fella, ain't no doubt about it. But I can do more then most these young'n fellas and put them to shame. Ain't that I'm better them. I just ain't got nothin' else. Everything I could have ever wanted done gone and left me.
Don't lack for motivations none, though. I gots you in mah heart.
Love,
Gunther
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.